REDEEMING THE TIME Ephesians 5:14-17

 

Introduction

! We have grown so accustomed to living on the run — we work on the run, we eat on the run, we see our families on the run, we even worship God on the run!

! Only thing we stop for is to sleep — some of us do little of that!

! Our time is a precious commodity; cranuning all we can into a 24 hour day

! The Bible tells us we need to be actively redeeming (preserving, safeguarding) our time as Christians.

! Each day that goes by God deals with me on making sure I am focused and in the center of His perfect will.

Aspects of God*s Will

1 .Permissive will — God allows a child to live in this state for a time

2.Prohibitive will — God forbids His child to live in this state

3 Perfect will — God rejoices when His children live in this state

We need to redeem the time...

I . BECAUSE OF THE SHORTNESS OF OUR LIFE

A.We are tenants of this world —

Ps 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

James 4:14 "World is not my home, only passing through" — True whether saved or lost!

B.We are tested and tried in this world —

Jas 1:2,3 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

C.We are terminal in this world — Genesis 5 (they all died)

II. BECAUSE OF THE SERIOUSNESS OF OUR LIFE

A. Every day that passes. you must make choices

B.Lost — get saved? --

Mt 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

C.Saved — get serious? Matthew 6:24-25

D.Serving — stay serving? —

1Co 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

1Ti 2:2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

III. BECAUSE OF THE STATEMENT OF OUR LIFE

A .Christians life is a commentary — people can read us like a book

B. Chnstians life should be a contrast — are we truly different?

C. Christian life often is a barrier that is critical — stumblingblock

1Co 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.

! I ask you — do you know just how short your life really is?

! Are you aware just how serious the choices you make are?

! Are you conscious about the statement your life is making?

Lost — get saved; saved — get serving; serving — stay serving!

Psalm 90:12

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

James 4:14

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

James 1:2-3

2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Matt. 16:26

26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Matthew 6:24-25

24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye caunot serve God and mammon.

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink: nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

1 Corinthians 4:2

2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.

2 Timothy 2:2

2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same conunit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

2 Corinthians 6:17

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

1 Corinthians 8:9

9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.