Stewarding Time: Embracing God's Purpose and Urgency

 

Summary

Time is a profound gift from God, a resource that is both precious and finite. It is a constant in our lives, unaffected by our status, wealth, or desires. We all receive the same 24 hours each day, and how we choose to spend this time reflects our priorities and values. The essence of time is captured in the riddle I shared, highlighting its dual nature as both a creator and destroyer, a healer and a wounder. Time is a gift that demands our respect and careful stewardship.

The Bible speaks of time in various dimensions, emphasizing its brevity and the importance of using it wisely. It teaches us about the different seasons of life, from times of rest to times of action, and the prophetic significance of the times we live in. As we stand at the beginning of a new year, the question we should ask is not how we can improve our circumstances, but how we can be transformed to be more like Jesus. True transformation requires devotion to God, and this takes time.

Throughout history, figures like Moses, David, and even Jesus himself, waited for the right time to fulfill their God-given purposes. This waiting is not passive but active, marked by faithfulness and preparation. In our own lives, we must be wary of distractions that can lead us away from our purpose. The enemy often uses good things to distract us from the great things God has planned for us. We must learn to discern and prioritize what truly matters.

In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus exemplified the importance of prayer and focus, even in the face of immense pressure. His time of prayer was a battle for his anointing and purpose, teaching us the value of perseverance and sacrifice. As we seek to become more like Christ, we must be willing to let go of distractions and embrace the pruning process that God uses to refine us.

Time is short, and the urgency of our calling demands immediate action. Today is the day of salvation, the day to surrender fully to God and embrace the life He has for us. We must seize the moment, casting aside distractions and dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of God's will. Let us be good stewards of the time we have, breaking free from cycles of procrastination and embracing the transformation God offers.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Preciousness of Time: Time is our most valuable resource, given equally to all, yet it cannot be bought or extended. It is a gift that requires careful stewardship, as once it is spent, it cannot be reclaimed. We must recognize the importance of using our time wisely, focusing on what truly matters in our walk with God. [05:55]

2. Seasons of Waiting: Biblical figures like Moses, David, and Jesus exemplify the importance of waiting for God's timing. This waiting is not passive but involves active faithfulness and preparation. Success in God's eyes is marked by faithfulness, not immediate fruitfulness, as we trust in His perfect timing. [12:05]

3. The Danger of Distractions: The enemy often uses distractions, even good things, to divert us from our God-given purpose. We must be vigilant, discerning what is truly important and eliminating distractions that hinder our spiritual growth and effectiveness in God's kingdom. [16:48]

4. The Power of Prayer and Focus: In Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer and focus in fulfilling God's purpose. His example teaches us the value of perseverance and sacrifice, as we engage in spiritual battles and seek to align our will with God's. [32:04]

5. Urgency of Our Calling: Time is short, and the urgency of our calling demands immediate action. Today is the day of salvation and full surrender to God. We must seize the moment, casting aside distractions and dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of God's will, becoming more like Christ in every aspect of our lives. [35:03]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Opening Prayer
[04:44] - The Riddle of Time
[05:55] - The Value of Time
[08:12] - Biblical Perspectives on Time
[09:31] - Transformation Over Resolutions
[11:08] - Faithfulness in Waiting
[12:05] - The Importance of Seasons
[14:19] - The Trap of Perfectionism
[16:48] - Distractions and Purpose
[19:40] - The Lesson of Martha and Mary
[22:20] - Simplifying Life
[23:14] - Drawing Closer to God
[26:10] - Jesus and the Power of Focus
[28:13] - Gethsemane: A Lesson in Prayer
[32:04] - The Anointing and Sacrifice
[35:03] - The Urgency of Now
[37:26] - Invitation to Surrender

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 26:36-46 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
2. Ephesians 4:22-24 - Putting Off the Old Self
3. Romans 13:11-12 - The Urgency of Time

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#### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 26:36-46, what emotions did Jesus express in the garden of Gethsemane, and how did He respond to them?
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the riddle about time, and how does it relate to our daily lives? [04:44]
3. What examples from the Bible were given in the sermon to illustrate the importance of waiting for God's timing? [11:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the role of distractions in our spiritual journey? [16:48]

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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46) demonstrate the importance of aligning our will with God's, even in difficult times?
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between time and transformation in our spiritual lives? [09:31]
3. How can the concept of "good is the enemy of great" apply to our personal and spiritual growth, as discussed in the sermon? [19:40]
4. In what ways does the sermon challenge us to reconsider our priorities and the use of our time? [35:03]

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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current use of time. Are there areas where you feel you are not being a good steward of this gift? What changes can you make to align your time with God's priorities? [05:55]
2. Consider a season of waiting in your life. How can you actively prepare and remain faithful during this time, as exemplified by biblical figures like Moses and David? [12:05]
3. Identify a distraction in your life that may be hindering your spiritual growth. What steps can you take this week to minimize or eliminate this distraction? [16:48]
4. How can you incorporate more focused prayer into your daily routine, following Jesus' example in Gethsemane? What specific time or place can you dedicate to this practice? [28:13]
5. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of our calling. What is one immediate action you can take to respond to God's call in your life today? [35:03]
6. Reflect on the concept of "pruning" in your life. What good things might you need to let go of to make room for the great things God has planned for you? [33:50]
7. How can you ensure that your daily activities and decisions are leading you closer to Jesus, rather than just avoiding sin? What practical steps can you take to prioritize your relationship with Him? [24:42]

Devotional

Day 1: The Gift of Time and Its Stewardship
Time is a precious gift from God, given equally to all, yet it cannot be bought or extended. It is a resource that demands careful stewardship, as once it is spent, it cannot be reclaimed. The way we choose to spend our time reflects our priorities and values, and it is crucial to focus on what truly matters in our walk with God. Recognizing the importance of using our time wisely can lead to a more meaningful and purposeful life. As we navigate through our daily routines, we must be intentional about dedicating time to spiritual growth and aligning our actions with God's will. [05:55]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you are not being a good steward of your time? How can you begin to prioritize this area today to align more closely with God's purpose for you?


