Redeem the Time: Live Spirit-Filled, Walk Wisely

The congregation gathered amid winter weather and family needs, with hospitality and practical care framed at the outset. Announcements and personal requests for prayer set a tone of mutual concern: elderly milestones, medical struggles, and upcoming ministries were shared as real needs of a real community. Attention turned to the next generation—young leaders were being encouraged to speak and serve, and there was a clear desire to pass spiritual responsibility forward. The voice stressing this responsibility pressed for intentional wisdom in a culture that is corrosive and fast-moving.

A central call urged believers to be daily dependent on the Holy Spirit. Rather than a one-time event, Spirit-filling was presented as a continual request: show up to work, to home, to church asking to be controlled and filled so that life and relationships reflect Christ. Worship was not framed as passive consumption but as an exchange—when the Spirit fills a person, worship becomes giving as much as receiving. Singing was unpacked with practical clarity: psalms give Scripture voice, hymns carry doctrine upward, and spiritual songs testify to intimate, present work of God between people and the Spirit.

Practical holiness and wisdom in public life were emphasized. The days were described as evil, requiring believers to redeem time and use discretion in how they engage culture. Accountability matters: spouses, friends, and church members are called to watch one another to prevent spiritual falls. The community’s response to suffering—prayer, hospital help, and tangible support—was modeled as the fruit of a Spirit-driven church, not merely organizational duty.

Throughout, the language was plain and pastoral: reminders to sing Scripture to children, to maintain sobriety of spirit, to trade distraction for presence, and to let worship overflow into service. The congregation was invited to see corporate gatherings as both strengthening and commissioning—places where God fills people who then go out to bless others. The closing emphasis returned to prayerful care: intercession for the sick, encouragement for young speakers, and a steady invitation to live wisely under the Spirit’s rule.

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Key Takeaways

• 1. Be filled with the Spirit daily Being filled is not episodic but habitual; believers must ask each morning and in every setting for the Spirit’s control so decisions and relationships align with Christ. This daily dependence shapes behavior, reduces the power of destructive habits, and makes worship fruitful rather than merely emotional. It reframes spiritual life as ongoing submission rather than occasional peaks. [56:26]
• 2. Worship is a two-way street Corporate worship should both refresh the believer and send them out to serve; it’s not consumption but exchange. When people come filled, their songs and prayers bless others and carry doctrine into daily life. This mutual outpouring prevents church from being an emotional one-off and makes it a training ground for faithful living. [59:44]
• 3. Sing Scripture, hymns, spiritual songs Psalmic singing roots memory in Scripture, hymns teach theology that lifts devotion, and spiritual songs express the Spirit’s present work in hearts. Each form trains different muscles of faith—memory, belief, and intimacy—and together they preserve the whole counsel of God in community life. Teaching children to sing scripture is a long-term strategy for resilience under persecution and distraction. [57:01]
• 4. Redeem time; walk in wisdom The age calls for discernment: cultural pressures and quick comforts can erode witness if believers fail to act wisely. Redeeming time means using church gatherings, family rhythms, and daily moments intentionally for kingdom work rather than passive pleasure. Wisdom protects against spiritual drift and enables the church to capitalize on opportunities to witness and serve. [54:01]
• 5. Pray, bear burdens, stay accountable Practical ministry flows from shared burdens—hospital visits, rehab help, and intercession were held up as central Christian work. Accountability relationships are preventive and restorative, catching those at risk of moral or spiritual collapse. Prayer partners and visible care build a resilient community that resists loneliness and secrecy. [62:52]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [10:30] - Announcements & community needs
• [23:28] - Worship leadership & ushers
• [32:40] - Testimonies and words of praise
• [36:26] - Youth involvement and next generation
• [53:38] - Call to wisdom and redeeming time
• [55:57] - Being filled daily with the Spirit
• [57:01] - Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
• [62:52] - Prayer, care, and closing encouragement

Based on the sermon summary and transcript, the primary biblical text is Ephesians 5:15-21. This passage directly supports the sermon's key takeaways about wisdom, redeeming time, being filled with the Spirit, and worship.

Bible Reading
Ephesians 5:15-21 (ESV)
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Observation questions

1. According to Ephesians 5:15-16, what two things are we commanded to do in light of the fact that "the days are evil"?
2. What does verse 18 present as the direct contrast to being "filled with the Spirit"?
3. What are the three specific, outward expressions listed in verse 19 that result from being filled with the Spirit?
4. In the sermon, what was the illustration used to show how something can control a person's actions and walk? [55:57]

Interpretation questions

1. Why is being "filled with the Spirit" described as a continual, daily request rather than a one-time event? What might happen if we treat it as a single experience from the past?
2. The concept of worship is described as a "two-way street" and an "exchange," not just consumption. How does the command to address "one another" in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs change our understanding of a church service?
3. How does the command to "make the best use of the time" ([54:01]) connect to the need for wisdom and the danger of a "corrosive and fast-moving" culture?
4. What is the practical difference between being under the "dominating power of alcohol" and being under the "power of the Holy Spirit" in how a person behaves and relates to others? [01:01:36]

Application questions

1. The days are described as evil, requiring believers to redeem time and use discretion. What is one specific area of your weekly routine or media consumption where you could be more intentional about "making the best use of the time" for God's purposes?
2. Being filled with the Spirit is a daily request. What is one practical way you could remind yourself each morning to ask for the Spirit's control before you start your day, whether at work, at home, or at church? [56:26]
3. Worship is a two-way street where we both receive and give. The next time you are in a church service, what is one tangible way you could intentionally "address one another" to encourage or build up someone else, rather than just being a passive participant?
4. Singing Scripture is a long-term strategy for resilience. If you have children or grandchildren, what is one Bible verse or Psalm you could begin to help them learn by putting it to a simple tune? If you don't, what is a verse you could memorize this way for yourself? [57:01]
5. Accountability and bearing one another's burdens were highlighted as central Christian work. Who is one person in your life that you have a relationship with where you can both honestly ask, "How is your walk with the Lord?" and pray for each other's specific struggles? [01:02:52]
6. The world is full of distractions that can pull our focus downward. What is one common distraction in your life that you need to consciously set aside to be more present with God and with others? [01:01:56]
7. The community's response to suffering was modeled as the fruit of a Spirit-driven church. What is one practical act of care—a hospital visit, a meal, a specific prayer—you could do this week for someone you know who is struggling?