2020.01.19 - Redeeming the Time (Ephesians 5:14-17)

Opening Statement: Paul appeals for us to live with godly wisdom and to make the most of every opportunity. Wake up! ‘Wake up!’ Paul says. There are a lot of sleepy churches and sleepy Christians. Paul gives us some reasons for waking up and walking in the light. Because ‘The Days Are Evil’ Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. The Bible teaches us that Satan is the ‘god of this world’ and the ‘prince of the power of the air.’ John also says that the whole world lieth in the wicked one. In addition, we learn from scripture that we are currently engaged in spiritual warfare with the power of darkness. Ephesians 6:12. Because ‘The time is short’ Paul says in Ephesians 5:16 “Redeeming the time …” I don’t know what your plans or dreams are, I can only tell you this – “You’ve only got a limited amount of time to get it done.” Life is short and it takes hard work and intentional effort to turn dreams into reality. There are only a certain number of opportunities in life and that is especially true when it comes to leading others to Christ. Today there is an open window of opportunity; yet tomorrow it may be closed. Live Wisely Ephesians 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, 16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. Paul tells us to live wisely we must do two things: Walk Circumspectly To walk circumspectly means to live carefully. In other words, live with purposeful intention. The Psalmist said – So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Psalm 90:12 The thought is not so much – ‘count your days’, as ‘make your days count.’ Know what needs to be done and make plans to do it. Make the most of this life God has given you. Don’t waste it with foolishness. There are at least three ways to live foolishly: In defiance to God’s will Independent of God’s will Indifferent to God’s will “Redeeming the time”