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Scripture Reading: Psa 103:15-18
Time
Intro.
1. Time is a blessing we do not control, but we do use it, Eph 5:15-16; Eccl 9:10.
2. We will be judged for how we use our time (cf. Matt 25:26-27).
I. THERE IS A TIME ACCEPTABLE FOR OBEYING GOD, Eccl 3:1.
A. To Hear His Voice, Psa 95:6-11 (Heb 3:7-13).
-Receive His word: Do not harden heart (Heb 3:12-13).
B. To Confess and Repent of Our Sins, Psa 32:5-6.
-Acts 26:28-29: Today…! (Delay means hardening and remaining lost in sin!)
C. To Pray to God, Psa 69:13-18; cf. Isa. 49:8 (2 Cor. 6:1-2)
-Shows your trust in God – God answers in His time (Lk 18:1, 5, 7-8)
II. WHAT KEEPS US FROM USING OUR TIME WISELY?
A. Worldly Entanglements, Gen 19:16.
-These cause us to linger when we should flee; hesitate when we should attack, procrastinate with we should produce and compromise when we should contend (1 Cor 15:33; Jude 3).
B. Family Cares, Lk 9:61; 14:20 (cf. 1 Cor 7:32-35). That which is right can become the instrument of our undoing.
C. Unbelief, Acts 17:32. It tends toward man defining what is important to give our time to rather than accepting God’s definition of important things and giving our time to them.
D. Personal Convenience, Acts 24:25 (cf. Lk 14:17-20).
-Such poor and selfish stewardship of our time shows that God is not the first priority of our lives; these sorts of excuses lead to our spiritual and eternal demise! Jno 9:4
III. HOW CAN WE OVERCOME THESE TIME BANDITS (hindrances to effective use of time)?
A. By Youthful Piety, Eccl 12:1. Start young, 1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 2:22.
B. By Subordinating our Earthly Duties to our Heavenly Ones, Matt 6:33-34; Col 3:1-3. Simplify…prioritize…maximize!
C. By Careful Living, Eph 5:15-16 (1 Pet 2:11-12).
1. Use your time for things which benefit your soul, the well-being of others and your obedience to God.
2. Take time to consider whether this use of my time will enhance or harm my faithfulness to Christ.
3. Be patient (endurance), Jas 5:7-11.
D. By being a Consistent Example before the World, Col 4:5-6; Titus 2:7-8.
1. The use of our time has an influence on those around us (including those who aren’t Christians).
2. We cannot disregard the impact our wise use of time has on others!
3. Setting an example of priorities, of responsibility (job), accountability, etc.
E. Remember the Brevity and Uncertainty of Life, Psa 90:12; Jas 4:13-15; Lk 12:19-20.
1. Medicines, doctors, treatments: Ultimately, all of these are unsuccessful against aging and death (Heb 9:27).
2. Shouldn’t we be more committed to our spiritual health (since that part of us is immortal) than our physical health?
3. Remembering the brevity of life focuses our attention on the soul and eternity, 2 Cor 4:16-18.
4. Remembering the uncertainty of life compels us to redeem our time, Prov 27:1; Eccl 9:10.
IV. WHAT HAPPENS IF WE WASTE OUR TIME?
Our talents are squandered, Matt 25:26
Our growth is thwarted, Heb 5:11-14
Our character is undeveloped, 2 Pet 1:5-11
The lost remain lost, 2 Cor 4:3
The world gets worse, 2 Tim 3:13; Matt 5:13-16
We lose our souls, Rev 3:15-16
Conclusion
1. Although time is unseen it holds a tremendous power in our lives and a great asset when used wisely.
2. Use it to the advantage of Christ and your salvation.