Stewarding Time: Embracing God's Eternal Purpose
Summary
In today's discourse, we delve into the profound significance of time and our stewardship of it in light of God's eternal purposes. We are reminded that time is not merely a sequence of moments to be squandered but a sacred trust from God, filled with opportunities to serve Him and others. Our past, present, and future are all arenas where God's grace and sovereignty play out, inviting us to participate in His divine narrative.
We begin by confronting our past. Sin, an undeniable reality, seeks to shackle us with shame and regret. Yet, the liberating truth of 1 John 1:9 assures us that confession and repentance unlock the door to forgiveness and cleansing. This is not a mere theological concept but a transformative experience where, by admitting our sinfulness and turning to God, we encounter His redemptive power.
The present moment, unique in its capacity for action, beckons us to seize it for God's glory. Inspired by the lyrics of "What Are We Waiting For" by for KING & COUNTRY, we are challenged to stop wasting time and instead offer our present moments to God. By doing so, we align ourselves with the chief end of man: to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. This is not a call to a lukewarm existence but to a vibrant life that radiates God's white-hot glory in every relationship and facet of life.
Our future, often hijacked by procrastination, must be reclaimed. The temptation to defer obedience to God for a more convenient "tomorrow" is a snare that robs us of the joy and fulfillment found in serving God today. We are urged to invest our time in fulfilling God's purposes, recognizing that our identity as disciples of Christ is intrinsically linked to how we steward our time.
The sermon culminates with a call to action. We are encouraged to consider how we might serve within the church and community, to share the load, and to embrace spirit-led sacrifice when called upon. This is not about seeking personal glory through "own goals" but about seeking first the kingdom of God, knowing that the King we serve is worthy of our sacrifice.
Key Takeaways:
- Confession and repentance are not just ritualistic acts but gateways to experiencing God's forgiveness and power. When we yield to the Spirit's conviction, we unlock the Spirit's power to transform our lives and free us from the bondage of sin. [18:24]
- The present moment is a gift from God, the only time where action can be taken. By offering our present moments to God, we participate in His work and witness the unfolding of His purposes in our lives. This act of surrender is the essence of living a life that glorifies God. [20:27]
- Our identity as disciples of Christ is reflected in how we steward our time. By investing our time in God's purposes, we align ourselves with Jesus' mission and example, serving rather than being served, and giving our lives as a ransom for many. [24:30]
- Spirit-led sacrifice transcends our routine margins and calls us to moments of extraordinary commitment. These instances are not about personal gain but about responding to God's prompting, knowing that our ultimate reward is not in this life but in the life to come. [43:39]
- The ultimate goal of our time stewardship is not the accumulation of earthly accolades but the pursuit of the heavenly prize. As we offer our time to God, we do so with the anticipation of His return, striving to hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." [49:13]
In conclusion, our time on earth is a stewardship entrusted to us by God. It is a canvas upon which we paint with our actions, a testament to our faith and devotion. Let us, therefore, redeem the time, for the days are evil, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 1 John 1:9 - "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
2. Ephesians 5:15-16 - "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
3. Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 John 1:9, what are the two actions we must take to receive forgiveness and cleansing from God?
2. In Ephesians 5:15-16, what does Paul advise believers to do with their time, and why?
3. How does Colossians 3:17 instruct us to approach our daily actions and words?
4. What example did the pastor give to illustrate the importance of redeeming the time we have? ([06:40])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the act of confessing our sins, as described in 1 John 1:9, transform our relationship with God and our view of the past? ([12:26])
2. What does it mean to "make the most of every opportunity" in the context of Ephesians 5:15-16, and how can this be applied to our daily lives? ([06:40])
3. How does the concept of doing everything "in the name of the Lord Jesus" from Colossians 3:17 challenge our current approach to daily tasks and interactions? ([21:03])
4. Reflecting on the pastor's story about the race car driver, how can we move forward from past mistakes and use them to grow in our faith? ([15:43])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt burdened by past mistakes. How can the promise of 1 John 1:9 help you move forward and experience God's forgiveness? ([12:26])
2. Identify one area in your life where you feel you are not making the most of your time. What practical steps can you take this week to align your actions with Ephesians 5:15-16? ([06:40])
3. Think about your daily routine. How can you incorporate the principle of Colossians 3:17 into your work, family life, and personal time? ([21:03])
4. The pastor mentioned the importance of not letting the past steal our future. What is one specific step you can take to let go of past regrets and focus on God's plan for your future? ([15:43])
5. How can you actively seek opportunities to serve within your church or community, as encouraged in the sermon? What specific role or task can you commit to this month? ([39:06])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of spirit-led sacrifice. Can you identify a situation where you felt called to go beyond your comfort zone for God's purposes? How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([43:39])
7. Reflect on the idea of seeking first the kingdom of God. What changes can you make in your daily life to prioritize God's kingdom over personal gain? ([44:58])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Forgiveness Through Confession
Confession and repentance are the gateways to divine forgiveness and the transformative power of God. When individuals acknowledge their sins and turn towards God, they are met with His grace and mercy. This process is not a mere formality but a profound spiritual journey that leads to freedom from the chains of past wrongdoings. It is an encounter with the redemptive love of God that not only cleanses but also empowers believers to walk in newness of life. The act of confession is an admission of one's inability to attain righteousness on their own and a recognition of the need for God's intervention. Repentance is the turning away from sin and the turning towards God, a pivotal moment that marks the beginning of a transformed life. This experience is essential for spiritual growth and maturity, as it aligns the heart with God's will and purposes [18:24].
