Luke 12:46

Or He will cut him in sunder, by separating him from the communion of the faithful, and dismissing him to those who have never attained unto the faith. Hence it follows, And will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers; (1 Tim. 5:8.) for he who has no care for his own, and those of his own house, has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

But concerning his punishment it is added, The Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, that is, the day of his judgment or death, and will cut him in sunder.

Rightly also shall the unbelieving steward receive his portion with the unbelievers, because he was without true faith.

The Lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him,....

With the unbelievers - Or, rather, the unfaithful; των σπιϚων. Persons who had the light and knowledge of God’s word, but made an improper use of the privileges they received. The persons mentioned here differ widely from unbelievers or infidels, viz. those who were in a state of heathenism, because they had not the revelation of the Most High: the latter knew not the will of God, Luk 12:48, and, though they acted against it, did not do it in obstinacy; the former knew that will, and daringly opposed it. They were unfaithful, and therefore heavily punished.

We learn firstly from these verses—the importance of doing , in our Christianity. Our Lord is speaking of His own second coming. He is comparing His disciples to servants waiting for their master's return, who have each their own work to do during His absence. "Blessed," He says, "is that servant, whom his master, when he comes, shall find so doing ." The warning has doubtless a primary reference to ministers of the Gospel. They are the stewards of God's mysteries, who are specially bound to be found "doing" when Christ comes again.

We learn firstly from these verses—the importance of doing , in our Christianity. Our Lord is speaking of His own second coming. He is comparing His disciples to servants waiting for their master's return, who have each their own work to do during His absence. "Blessed," He says, "is that servant, whom his master, when he comes, shall find so doing ." The warning has doubtless a primary reference to ministers of the Gospel. They are the stewards of God's mysteries, who are specially bound to be found "doing" when Christ comes again. But the words contain a further lesson—which all Christians would do well to consider. That lesson is—the immense importance of a working, practical, diligent, useful religion. The lesson is one which is greatly needed in the churches of Christ. We hear a great deal about people's intentions , and hopes , and wishes , and feelings , and professions . It would be better if we could hear more about people's practice . It is not the servant who is found wishing and professing —but the servant who is found "doing" whom Jesus calls "blessed." The lesson is one which many, unhappily, shrink from giving—and many more shrink from receiving. We are gravely told that to talk of "working," and "doing," is 'legalistic', and brings Christians into bondage! Remarks of this kind should never move us. They savor of ignorance or rebellion . The lesson before us is not about justification—but about sanctification; not about saving faith—but about holiness of life. The point is not what a man should do to be saved—but what a saved man ought to do! The teaching of Scripture is clear and express upon this subject, A saved man ought to be "careful to maintain good works." (Titus 3:8.) The desire of a true Christian ought to be—to be found "doing." If we love life—then let us resolve by God's help, to be "doing" Christians.