Day 2: Active Waiting in God's Timing
Throughout the Bible, figures like Moses, David, and Jesus exemplify the importance of waiting for God's timing. This waiting is not passive but involves active faithfulness and preparation. Success in God's eyes is marked by faithfulness, not immediate fruitfulness, as we trust in His perfect timing. In our own lives, we must learn to embrace the seasons of waiting, understanding that they are opportunities for growth and preparation for what God has planned for us. By remaining faithful and prepared, we align ourselves with God's timing and purpose. [12:05]

"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience." (Romans 8:25, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you are currently waiting for God's timing. How can you actively prepare and remain faithful during this season of waiting?


Day 3: Discernment in the Face of Distractions
The enemy often uses distractions, even good things, to divert us from our God-given purpose. We must be vigilant, discerning what is truly important and eliminating distractions that hinder our spiritual growth and effectiveness in God's kingdom. By focusing on what truly matters, we can avoid the trap of perfectionism and align our lives with God's will. It is essential to simplify our lives and prioritize our relationship with God, ensuring that we are not swayed by the distractions that surround us. [16:48]

"Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." (Colossians 3:2, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one distraction in your life that is diverting you from your spiritual growth. What steps can you take today to minimize or eliminate this distraction?


Day 4: The Power of Prayer and Perseverance
In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus demonstrated the importance of prayer and focus in fulfilling God's purpose. His example teaches us the value of perseverance and sacrifice, as we engage in spiritual battles and seek to align our will with God's. Through prayer, we can find strength and clarity to overcome challenges and remain steadfast in our pursuit of God's will. By dedicating time to prayer and reflection, we can draw closer to God and gain the perseverance needed to navigate life's trials. [32:04]

"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your daily routine to strengthen your perseverance and focus on God's purpose for your life?


Day 5: Embracing the Urgency of Our Calling
Time is short, and the urgency of our calling demands immediate action. Today is the day of salvation and full surrender to God. We must seize the moment, casting aside distractions and dedicating ourselves to the pursuit of God's will, becoming more like Christ in every aspect of our lives. By embracing the urgency of our calling, we can break free from cycles of procrastination and fully commit to the transformation God offers. It is essential to recognize the importance of living each day with purpose and intentionality, aligning our lives with God's plan. [35:03]

"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 step you can take today to fully surrender to God's calling in your life and embrace the urgency of your purpose?

Quotes

Well, thank you so much to all of you and to the pastoral team for encouraging me and praying for me. And for me, it is a really great honor and privilege, firstly, to be a servant and a mouthpiece today for the Lord and the kingdom, and secondly, to be offering this gift here in my home church. [00:00:24] (28 seconds)



The Bible speaks of time, not just in terms of hours and seasons, but on various levels, right? There is a time for everything. For example, the Bible speaks about the brevity of time. The warning of time. The termination of time. The purpose of time, including time to rest, because even God rested. Amen? [00:08:18] (32 seconds)



And today I want to focus on a specific topic around time and why it is of utmost importance to us as children of God, especially given that we're still at the beginning of the year where so many of us are focused on resolutions for the year 2025. [00:09:59] (21 seconds)



Moses waited 40 years in the desert before being called by God into leadership. David waited 20 years from the time that he was anointed to be king until he actually became king. And Jesus waited a whole 30 years until he even began his ministry. [00:11:23] (22 seconds)



And then I started realizing that I was filling my time with a whole lot of good things, and and 동안 and overwhelmed, causing myself to spread out too thin, becoming overwhelmed with stress, and all of it was keeping me from focusing on my true purpose or making any meaningful progress in any one area of my life, the most important one being motherhood. [00:14:40] (36 seconds)



And when the devil cannot kill you or destroy the calling of God upon your life, he tries to distract you. Listen to me now. He tries to distract you in order to waste your time. So that he can steal your purpose. [00:16:48] (21 seconds)



When the enemy cannot destroy us with sin, he will distract us and he will do it even with good things. He will do it even with good things, filling our time with doing good deeds to keep us away from doing the one thing we are actually called to do. to do. And as Christians, we need to internalize this truth. Jim Collins said, good is the enemy of great. [00:18:50] (39 seconds)



So last year, for me, it wasn't about being more productive, but rather about getting closer to him through his word on a daily basis and resting in his presence. And was it hard? Yes. Some days I had to force myself to stop the Netflix binge watching, and the mindless social media scrolling, and dedicate that time to the Lord instead, right? [00:23:20] (29 seconds)



So as a disciple, personally, I have to ask myself daily, because daily we pick up our cross and follow him, right? Daily, something has to die. So I have to ask myself daily, how fully am I actually surrendered to Jesus today? [00:25:14] (27 seconds)



And even Jesus in his humanness had to war. For his anointing, Jesus was literally squeezed and being crushed much like those olives by God's wrath in the garden of Gethsemane as he actively engaged spiritually through prayer in the forsakeness of the work of the cross. [00:32:34] (28 seconds)



Time is short. And the brevity of it calls us to action. It calls us to do something about it now. Scripture says in 2 Corinthians 6, 2. Indeed, the right time is now. Today is the day of salvation. Not tomorrow. Today. [00:35:14] (24 seconds)



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Transcript
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