Note 4 at Lk. 17:7: This parable is part of Jesus' response to His disciples' request in verse 5 to increase their faith. As mentioned in note 3 at verse 5, page 305, Jesus basically replied that they had faith but they weren't using it. This parable illustrates this point.

No servant would expect to reap his benefits with only a partial day's work. He must fulfill all of his duties before he can expect his pay. That's his reasonable (Rom. 12:1) duty (v. 10). Likewise, if we would get more concerned about using faith to serve our master (i.e. God) than serving ourselves, then He would see to it that our needs are met (Lk. 17:8; Mt. 6:33). We do have sufficient faith (see note 3 at Lk. 17:5, p. 305) but we must get out of a self-serving attitude (Jas. 4:3) and use our faith to serve others (Mt. 25:40).