Seize the Day: Embracing Time with Purpose

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into the concept of time, a precious and finite resource that we often take for granted. The sermon, titled "Carpe Diem," encouraged us to seize the day and make the most of the time we have. We explored various sayings and biblical references that emphasize the importance of time management and prioritizing what truly matters.

We began by reflecting on how time feels different at various stages of life and how significant events shape our perception of it. From the fall of the Berlin Wall to the moon landing, these moments remind us of the ever-changing nature of our world. Yet, amidst all this change, God remains eternal, as highlighted in Psalms 90 and Psalms 93. God's perspective on time is vastly different from ours; for Him, a thousand years are like a day.

We also discussed the parable of the ten virgins from Matthew 25, which underscores the importance of being prepared for the return of Christ. This parable serves as a reminder that we must use our time wisely and be ready for the day when Jesus returns.

Furthermore, we examined how we spend our time daily, breaking down the hours in a week to highlight the importance of rest and work. The Fourth Commandment calls us to rest on the seventh day, but it also emphasizes the need to work diligently during the other six days. Colossians 3:22-24 encourages us to work with sincerity and reverence for the Lord, using our skills and talents for His glory.

We concluded by reflecting on Joshua 24:14-16, which calls us to serve the Lord with sincerity and faithfulness. We have a choice to make: to follow God or to be swayed by the distractions and temptations of the world. By choosing to serve the Lord, we can use our time more effectively and live a life that honors Him.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Eternal Perspective of God: While our lives are finite and our perception of time is limited, God exists beyond time. Psalms 90 reminds us that a thousand years are like a day to God. This eternal perspective should humble us and encourage us to seek His wisdom in how we use our time. [06:21]

2. The Importance of Being Prepared: The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 teaches us the importance of being prepared for Christ's return. We must use our time wisely, living each day as if it could be the day of His return. This readiness involves spiritual vigilance and practical preparation. [10:52]

3. Balancing Rest and Work: The Fourth Commandment calls us to rest on the seventh day and work diligently during the other six. This balance is crucial for our well-being and productivity. Rest rejuvenates us, while diligent work allows us to use our God-given talents for His glory. [12:22]

4. Integrity in All We Do: Colossians 3:22-24 encourages us to work with sincerity and reverence for the Lord. Our integrity in our daily tasks reflects our faith and can serve as a powerful testimony to others. Like Joseph and Daniel, our integrity can elevate us and bring glory to God. [14:19]

5. Choosing Whom to Serve: Joshua 24:14-16 challenges us to choose whom we will serve—God or the distractions of the world. This choice impacts how we use our time and live our lives. By choosing to serve the Lord, we align our priorities with His will and find true fulfillment. [20:23]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [00:30] - Opening Prayer
3. [01:00] - Introduction to Time
4. [01:33] - Biblical Sayings on Time
5. [03:17] - Historical Events and Time Perception
6. [04:59] - Psalms 90: God's Eternal Nature
7. [06:21] - Finite Human Life
8. [07:53] - Time and Age
9. [09:34] - God's Perspective on Time
10. [10:52] - Parable of the Ten Virgins
11. [12:22] - Balancing Rest and Work
12. [14:19] - Integrity in Work
13. [17:01] - Warnings Against Idleness
14. [18:13] - Distractions and Time Management
15. [19:25] - Joshua 24: Choosing Whom to Serve
16. [21:47] - Closing Prayer and Farewell

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Psalms 90:1-12 - "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You turn people back to dust, saying, 'Return to dust, you mortals.' A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. Yet you sweep people away in the sleep of death—they are like the new grass of the morning: In the morning it springs up new, but by evening it is dry and withered. We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation. You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence. All our days pass away under your wrath; we finish our years with a moan. Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away. If only we knew the power of your anger! Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

2. Matthew 25:1-13 - "At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!' Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.' 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.' But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. 'Lord, Lord,' they said, 'open the door for us!' But he replied, 'Truly I tell you, I don’t know you.' Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour."

