Introduction

Good morning, cherished family of God. I trust the Lord's grace is sufficient for you today, as it is for me. As we gather in this sanctuary, let's take a moment to reflect on the precious gift of time. Time is that ceaseless river that carries us along its current, from the moment of our birth to the day we cross the threshold into eternity. Its an invisible commodity that we often take for granted, yet it is of such immense value.

Charles Spurgeon, that great preacher of the 19th century, once said, "Anything other than God’s plan carried out in God’s way and in God’s timing amounts to self-reliance." These words resonate with us, don't they? They remind us of the weight and significance of each moment we're given. How we spend our time, how we perceive it, and how we allow it to shape our lives is of utmost importance.

In the book of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul admonishes us to be mindful of how we use our time. Let's read together from Ephesians 5:8-20 [read text].

Treating Time as a Gift from God

We all know that time is a resource. We use it, we spend it, we sometimes waste it. But have we ever stopped to consider that time is a gift? A gift from our Heavenly Father, who in His infinite wisdom and love, has given us this precious resource to use and steward wisely.

This idea is as old as creation itself. When God created the world, He set in motion the rhythm of time. Day followed night, seasons came and went, and years rolled by. And into this rhythm, He placed us, human beings, with the ability to perceive and measure time. But why did God give us time? What is its purpose?

Firstly, time is a gift that allows us to experience life. Without time, there would be no change, no growth, no progress. We wouldn't be able to experience the joy of watching a sunrise, the satisfaction of completing a task, or the thrill of achieving a goal.

Secondly, time is a gift that helps us understand the nature of God. The Bible tells us that God is eternal. He has no beginning and no end. He exists outside of time. Yet, He chose to enter into time when He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus lived in time, experienced time, and ultimately gave His life in time for our salvation. Through time, we can begin to grasp the eternal nature of God and His incredible love for us.

Thirdly, time is a gift that teaches us about stewardship. Just as we are called to be good stewards of the resources God has given us, we are also called to be good stewards of our time. We are to use it wisely, not squandering it on meaningless pursuits, but investing it in things that have eternal value.

Finally, time is a gift that prepares us for eternity. While our time on earth is limited, we are made for eternity. Every moment we live is a step closer to our eternal home with God. Time serves as a reminder of this reality and encourages us to live with an eternal perspective.

Paul reminds us to live as children of light, making the most of every opportunity. This is a call to recognize the value of time and to use it wisely. When we view time as a gift from God, it changes how we live. We no longer see time as something to be killed or filled, but as a precious resource to be used for God's glory. We seek to use our time in ways that please God, that build up others, and that advance His kingdom.

Application questions. So, let's ask ourselves: How are we using the time God has given us? Are we treating it as a precious gift, or are we taking it for granted? Are we investing our time in things that have eternal value, or are we wasting it on temporary pleasures? Are we living with an eternal perspective, or are we caught up in the busyness of life?

As we ponder these questions, let's remember that every moment is a gift from God, a precious opportunity to live for His glory. Let's strive to use our time wisely, to make the most of every opportunity, and to live as children of light. In doing so, we honor God, we bless others, and we prepare ourselves for eternity. And isn't that the best use of time?

Trusting God's Timing in Our Lives

As we continue we find ourselves drawn to the idea of trusting God's timing in our lives ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO