REDEEMING THE TIME BECAUSE THE DAYS ARE EVIL

TITLE: REDEEMING THE TIME BECAUSE THE DAYS ARE EVIL

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:15-16 
Supporting Texts: Colossians 4:5, Psalm 90:12, Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

INTRODUCTION 
The Bible warns us that we live in evil days, and as believers, we are called to redeem the time. In Ephesians 5:16, Paul urges Christians to "make the most of every opportunity," recognizing that time is a precious commodity and the days are filled with challenges, temptations, and spiritual battles. Redeeming the time means living with intentionality, purpose, and urgency, knowing that our time on earth is short, and we must fulfill God’s will for our lives.

This sermon will explore the significance of redeeming the time, how to effectively use our time for God’s glory, and the dangers of wasted opportunities.

1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO REDEEM THE TIME? 

a) Living with a Sense of Urgency
To redeem the time means to live with an understanding that time is limited and must be used wisely. Every day presents opportunities to serve God, grow in faith, and impact the world for Christ. We cannot afford to waste time on trivial pursuits or sinful distractions, but instead, we must prioritize the things that matter eternally. Psalm 90:12 says, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."

b) Making the Most of Every Opportunity
Redeeming the time also means seizing every opportunity that comes our way to do good, share the gospel, and fulfill God’s purpose. The world is full of evil, and there is much work to be done. Colossians 4:5 advises us to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time."

Biblical Example: Nehemiah's Focus on Rebuilding the Walls (Nehemiah 4:1-6) 
Despite opposition and threats, Nehemiah and his team remained focused on their task to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. They worked diligently, redeeming the time to complete the work in record time. Nehemiah did not allow distractions or fear to derail the mission God had given him.

2. WHY MUST WE REDEEM THE TIME? 

a) The Days are Evil 
Ephesians 5:16 emphasizes that the days are evil, meaning that we live in a world filled with sin, corruption, and opposition to God's truth. As the end times draw near, evil and darkness will continue to increase (2 Timothy 3:1-5). This is why it is crucial for believers to walk circumspectly, not allowing the evil of the world to influence or derail them.

b) Time is a Limited Resource 
Time is one of the most valuable resources we have, but it is finite. Once time is gone, we can never get it back. James 4:14 reminds us that life is "a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." Because of this, we must use our time wisely and live purposefully for God.

Biblical Example: The Wise and Foolish Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) 
In the parable of the ten virgins, five were wise and prepared for the coming of the bridegroom, while the other five were foolish and wasted time. When the bridegroom arrived, only those who had redeemed the time were able to enter the banquet. This parable teaches the importance of being ready and not squandering the time we are given.

3. HOW TO REDEEM THE TIME
 
a) Prioritize Your Relationship with God
The first step to redeeming the time is to prioritize your relationship with God. This means making time for prayer, Bible study, and worship. Jesus taught in Matthew 6:33, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." When we put God first, everything else falls into place.

b) Live with Purpose and Focus 
To redeem the time, we must live purposefully, avoiding distractions and focusing on God’s call for our lives. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that "to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." Knowing your purpose in life helps you focus on what really matters and avoid time-wasting activities.

c) Avoid Procrastination and Laziness 
Procrastination is one of the greatest enemies of redeeming the time. Proverbs 6:9-11 warns against laziness, saying, "How long will you lie there, you sluggard? When will you get up from your sleep?" We must be diligent and proactive in doing God’s work and fulfilling our responsibilities.

Biblical Example: Apostle Paul’s Urgency in Ministry (Acts 20:24) 
Paul was a man who understood the importance of redeeming the time. He lived with a sense of urgency, declaring, "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me." Paul worked tirelessly, traveling and preaching the gospel, knowing that his time on earth was short.

4. THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT REDEEMING THE TIME 

a) Missed Opportunities 
When we fail to redeem the time, we miss opportunities to serve God, grow in our faith, and impact others for Christ. Once a moment is gone, we cannot get it back. Revelation 3:11 warns, "Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown." We must be vigilant to not miss divine opportunities.

b) Spiritual Decline and Stagnation 
Failure to redeem the time can lead to spiritual stagnation. When we waste time on worldly pursuits and neglect our spiritual responsibilities, we hinder our growth in Christ. Ephesians 4:14 warns against being immature and "tossed to and fro by the waves." Redeeming the time helps us stay grounded in our faith.

Biblical Example: Lot’s Wife (Genesis 19:15-26) 
When Lot and his family were warned to flee Sodom and Gomorrah, they were given specific instructions not to look back. Lot’s wife, however, disobeyed and looked back, leading to her destruction. This story illustrates the consequences of not redeeming the time and failing to heed God’s instructions.

CONCLUSION 
We are living in perilous times, and the urgency to redeem the time has never been greater. As believers, we must be intentional about how we use our time, focusing on fulfilling God's will and advancing His kingdom. Let us seek God daily, live purposefully, and seize every opportunity to do good, knowing that the days are evil.

PRAYER POINTS 
1. Father, help me to redeem the time and make the most of every opportunity for Your glory. 

2. Lord, teach me to number my days and live wisely in these evil times. 

3. Holy Spirit, guide me in every decision and help me prioritize what truly matters. 

4. Father, break the spirit of procrastination and laziness in my life. 

5. Lord, help me to walk circumspectly and avoid the distractions of the world. 

6. Father, fill me with a sense of urgency to fulfill Your purpose for my life. 

7. Lord, open my eyes to the opportunities You are placing before me. 

8. Father, give me strength to stand firm in faith in these evil days. 

9. Holy Spirit, empower me to live with focus and determination to fulfill my calling. 

10. Lord, help me to finish the race and fulfill my divine assignment without delay.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS 
1. You will walk with divine wisdom, redeeming every moment for the glory of God. 

2. In these evil days, you will stand firm and fulfill God's purpose for your life. 

3. Every wasted time is restored, and you shall make the most of every opportunity. 

4. The spirit of procrastination is broken over your life, and you will live with urgency. 

5. You will discern the times and seasons, and you will not miss your divine moments. 

6. In the days of adversity, you will rise with boldness and fulfill your calling. 

7. The Lord will guide your steps, and you will walk in purpose and power. 

8. Every distraction and hindrance to your destiny is removed in the name of Jesus. 

9. You will not miss the opportunities God has set before you, and you will finish your race strong. 

10. Your life will be a testimony of one who redeemed the time and lived for God's glory.