Stewarding Time: Living with Eternal Purpose

Time is the most precious resource given to us by God, and every day is a new opportunity to use it wisely. Each of us receives the same 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds daily, and none of it can be saved for tomorrow. The way we spend our time is a reflection of how we value the life God has given us. We are called to live with eternity in mind, recognizing that our days are numbered and that every moment is a gift to be stewarded for God’s glory and the good of others.

Paul’s words in Ephesians 5 urge us to walk carefully, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. This means being intentional and thoughtful about how we live, seeking God’s wisdom in every decision. Life is a series of choices, and the way we allocate our time can lead to our greatest victories or deepest regrets. We are not left to figure this out on our own—God’s Word provides the wisdom and direction we need.

Understanding the difference between “chronos” (clock time) and “kairos” (opportune moments) helps us see that not all time is equal. Some moments are critical opportunities that, once missed, cannot be reclaimed. God calls us to seize these moments, to “carpe diem,” and to make the most of every opportunity He places before us. Wasting time is, in essence, wasting life, because our lives are made up of the time we are given.

The wise use of time is rooted in understanding and doing the will of God. God’s will is not a mystery for those who seek Him; He has revealed much of it in His Word. Obedience to what God has already shown us opens the door to further guidance and deeper purpose. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out God’s commands, to love others, to share the gospel, and to invest our lives in things that matter for eternity. At the end of our days, may we be able to say, like Jesus, that we have accomplished the work God gave us to do.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Time Is a Sacred Trust, Not a Guarantee Every heartbeat and every breath is a gift from God, and none of us knows how much time we have left. We are called to live each day with the awareness that time is fleeting and precious, making the most of every moment rather than assuming we have endless tomorrows. This perspective should lead us to gratitude and intentionality, not complacency. [31:47]
• 2. Wisdom Is Found in Seeking God’s Perspective on Time The difference between living wisely and unwisely is rooted in whether we seek God’s counsel or rely on our own understanding. True wisdom comes from God, and He freely gives it to those who ask. When we view our days through the lens of eternity, we are able to prioritize what matters most and avoid the trap of living carelessly. [34:46]
• 3. Seizing Opportunities Requires Spiritual Alertness Not all moments are created equal—some are “kairos” moments, unique opportunities that God brings our way. These moments must be recognized and seized, for once they pass, they cannot be reclaimed. Living with spiritual alertness means being ready to act when God presents an opportunity, whether it’s to serve, to speak truth, or to show love. [49:44]
• 4. Obedience Unlocks Deeper Revelation of God’s Will God reveals His will progressively, and He expects us to obey what He has already shown us before He reveals more. If we are not faithful in the small, daily acts of obedience, we should not expect God to entrust us with greater direction. The path to a life of purpose is paved with daily, faithful responses to God’s Word and Spirit. [62:01]
• 5. The Power to Fulfill God’s Will Comes from the Holy Spirit God never commands us to do something without also empowering us to do it. Through the resurrection of Jesus, we have received the Holy Spirit, who enables us to love, to serve, and to accomplish God’s purposes. Our limitations are not an excuse, for the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead lives in us and equips us for every good work. [55:29]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Mother’s Day Reflections
• [02:30] - The Value and Mystery of Time
• [05:10] - Decisions and the Impact of Choices
• [08:00] - How Time Became Important in Society
• [12:30] - The Biblical View of Time
• [15:20] - Ephesians 5:15-17 Reading
• [17:00] - Living Carefully vs. Carelessly
• [20:30] - The Gift and Equality of Time
• [23:40] - Joy, Happiness, and the Present Day
• [27:00] - Jesus’ Example of Fulfilling God’s Will
• [31:00] - Seizing the Day: Carpe Diem
• [34:00] - Chronos vs. Kairos: Two Kinds of Time
• [38:00] - The Imperative of Obedience
• [41:00] - Knowing and Doing God’s Will
• [45:00] - The Urgency of Today
• [48:00] - Invitation and Closing Prayer

1. According to Ephesians 5:15-17, what are the two ways Paul says we can “walk” or live our lives? ([41:00])
2. In the sermon, what is the difference between “chronos” and “kairos” time, and why does it matter? ([50:38])
3. What does the pastor say is the only commodity we spend without knowing the balance? ([31:47])
4. How does the sermon describe the way God gives each person time every day? ([23:40])

1. Why does Paul connect wisdom with how we use our time? What does it mean to “make the best use of the time because the days are evil”? ([41:00])
2. The pastor says, “Wasting time is wasting life, because that’s what your life is made of.” How does this statement challenge the way people usually think about their daily routines? ([50:38])
3. What does it look like to “walk carefully” and not “carelessly” in everyday life? ([41:00])
4. The sermon mentions that God’s will is not a mystery for those who seek Him. How does obedience to what God has already shown us lead to deeper understanding of His will? ([01:02:01])

1. The pastor shared that every heartbeat and breath is a gift from God, and we don’t know how much time we have left. Is there an area of your life where you’ve been assuming you have “endless tomorrows”? What would it look like to live with more gratitude and intentionality in that area? ([31:47])
2. Think about a recent day. Did you spend your time in a way that reflects what you value most? If not, what is one small change you could make this week to better align your time with God’s priorities? ([41:00])
3. The sermon talked about “kairos” moments—unique opportunities that God brings our way. Can you remember a time when you recognized and seized such a moment? Or is there a recent opportunity you missed? What can you do to be more spiritually alert to these moments? ([49:44])
4. The pastor said, “God will not reveal more of His will if we are not obeying what He has already shown us.” Is there something you know God wants you to do, but you’ve been putting it off? What’s holding you back from obeying? ([01:02:01])
5. The sermon reminds us that the Holy Spirit empowers us to do God’s will, even when we feel limited. Is there a specific area where you feel weak or unable to do what God is asking? How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit’s power this week? ([55:29])
6. The pastor mentioned that after our time on earth is over, we won’t be able to share the gospel or support God’s work anymore. Who is one person in your life you feel prompted to reach out to or serve this week? What step can you take? ([01:00:36])
7. The message said, “At the end of our days, may we be able to say, like Jesus, that we have accomplished the work God gave us to do.” What would you want to be able to say about your life and how you spent your time? What needs to change for that to be true? ([44:48])