"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy." - Proverbs 28:13 ESV
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you may be holding onto sin. How can you take steps to confess and repent of this sin today, and what change do you expect to see in your life as a result?
Day 2: Seizing the Present for God's Glory
The present moment is a unique opportunity to act and serve in ways that honor God. It is a gift that should be used to participate in God's unfolding plan and to live out the purpose of glorifying Him. By dedicating the present to God, believers actively engage in His work and experience the joy of being part of something greater than themselves. This surrender is not passive but an active pursuit of a life that reflects God's glory in every aspect. It is a call to live intentionally, making the most of each moment to impact the world positively and to deepen one's relationship with the Creator. The present is the only time when change can happen, and by offering it to God, believers become instruments of His grace and love in the world [20:27].
"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." - Ephesians 5:15-16 ESV
Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your time today to glorify God, and how can you make this a consistent part of your daily routine?
Day 3: Reflecting Christ in Time Stewardship
The way believers steward their time is a reflection of their discipleship and commitment to Christ. Investing time in God's purposes aligns them with Jesus' mission and example of serving others. This stewardship is not about filling schedules with activities but about prioritizing actions that have eternal significance. It is about being intentional with time, choosing to serve rather than be served, and understanding that life is a precious resource to be used for God's glory. As disciples, the call is to emulate Christ's sacrificial love and to use every moment as an opportunity to demonstrate the gospel in action. This commitment to stewardship is a testament to one's identity in Christ and a witness to the transformative power of the gospel [24:30].
"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." - Ephesians 2:10 ESV
Reflection: How can you better prioritize your daily activities to reflect your identity as a disciple of Christ, and what is one step you can take today to invest your time in God's purposes?
Day 4: Answering the Call to Spirit-Led Sacrifice
Spirit-led sacrifice calls believers beyond their comfort zones into moments of extraordinary commitment. These instances are not for personal gain but for responding to God's prompting with a willing heart. Such sacrifices require a readiness to go beyond routine obligations and to embrace opportunities for deeper service and giving. This willingness to sacrifice is a powerful expression of faith, demonstrating trust in God's provision and sovereignty. It is in these moments that believers can experience the fullness of God's purpose for their lives, as they put aside their own desires to fulfill His greater plan. The reward for such sacrifice is not found in this life but in the assurance of eternal life with God [43:39].
"And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." - Matthew 10:38-39 ESV
Reflection: What is one area in your life where God is calling you to make a spirit-led sacrifice? How can you begin to take steps towards this sacrifice today?
Day 5: Pursuing the Heavenly Prize Through Time
The ultimate goal in stewarding time is not to seek earthly recognition but to strive for the heavenly prize that awaits believers. Offering time to God is done with the anticipation of His return and the desire to be found faithful in His service. This pursuit shapes how believers live their lives, prioritizing God's kingdom and His righteousness above all else. It is a life lived in the light of eternity, where every moment is an opportunity to serve the King and to contribute to the eternal narrative. The hope of hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant" motivates believers to use their time wisely, to run the race with perseverance, and to keep their eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith [49:13].
"I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:14 ESV
Reflection: What does running the race with perseverance look like in your daily life, and how can you better focus on the eternal prize in your use of time today?
Quotes
- "We are the most distracted generation probably the world has ever seen... we exchange the best time that we have... for the Times where we're making income... time is not money... we can always make more money, time doesn't work like that." [10:28] (Download | )
- "To get God's view on our past it requires confession... agree with God about Sin and we confess that is sin... and we repent and we turn from it... by his power he... forgives us our sins... and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." [11:47] (Download | )
- "The present moment is the only time we can ever take any action... the present is the only time we will ever have to actually change or affect our future... right here right now in the present." [19:42] (Download | )
- "When we yield to the spirit's conviction we experience the spirit's power... that is how the Christian Life Works... that's why we can get back up." [18:24] (Download | )
- "Jesus could Steward his time because he knew his mission... 'The son of man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.'" [24:30] (Download | )
- "The reality is that this time that we keep counting... ends for every single one of us and then... it opens into eternity... 'Now there is in store for me a crown of righteousness... to all who have longed for his appearing.'" [49:13] (Download | )
- "Jesus... said 'whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me... whoever loses their life for me will find it.'" [45:42] (Download | )
- "We want our time to matter... the good news is according to scripture it does matter... 'I invest my time in fulfilling God's purposes.'" [00:47] (Download | )
- "The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever... we're here so that we can both enjoy and express the white-hot glory of God in every facet, every relationship of our life." [25:17] (Download | Download cropped video)
- "Paul made a statement about time... 'be careful then how you live... making the most of every opportunity'... Redeeming the time... redeem those opportunities that start popping up around us." [06:07] (Download | )
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?