Using Time Wisely: Avoiding Sin Through Discipline

Devotional

Day 1: God's Escape Routes in Temptation

In the face of temptation, God always provides a way out. The challenge lies not in the absence of escape but in our willingness to take it. Temptation is a common experience, and no one is exempt from its allure. However, the power of God equips us to overcome it. By being vigilant and attentive to the escape routes God provides, we can avoid falling into sin. It requires a conscious decision to choose God's path over our desires. [02:38]

1 Corinthians 10:13 (ESV): "No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."

Reflection: Identify a recurring temptation in your life. What practical steps can you take today to recognize and choose the escape route God provides?

Day 2: The Consequences of Misusing Time

David's story with Bathsheba illustrates the dangers of misusing time. Instead of being where he was supposed to be, David stayed behind, leading to his moral failure. This misuse of time is a common thread in many confessions of sin. When we are not where we should be, we become vulnerable to temptation. Time is a precious resource, and how we use it reflects our spiritual priorities. By aligning our time with God's purposes, we safeguard our spiritual integrity. [08:21]

Ephesians 5:15-16 (ESV): "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily schedule. Are there areas where you are misusing your time? How can you realign your activities to better serve God's purposes?

Day 3: The Strength of Self-Discipline

Uriah's example of self-discipline stands in stark contrast to David's lack of it. While David indulged in comfort, Uriah remained committed to his duties. Self-discipline is crucial in maintaining control over our actions and desires. It requires a conscious effort to prioritize God's will over our own. By exercising self-control, we can avoid the pitfalls of sin and live a life that honors God. [16:27]

Proverbs 25:28 (ESV): "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."

Reflection: Consider an area in your life where you struggle with self-discipline. What specific actions can you take to strengthen your self-control in this area?

Day 4: Guided by the Love of Christ

The love of Christ should be the guiding force in our lives, influencing our decisions and actions. By setting our minds on things above and living for the Lord, we can avoid falling into sin. The love of Christ compels us to live differently, prioritizing His kingdom over our desires. It is a transformative force that shapes our character and directs our paths. [24:27]

2 Corinthians 5:14-15 (ESV): "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."

Reflection: How does the love of Christ influence your daily decisions? What changes can you make to ensure His love is the guiding force in your life?

Day 5: The Eternal Value of Time

Time is a gift from God, and every moment is an opportunity to glorify Him. Misusing time can lead to vulnerability and sin, as seen in David's story. By being intentional with our time, we can serve the Lord and advance His kingdom. It requires a conscious effort to prioritize God's purposes over our own. Time is fleeting, and we must use it wisely to fulfill God's calling on our lives. [37:46]

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

Reflection: How are you currently using your time to glorify God? What changes can you make to ensure you are making the most of every moment for His kingdom?

Sermon Summary

Reflecting on the events of 2017, I am deeply grieved by the number of confessions of sexual sin within our church community. This sorrow stems from the realization that such falls into sin are not inevitable; they can be avoided through the power and grace of God. When I first came to faith, I was not taught about the victorious Christian life. Instead, I was comforted with the idea that even the Apostle Paul struggled with sin. However, the Bible teaches us that while perfection is not attainable, a clear change in direction is expected as the power of God works within us. No temptation is unique, and God always provides a way of escape. The issue is not the absence of escape but the refusal to take it.

The story of David and Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11 serves as a poignant example. David, a great man of God, fell into sin because he misused his time. Instead of being at war, where he should have been, he remained in Jerusalem, leading to his fall into adultery and murder. This misuse of time is a common factor among those who have confessed to falling into sin. Like David, many of us find ourselves in the wrong place at the wrong time, leading to vulnerability and sin.

The misuse of time is often rooted in selfishness. When we are not where we should be, we open ourselves up to temptation. Self-discipline and self-control are crucial in maintaining our spiritual integrity. The example of Uriah, who refused to indulge in comfort while his fellow soldiers were at war, highlights the importance of self-discipline. In contrast, David's lack of discipline led to his downfall.

We must be vigilant in how we use our time, recognizing that every moment is an opportunity to glorify God. The love of Christ should control us, guiding our decisions and actions. By setting our minds on things above and living for the Lord, we can avoid falling into sin. Let us strive to use our time wisely, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.

