THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Matthew 25:24-30
Supporting Texts: Luke 17:10, Matthew 7:19, John 15:2, Romans 12:11, Proverbs 18:9
INTRODUCTION:
In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus presents a clear contrast between faithful and unfaithful servants. Among them was one who received a single talent but failed to make good use of it. He buried what was given to him and returned it without increase. This servant was harshly judged and called “unprofitable.” This term wasn’t based on how much he received, but on his failure to act, grow, or bear fruit with what he had been entrusted.
God is not unjust; He never expects from us what He hasn’t first given. However, He expects productivity, faithfulness, and stewardship. The unprofitable servant represents people who receive grace, opportunity, and responsibility but neglect them out of fear, laziness, or indifference. In God’s kingdom, fruitfulness and obedience matter greatly.
This study explores why the servant was termed unprofitable and the characteristics that define such a person — so that we may examine ourselves, avoid the same errors, and strive to be faithful stewards of God's trust.
1. WHY HE WAS CALLED AN UNPROFITABLE SERVANT
The servant was not judged because he had little, but because he did nothing with what he was given.
a) He failed to use his God-given gift: Matthew 25:25 – He hid the talent in the earth instead of investing it. God expects increase from what He gives us.
b) He walked in fear instead of faith: He said, “I was afraid.” Fear crippled his obedience and made him hide what could have multiplied.
c) He misunderstood the Master’s nature: He described the master as harsh, revealing a distorted view of God, which affected his action.
d) He was passive and negligent: Luke 19:23 (similar parable) – The master rebuked him for not even depositing the talent in a bank for interest.
Biblical Example:
The fig tree that bore no fruit in Matthew 21:19 was cursed by Jesus. It looked alive but was unproductive — just like the unprofitable servant who had no results to show.
2. CHARACTERISTICS OF AN UNPROFITABLE SERVANT
a) Laziness and Idleness
Unprofitable servants are lazy in service and reluctant to take initiative. They wait to be pushed and do the barest minimum.
Romans 12:11 – “Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.”
b) Excuse-Making
They are full of reasons for inaction: fear, lack of support, difficult environment, unfair leaders. Instead of taking responsibility, they blame others.
Proverbs 22:13 – “The slothful man saith, There is a lion without...”
c) Lack of Vision and Initiative
They do not think creatively or take steps of faith. They are unwilling to try or learn.
Proverbs 29:18 – “Where there is no vision, the people perish...”
d) Unwillingness to Grow or Be Stretched
They remain on the same spiritual, ministerial, or moral level. No passion for growth, no hunger for more.
John 15:2 – “Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away...”
Biblical Example:
In Luke 13:6–9, the unfruitful fig tree was given time to bear fruit, but after several years of no change, it faced destruction. God is patient, but He expects results.
3. DANGERS OF BEING AN UNPROFITABLE SERVANT
a) Loss of Position and Opportunity
The talent was taken from him and given to another. God replaces the unfaithful.
Matthew 25:28 – “Take therefore the talent from him...”
b) Rejection and Separation from God’s Presence
He was cast into outer darkness. God has no place for unfruitful servants in His eternal kingdom.
Matthew 25:30 – “Cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness...”
c) Wasted Life and Destiny
He had the chance to do something great for the Master but wasted it due to fear and indifference.
2 Corinthians 6:1 – “...that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.”
d) Judgment Rather Than Reward
Instead of “Well done,” he heard words of condemnation.
Romans 14:12 – “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
Biblical Example:
Saul, the first king of Israel, failed to obey God fully. His disobedience and unfruitfulness led to rejection and replacement by David (1 Samuel 15:23).
4. HOW TO AVOID BEING AN UNPROFITABLE SERVANT
a) Be Faithful in Small Things
Start with what you have, however little. Faithfulness leads to promotion.
Luke 16:10 – “He that is faithful in that which is least...”
b) Walk in the Fear of the Lord
Reverence for God leads to responsible and obedient service.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 – “Fear God, and keep his commandments...”
c) Serve with Joy and Zeal
Be eager and willing. God loves a joyful, diligent worker.
Psalm 100:2 – “Serve the LORD with gladness...”
d) Be Accountable and Purpose-Driven
Know that a day of reckoning will come. Live with eternity in mind.
Romans 14:12 – “Each of us shall give account...”
Biblical Example:
The faithful servant in Matthew 25:20–21 multiplied his talents and was praised by the Master: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
CONCLUSION:
The unprofitable servant was condemned not because he committed a terrible sin, but because he failed to do what was right with what was entrusted to him. Many in the church today are at risk of the same verdict — not because they don't come to church, but because they refuse to serve, to grow, and to multiply the grace given to them.
Let us all examine ourselves. Are we using our talents, time, resources, and opportunities for God's glory? Or are we hiding our potential out of fear and laziness? God is looking for faithful servants who will bring increase and impact to His kingdom.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, deliver me from laziness and fear that hinder productivity.
2. Father, help me to be faithful with all You’ve entrusted to me.
3. I reject every spirit of excuse and spiritual slothfulness in Jesus’ name.
4. Lord, stir in me fresh zeal to serve You with passion and purpose.
5. Let me not be replaced or cast away; make me a fruitful servant in Your vineyard.
