HOW TO REDEEM THE TIME
By Michael D. O’Neal
Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church
Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: Col. 4:5; Eph. 5:11-16
Text: Eph. 5:16
Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Introduction: Twice in scripture we find the expression, “redeeming the time.” To redeem means to purchase. One of the most valuable things that you will ever purchase is TIME. One of the most valuable gifts to give or to receive is someone’s TIME.
How does one purchase, or redeem, time? After all, we all have the same amount alloted to us each day – 24 hours.
On this day of the annual “spring forward” time change into Daylight Savings Time, I want us to think about time and time management for the Christian. How can we follow the admonition to “redeem the time”?
I have read a number of books on time management, and I have received help. However, the most valuable motivations and methods for time management are in the Bible. Listen to the Bible first, foremost, and finally.
I. REALIZE WHAT TIME IT IS
Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
A. It is the time to be saved
1. 2 Cor. 6:2
2. As the hymn says, “Just as I am, and waiting not, to rid my soul of one dark blot …”
B. It is the time to serve God
1. Josh. 24:15
II. RECOGNIZE THE BREVITY OF LIFE
Psalms 90:10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
Psalms 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
A. Don’t waste any time
1. The prodigal son was a waster
B. Don’t wait to obey God
1. Today if ye will hear His voice, harden not your heart …
III. REACH OUT AND TAKE TODAY’S OPPORTUNITIES
Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
“As we have therefore OPPORTUNITY …”
John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
A. They are many
B. They are missed
IV. REMEMBER GOD WHILE YOU’RE YOUNG
Ecclesiastes 12:1 Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;
A. Dedicate yourself
1. Young Samuel – Speak, Lord, thy SERVANT heareth
B. Determine to be holy and useful to God
1. Even as young Daniel (Dan. 1:8)
V. REFUSE EXTRA WEIGHTS IN YOUR LIFE
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
A. Thieves of time
1. TV
2. Computer
3. Games
B. Thieves of thought
1. Worry
2. Daydreams
3. Mischief
4. Lust
VI. RUN WITH PATIENCE
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
A. Patience prevents discouragement
B. Patience prevents distraction
VII. REACH OUT FOR BETTER THINGS
Philippians 1:10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
A. Contentment is Better than Credit or Clutter
B. The Master is Better than Money
C. Reputation is Better than Riches
D. Heaven is Better Than Here
1. “Far better” – Phil. 1:23
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Michael D. O’Neal (Proverbs 11:30), Pastor, |