In what ways can we prioritize God's will in our daily decisions? Redeeming the Time: Ephesians 5:16 “redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:16) Why Prioritizing God’s Will Matters • We are stewards of every moment (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Life is “a mist that appears for a little while” (James 4:14). • Seeking first His kingdom brings everything else into place (Matthew 6:33). • Obedience proves our love for Christ (John 14:23). Practical Ways to Put God’s Will First Each Day 1. Start in Surrender • Pray “Your will be done” (Matthew 6:10). • Present your body a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1–2). 2. Saturate Your Mind with Scripture • “Your word is a lamp to my feet” (Psalm 119:105). • Read, memorize, and meditate so the Word guides instinctively. 3. Consult the Word Before You Commit • Does it align with Colossians 3:17? • Reject anything Scripture forbids (Galatians 5:19-21). 4. Listen for the Spirit’s Prompting • Be “led by the Spirit” (Romans 8:14). • Create quiet space to notice conviction or peace. 5. Evaluate Opportunities by Eternal Value • Store treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). • Favor choices that advance the gospel and serve others (Philippians 2:3-4). 6. Guard the Gift of Time • Limit screen time and trivial pursuits (Proverbs 4:23). • Schedule margin for ministry, family, and rest. 7. Practice Immediate Obedience • “Be doers of the word” (James 1:22). • Delay often equals disobedience. 8. Build Accountability • Walk with the wise (Proverbs 13:20). • Invite trusted believers to review plans and priorities. Redeeming the Time in Specific Arenas • Work: Serve “as to the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24); excellence opens doors for witness. • Home: Teach Scripture diligently (Deuteronomy 6:6-7); model sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25). • Community: Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly (Micah 6:8); engage neighbors and public life. Guardrails Against Distraction • Identify and replace top time-wasters. • Set daily and weekly goals that reflect biblical priorities. • Keep a Sabbath rhythm; resting declares time belongs to God (Exodus 20:8-10). Living Wisely in Evil Days • Stay alert; the enemy prowls (1 Peter 5:8). • Turn hardship into gospel opportunity (Ephesians 2:10). • Let the hope of Christ’s return shape today’s choices (Titus 2:13). From Opportunity to Offering Every redeemed moment becomes worship. Aligning daily decisions with God’s revealed will lets His light shine through us and maximizes the time Christ has purchased for His people. |
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