What consequences in Luke 12:45 arise from neglecting the Master's return? Setting the Scene “ ‘But suppose that servant says in his heart, “My master will be delayed in coming,” and he begins to beat the menservants and maidservants, and to eat and drink and get drunk.’ ” (Luke 12:45) The Heart Attitude Exposed • The root issue is unbelief: “My master will be delayed.” • Neglecting the certainty of Christ’s return breeds contempt for His authority (cf. 2 Peter 3:3-4). • The servant’s private thought soon governs public conduct—what we believe about Christ’s coming shapes daily choices. Immediate Behavioral Consequences 1. Abuse of Power • “He begins to beat the menservants and maidservants.” • Without accountability, the servant turns from caretaker to tyrant (cf. Ezekiel 34:2-4). 2. Self-Indulgence • “Eat and drink and get drunk.” • Resources meant for stewardship are squandered on personal pleasure (cf. Proverbs 23:20-21). 3. Progressive Hardening • Sin escalates: delay → abuse → addiction. • Neglecting the Master’s imminent return numbs the conscience (Hebrews 3:12-13). Relational Fallout • Fellow servants suffer; community trust is shattered. • The servant’s godless example invites others to stumble (Romans 14:13). Ultimate Judgment (stated in the very next verse) • “The master of that servant will come on a day he does not expect and at an hour he does not anticipate. Then he will cut him in two and assign him a place with the unbelievers.” (Luke 12:46) • Consequences move from temporal to eternal—neglect leads to separation from the faithful and identification with the lost (Matthew 24:51). Takeaway for Believers Today • Keeping the return of Christ before our eyes guards the heart, curbs abuse, and fuels faithfulness (Titus 2:11-13). • Daily anticipation of the Master’s arrival transforms stewardship from drudgery into joyful service (1 Corinthians 4:2-5). |
    |