Key Takeaways

1. Discipline and Self-Control:** Uriah's example of self-discipline highlights the importance of maintaining control over our actions and desires. In contrast, David's lack of discipline led to his downfall. We must exercise self-control to avoid falling into sin. [16:27]
4. The Love of Christ as a Guide: The love of Christ should control us, guiding our decisions and actions. By setting our minds on things above and living for the Lord, we can avoid falling into sin and use our time wisely.

5. The Value of Time: Time is precious and should be used to glorify God. Every moment is an opportunity to serve the Lord, and we must be intentional in how we use our time. Misusing time can lead to vulnerability and sin.

** [16:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Reflections on 2017
[01:38] - The Grief of Sin
[02:24] - God's Provision of Escape
[03:16] - Ephesians 5 and Purity
[03:50] - Turning to 2 Samuel
[05:06] - David's Misuse of Time
[07:28] - Lessons from David's Fall
[08:21] - The Importance of Time Management
[10:14] - The Consequences of Remaining
[12:19] - The Danger of Pride
[13:10] - The Deceitfulness of Sin
[16:27] - Uriah's Self-Discipline
[18:03] - The Root of Selfishness
[24:27] - The Love of Christ Controls
[37:46] - The Value of Time

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

2 Samuel 11:1-5
1 Corinthians 10:12-13
Ephesians 5:3

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Observation Questions:

What was David doing when he first saw Bathsheba, and how did this lead to his sin? (2 Samuel 11:2-4)
According to 1 Corinthians 10:13, what does God provide for us when we face temptation? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about escape routes? [02:38]
In Ephesians 5:3, what behaviors are Christians instructed to avoid, and why is this significant in the context of the sermon? [03:00]
How does the sermon describe the role of time management in avoiding sin, particularly in David's story? [08:21]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the misuse of time contribute to vulnerability to sin, as illustrated by David's story? [08:21]
What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between self-discipline and spiritual integrity, using Uriah as an example? [16:27]
How does the love of Christ guide believers in making decisions, according to the sermon? [24:27]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that a lack of self-control can lead to a lack of intimacy with Christ? [38:59]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. How did it affect your spiritual life, and what could you have done differently? [01:18]
Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with self-discipline. What steps can you take this week to exercise more control in that area? [16:27]
How can you ensure that the love of Christ is the guiding force in your daily decisions? What practical steps can you take to keep your focus on Him? [24:27]
Consider your current use of time. Are there activities or habits that you need to change to better glorify God? How will you implement these changes? [27:23]
Think about a recent temptation you faced. Did you recognize the escape route God provided? How can you be more vigilant in identifying and taking these escape routes in the future? [02:38]
How can you cultivate a heart that seeks first the kingdom of God in your daily routine? What specific changes can you make to prioritize your spiritual growth? [23:05]
Reflect on the sermon’s message about the value of time. What is one practical way you can better manage your time to avoid falling into sin? [37:46]

Sermon Clips

When I was first converted I didn't I didn't hear triumphant Christianity where I came from I remember going to my youth leader and mentioning battles in these areas and he basically said well that's fine Paul the Apostle had the same thing he couldn't do the good he wanted to do it's no big deal if said there's even elders in this church they keep falling into this basically Comfort you're okay when you go to the Bible that's not what you find no you don't find perfection but you find a very clear change of direction that the power of God is working in the Christian. [00:01:51]

No temptation is overtaking is not common to man but God is faithful and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability but with temptation he'll also give a way of escape for every fall that someone in this church had into any sin last year there was a way of escape with every fall there's a way of escape that was refused that was not taken that was ignored. [00:02:27]

David remained at Jerusalem it happened late one afternoon when David arose from his couch was walking on the roof of the king's house that he saw from the roof a woman bathing and the woman was very beautiful and David sent and acquired about the woman and one said is this not is not this Bathsheba the daughter of Eliam the wife of Uriah the Hittite so David sent messengers and took her and she came to him and he lay with her now she had been purifying herself from her uncleanliness then she returned to her house and the woman conceived and she sent and told David I am pregnant. [00:05:41]