3. Joshua 24:14-16 - "Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalms 90:1-12 tell us about God's perspective on time compared to ours? ([04:59])
2. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), what distinguished the wise virgins from the foolish ones? ([10:52])
3. According to Joshua 24:14-16, what choice does Joshua present to the people, and what is his personal decision? ([19:25])
4. How does Colossians 3:22-24 instruct us to approach our daily work? ([14:19])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding God's eternal nature as described in Psalms 90:1-12 affect our daily lives and decisions? ([06:21])
2. What practical steps can we take to be like the wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, always prepared for Christ's return? ([10:52])
3. In what ways can we balance rest and work as instructed in the Fourth Commandment and Colossians 3:22-24? ([12:22])
4. How does Joshua 24:14-16 challenge us to evaluate our current priorities and distractions? ([19:25])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current time management. Are there areas where you feel you are not using your time wisely? How can you improve this week? ([18:13])
2. What are some practical ways you can prepare for Christ's return in your daily life, similar to the wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-13? ([10:52])
3. How do you currently balance rest and work? Are you honoring the Fourth Commandment by taking adequate rest? ([12:22])
4. Think about your daily work. How can you ensure that you are working with sincerity and reverence for the Lord, as instructed in Colossians 3:22-24? ([14:19])
5. Joshua 24:14-16 calls us to choose whom we will serve. What are some distractions or "gods" in your life that you need to put away to serve the Lord more faithfully? ([19:25])
6. Identify one specific habit you can change this week to better align your time with God's priorities. How will you implement this change? ([01:33])
7. How can you use your skills and talents more effectively for God's glory in your daily work and interactions? ([14:19])

Devotional

Day 1: The Eternal Perspective of God
God's perspective on time is vastly different from ours. While our lives are finite and our perception of time is limited, God exists beyond time. Psalms 90 reminds us that a thousand years are like a day to God. This eternal perspective should humble us and encourage us to seek His wisdom in how we use our time. Understanding that God is eternal and unchanging can provide us with a sense of stability and purpose. It reminds us that while our earthly lives are fleeting, our relationship with God and our actions in His name have eternal significance.

Reflecting on God's eternal nature can also help us prioritize our lives better. When we recognize that our time is limited, we are more likely to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God, our family, and our community. This perspective can help us make wiser decisions and live a life that honors God. [06:21]

Psalm 90:4 (ESV): "For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night."

Reflection: How does understanding God's eternal nature change the way you view your daily activities and long-term goals? What steps can you take today to align your priorities with this eternal perspective?

Day 2: The Importance of Being Prepared
The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25 teaches us the importance of being prepared for Christ's return. We must use our time wisely, living each day as if it could be the day of His return. This readiness involves spiritual vigilance and practical preparation. The parable emphasizes that not everyone will be ready when the time comes, and the consequences of being unprepared are severe. It serves as a wake-up call to live a life of constant readiness and spiritual alertness.

Being prepared means more than just waiting; it involves active engagement in our faith. This includes regular prayer, studying the Bible, and living out our faith through acts of love and service. By doing so, we ensure that we are spiritually ready for Christ's return, whenever that may be. [10:52]

Matthew 25:13 (ESV): "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour."

Reflection: What are some practical steps you can take today to be more spiritually prepared for Christ's return? How can you incorporate these steps into your daily routine?

Day 3: Balancing Rest and Work
The Fourth Commandment calls us to rest on the seventh day and work diligently during the other six. This balance is crucial for our well-being and productivity. Rest rejuvenates us, while diligent work allows us to use our God-given talents for His glory. In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to neglect rest and overwork ourselves, but doing so can lead to burnout and decreased effectiveness in our tasks.

Balancing rest and work is not just about physical rest but also about spiritual and emotional rejuvenation. Taking time to rest allows us to reconnect with God, reflect on our lives, and gain new perspectives. It also enables us to return to our work with renewed energy and focus, making us more effective in our roles. [12:22]

Exodus 20:9-10 (ESV): "Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates."

