Understanding Time: A Gift for Eternal Choices
Summary
Time is one of the most mysterious and fascinating aspects of our existence. From the moment God said, “Let there be light,” and separated day from night, time as we know it began on earth. Yet, as we look at both science and Scripture, we see that time is not as simple or as constant as we might think. Even physicists like Einstein have shown that time can move at different rates depending on gravity and velocity, and that past, present, and future may be more of an illusion than we realize. But what does this mean for us as believers, and how does God want us to understand and use the time we’ve been given?
Scripture gives us glimpses of both the beginning and the end of time. In Genesis, God creates time for the earth, and in Revelation, we see a picture of eternity—where time as we know it seems to fade away, replaced by the everlasting presence of God. There are hints in Revelation that some kind of time may exist in heaven, but it is not bound by the same rules as earthly time. The sun and moon are no longer needed, and there is no more night, sorrow, or pain—just the eternal light and life of God.
This leads to a powerful realization: the temporary time we have on earth is a gift of God’s grace and mercy. It is given to us so that we have the opportunity to choose—whom we will serve, how we will live, and whether we will accept the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Temporary time is not a constant; it is different for each of us, and none of us knows how much we have left. Our time ends either at death or at the rapture, and after that, we step into eternity—either with God or separated from Him.
Therefore, we are called to “number our days,” to live with wisdom, and to make the most of the time we have. We cannot boast about tomorrow, for we do not know what it will bring. Now is the day of salvation. Now is the time to choose Christ, to serve Him, and to invest our lives in what truly matters. As we give, serve, and love, we do so knowing that our temporary time is precious and purposeful, and that eternity awaits those who trust in Jesus.
Key Takeaways
- Time on earth is a temporary gift of grace and mercy from God, designed to give us the opportunity to choose whom we will serve. It is not a constant, and its length is different for each person. This awareness should lead us to humility and gratitude, recognizing that every moment is a chance to draw closer to God and fulfill His purpose for our lives. [38:33]
- The Bible reveals both the beginning and the end of time as we know it, framing our existence within God’s eternal plan. Genesis shows us the creation of time, while Revelation gives us a glimpse of eternity, where earthly time is no more. This perspective helps us see our lives as part of a much larger story, inviting us to live with an eternal mindset rather than being consumed by the temporary. [19:58]
- Scientific discoveries, such as Einstein’s theory of relativity, remind us that time is not as fixed or simple as we often assume. Even the most brilliant minds acknowledge the mystery of time, and Scripture affirms that God exists outside of our temporal limitations. This should deepen our awe of God’s sovereignty and encourage us to trust Him with the unknowns of our lives, including the timing of events we cannot control. [10:18]
- The reality of eternity—either with God or apart from Him—gives ultimate significance to the choices we make in our temporary time. The invitation to receive Christ and inherit eternal life is the most important decision we will ever face. We must not delay, for we do not know how much time we have left; today is the day of salvation, and our response determines our eternal destiny. [39:22]
- Scripture calls us to “number our days” so that we may gain a heart of wisdom. This means living intentionally, making decisions that reflect our values and God’s priorities, and not presuming upon the future. Whether in our giving, serving, or daily living, we are to invest our time in what will last beyond this life, knowing that our true home is in eternity with God. [35:39]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[04:08] - Announcements and Celebrations
[07:02] - Introduction: What Is Time?
[08:34] - Definitions and Perceptions of Time
[10:18] - Einstein, Relativity, and the Mystery of Time
[11:16] - The Illusion of Past, Present, and Future
[13:40] - Satellite Clocks and Time Adjustments
[16:25] - What Does the Bible Say About Time?
[19:58] - The End of Time and the Picture of Eternity
[21:49] - Is There Time in Heaven?
[25:31] - The Nature of Eternity in Revelation
[32:12] - Temporary Time and Its Purpose
[35:39] - Numbering Our Days and Living with Wisdom
[36:56] - God’s Perspective on Time
[38:33] - The Gift of Temporary and Eternal Time
[39:22] - The Call to Salvation
[40:49] - Final Thoughts and Blessing
[44:56] - Giving, Missions, and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Gift and Mystery of Time
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### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 1:3-5 (ESV)
> And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.
2. Revelation 21:3-7 (ESV)
> And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.”
3. Psalm 90:12 (ESV)
> So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Genesis 1:3-5, what did God do to mark the beginning of time on earth? How does the separation of light and darkness relate to our understanding of time? [16:25]
2. In Revelation 21:3-7, what are some of the things that will no longer exist in eternity with God? How is this different from our current experience of time? [19:58]
3. The sermon mentioned that “temporary time is not a constant; it is different for each of us, and none of us knows how much we have left.” What examples did the pastor give to illustrate this? [32:12]
4. Psalm 90:12 says, “So teach us to number our days.” What does it mean to “number our days” according to the sermon? [35:39]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon described time on earth as a “gift of grace and mercy from God, designed to give us the opportunity to choose whom we will serve.” Why might God have given us this temporary time instead of placing us directly into eternity? [38:33]
2. The pastor talked about how scientific discoveries, like Einstein’s theory of relativity, show that time is not as fixed as we think. How does this scientific mystery deepen our understanding of God’s sovereignty and our trust in Him? [10:18]
3. In Revelation, we see a picture of eternity where “the sun and moon are no longer needed, and there is no more night, sorrow, or pain.” How does this eternal perspective affect the way we view our current struggles and priorities? [19:58]
4. The sermon emphasized that “now is the day of salvation.” Why is it important not to delay in responding to God’s invitation, and how does the uncertainty of our time on earth make this urgent? [39:22]
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### Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “We cannot boast about tomorrow, for we do not know what it will bring.” Is there an area of your life where you have been putting off an important decision or step of faith? What would it look like to act on it this week? [35:39]
2. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” What is one practical way you can be more intentional with your time this month—whether in your relationships, your service, or your spiritual growth? [35:39]
3. The sermon described time as a “gift of grace and mercy.” How can you express gratitude for the time you have been given, especially in situations where you feel rushed, frustrated, or impatient? [38:33]
4. The reality of eternity gives ultimate significance to our choices now. Is there a relationship, habit, or priority in your life that needs to change in light of eternity? What is one step you can take this week to align your life more with God’s eternal purpose? [19:58]
5. The pastor mentioned that our time ends either at death or at the rapture, and after that, we step into eternity. How does this truth affect the way you view your daily routines and long-term plans? Are there things you would do differently if you lived with eternity in mind? [32:12]
6. The sermon encouraged us to “invest our time in what will last beyond this life.” What is one way you can give, serve, or love others this week that reflects an eternal mindset? [38:33]
7. The pastor led a prayer of salvation, reminding us that “today is the day of salvation.” If you have already made this decision, how can you share this urgency and hope with someone in your life who may not know Christ? If you haven’t, what is holding you back from responding today? [39:22]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for the gift of time, ask for wisdom to use it well, and pray for courage to make choices that honor Him and reflect an eternal perspective.
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