One way to look at David's fall into adultery is the misuse of his time the misuse of his time and as I look back on all these people in 2017 who came to me and said they fell into sexual sin you know one thing that is for certain about all of those people when you step back and look at it they missed youth their time at the time they should have been doing this just like David they remained and then late one afternoon they fell into deeper sin then before. [00:08:16]

When we are out of the way of our duty we are in the way of temptation so by misusing his time not being at war what he should by maining at the time when Kings go to war David put himself in a place where there was perfect provision to fall into sin in the midst of all the ease in his eye on that he had at that moment why war at that season they why go to war at that season they say that the rains were over during the spring and there was grass in the fields and fruit on the trees and the corn was right and so food for horses and Men was abundant so it was known as a custom this is when we go to war this is when we take our armies out there and go to war David remains he doesn't go to war. [00:09:23]

Some of you young people you know what everything would be different if you would use self-control get to bed at a decent hour not waste your time away on the evening on a computer on YouTube with all manner of related thumbnail videos that have inappropriate stuff in a vulnerable place tired just flooding in all this entertainment you'd be a lot better off going to bed waking up early and setting your face to see God like Christ arose while it was still dark he went to a desolate place and prayed. [00:11:04]

David he's not going the war when he should hear Uriah is being tempted by David to take the easy way but he knows the soldiers are out there and he thinks how can I do that this is a season not of peace but of war it's not time for me to be going to my wife I'll come at another time I'm in the middle of a battle I'm not going to soften the flesh up you could say was your ayahs perspective very commendable what he did here and David eventually he tried to get you right drunk to get him to go and sleep with his wife in order to get her to make it look like she got pregnant by him but even that Uriah did not give in to that. [00:16:22]

Every misuse of our time it's rooted in selfishness in some way or another if you look it back at every time you misuse your time in a way that did not honor and glorify God selfishness was involved selfishness causes you to be distracted constantly but death to self when you die to self you died the distractions you focus on the mission you think about Paul and Titus 2:6 he says likewise I urge the younger men to do what exercise self-control have control over appetites over passions. [00:17:44]

What we need is not more time management though that can be helpful what we need is a greater love for Christ and what he has done Paul said for the love of Christ controls me why because I made a simple conclusion that Christ died for me therefore I have died to myself and I no longer live for myself but I live for Christ who for my sake died and was raised again I mean how you use your time factors in to how close you are to Christ how close to Christ you are factors into your purity and if you're near to the Lord as Joseph was you will flee when Potiphar's wife comes tempting you. [00:24:21]

Psalm 90 12 he says teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom psalms 39 for oh lord make me know my end and what is the measure of my days let me know how fleeting I am obviously they're asking and pleading with that before God because what happens to us is we forget how fleeting we are we forget he says teach us to number our days we need to learn more to number our days to actually number them and realize I don't know how long I have to live. [00:25:03]

The use of our time everything we do takes place in time and eternity it's not stopping think of the decisions we make and part of my point in these things I'm sharing is the people from 2017 who came to me and they said that they had fallen into different different what forms of sexual sin or any sin when you looked at their life there was an undisciplined lack of self-control in the use of their time and that lack of discipline in the use of their time led to a lack of intimacy with Christ and that lack of intimacy with Christ ultimately leads to a lack of a passionate desire to be holy pleasing to Christ on this day and when you lose that zeal for good works for the Lord and you're pulled away by all these distractions and different things it's very easy to fall into sin it's very easy to give in to the lust of the flesh. [00:38:49]

Therefore this time is precious and it is invaluable and it is like liquid gold and I cannot waste it and I cannot squander one moment of time because it is in the proper and most efficient use of my time that I will glorify God if I use my time most wisely I can most glorify God with what is put in front of me so he said Edwards said I have no time to lose he would argue that riches can be lost and then later regained but not time once time is forfeited and lost it can never be replaced. [00:37:40]

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Using Time Wisely: Avoiding Sin Through Discipline

Devotional

Day 1: God's Escape Routes in Temptation

Day 2: The Consequences of Misusing Time

Day 3: The Strength of Self-Discipline

Day 4: Guided by the Love of Christ

Day 5: The Eternal Value of Time

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Using Time Wisely: Avoiding Sin Through Discipline

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