Reflection: How can you create a better balance between work and rest in your life? What specific changes can you make to ensure you are honoring the Sabbath and taking time to rejuvenate?

Day 4: Integrity in All We Do
Colossians 3:22-24 encourages us to work with sincerity and reverence for the Lord. Our integrity in our daily tasks reflects our faith and can serve as a powerful testimony to others. Like Joseph and Daniel, our integrity can elevate us and bring glory to God. Working with integrity means doing our best even when no one is watching, knowing that our ultimate accountability is to God.

Integrity in our work also means being honest, reliable, and ethical in all our dealings. It involves treating others with respect and fairness, and using our skills and talents to serve God and others. By doing so, we not only honor God but also build trust and respect with those around us. [14:19]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: In what areas of your life can you improve your integrity? How can you ensure that your actions reflect your faith and bring glory to God?

Day 5: Choosing Whom to Serve
Joshua 24:14-16 challenges us to choose whom we will serve—God or the distractions of the world. This choice impacts how we use our time and live our lives. By choosing to serve the Lord, we align our priorities with His will and find true fulfillment. The distractions and temptations of the world can easily lead us astray, but a conscious decision to serve God helps us stay focused on what truly matters.

Choosing to serve God involves daily decisions and actions that reflect our commitment to Him. It means prioritizing our relationship with God, spending time in prayer and Bible study, and living out our faith through our actions. By doing so, we can experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from living a life that honors God. [20:23]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: What are some distractions or temptations that are preventing you from fully serving God? How can you make a conscious decision today to prioritize your relationship with Him and align your actions with His will?

Quotes

1. "Time is one of those things that is kind of interesting concept to think about, and it's our most important resource that we have. And so I've titled this sermon Carpe Diem, which is one of those sayings I love that's, you know, seize the day. It reminds me to just to make the most of it. And we have a lot of other sayings that kind of guide us on our time management, if you will." [01:33] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "As we learn to accept Jesus into our lives and let him work through us, our habits should change. And with that should be maybe a way to more effectively use our time on a personal level. But I think there's something about time we sometimes forget. Time is not only always linear. Sometimes it cycles. Sometimes we forget the times that we live in." [03:17] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We have a finite time here on this earth. And if we learn to appreciate the times that we're in and the days that we're living, God's going to show us his wisdom. And so to think about that eternal phase in there, you know, Psalms 93 also, hits on that too. Your throne was established long ago. You are from all eternity." [06:21] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "As you age and get older, it feels like time is picking up, doesn't it? You know, it seems like, especially as you get busy and stay busy, time moves really fast in an instant, you know, it just goes by. And yet for God, I don't know what math is getting me emotional, it usually doesn't. But for God, you know, when he's eternal, which is that infinity sign, you know, when you add one year to infinity, it's still infinity." [07:53] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The time that we experience may seem like it's a very long, slow process at times, but I think God has a bigger picture of that. That we're being a part of. And sometimes we can lose sight of that, lose our focus, which is why, you know, to me, this parable in Matthew 25 of the parable of the virgins is so important." [09:34] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "We have to think about and understand what those distractions are. Because just like, you know, that first saying, idle hands are the devil's workshop. You know, sometimes it's not so much that, you know, it's sin creeping in, but sometimes just, in an obvious way, sometimes it's in less obvious ways. And for us to be effective Christians, I think we've got to be cognizant of what we're doing and how we can just be better stewards of what God's given us." [18:13] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Now, therefore, fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your father served beyond the river and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether God your father served in the region beyond the river or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." [20:23] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "If you're struggling with any sort of questions about your faith, please reach out to someone here, the staff, the elders, a friend you have that's growing in their faith because the joy that you can gain, I think, by recognizing that stuff early can be a blessing not just to you but to those that you know." [20:23] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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