REDEEMING THE TIME

REDEEMING THE TIME

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 5:15-17

Key Verse: “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” — Ephesians 5:16 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Psalm 90:12; Ecclesiastes 3:1; Colossians 4:5; John 9:4; Proverbs 6:6–11; James 4:13-15.

Description: This message teaches believers to use their God-given time wisely, seize opportunities for righteousness, and fulfil their divine assignments before their opportunities pass.

INTRODUCTION

Time is one of the most valuable gifts God has given humanity. Money that is lost may be recovered, possessions that are destroyed may be replaced, and opportunities that disappear may sometimes return, but time that has passed can never be recovered. Every person receives the same twenty-four hours each day, yet people achieve different results because they use their time differently. The difference between a fruitful life and a wasted life is often found in how available time is managed.

In Ephesians 5:15-17, Paul instructs believers to walk carefully, not as fools but as wise people, redeeming the time because the days are evil. The word redeeming carries the idea of buying up or making the most of an opportunity. Paul is not merely speaking about clock management; he is calling Christians to live purposefully in a world filled with distractions, temptations, and competing priorities. We must recognise opportunities to serve God, grow spiritually, help others, and fulfil our responsibilities.

God has given every believer a purpose, but the fulfilment of that purpose requires wise use of time. Prayer must not always be postponed, the Word of God must not be neglected, and opportunities to do good must not be wasted. We cannot control every circumstance, but we can choose how we respond to the time and opportunities God places before us. To redeem the time is to live intentionally, wisely, and faithfully for the glory of God.

1. UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF TIME

Before we can redeem time, we must recognise its value. People often waste what they do not appreciate. When time is treated as an unlimited resource, important responsibilities are postponed and meaningful opportunities are neglected.

A wise believer understands that life is a stewardship entrusted by God. Our days, abilities, opportunities, and responsibilities should be used in ways that honour Him. We must learn to distinguish between activities that merely occupy us and activities that contribute to God's purpose for our lives.

a) Life Is Brief and Must Be Used Wisely (Psalm 90:10-12)

Moses prayed that God would teach His people to number their days so that they might apply their hearts unto wisdom. This prayer recognises the brevity of human life and the importance of living with an eternal perspective.

We often plan as though we have unlimited time. We postpone reconciliation, spiritual growth, evangelism, and important responsibilities because we assume there will always be another opportunity. However, the uncertainty of life reminds us to take today's responsibilities seriously.

Practical Application: Begin each day with a sense of purpose. Ask God to help you use your time wisely, fulfil your responsibilities, and make choices that have lasting value.

b) Every Season Has Its Purpose (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

The Bible teaches that there is a season for everything and a time for every purpose under heaven. Different seasons bring different responsibilities and opportunities.

There is a time to learn, a time to work, a time to build relationships, a time to serve, and a time to rest. Wisdom involves recognising the demands of the present season rather than spending all our energy on activities that are not our current priority.

Practical Application: Identify the responsibilities that belong to your present season of life. Give them appropriate attention instead of constantly comparing your journey with someone else's.

c) Time Lost Cannot Be Recovered (John 9:4)

Jesus said that He must work the works of the One who sent Him while it was day, because the night was coming when no one could work. He understood the urgency of His earthly assignment.

This teaches us not to postpone important acts of obedience. There are people we can encourage today, responsibilities we must fulfil now, and opportunities to serve that may not remain available indefinitely.

Practical Application: Stop postponing important duties. If you need to apologise, begin a necessary task, encourage someone, or share the Gospel, take the appropriate step without unnecessary delay.

d) Your Time Reveals Your Priorities (Matthew 6:21)

Jesus taught that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. Although this verse speaks directly about treasure, it also challenges us to examine what receives our attention and devotion.

We may claim that God, family, and spiritual growth are important, but our daily schedules often reveal our actual priorities. Redeeming the time requires bringing our use of time into agreement with what we profess to value.

Practical Application: Review how you spend your time each week. Identify activities that consistently displace prayer, family responsibilities, meaningful work, or service to God, and make necessary adjustments.

Biblical Example: Jesus' Earthly Ministry (John 4:34; John 9:4)

Jesus lived with a clear understanding of His Father's will. He ministered to individuals, taught His disciples, healed the sick, and proclaimed the Kingdom of God. He did not allow distractions to erase His sense of mission. His example teaches us to live with purpose and to give attention to the work God has entrusted to us.

2. REMOVE THE THINGS THAT WASTE YOUR TIME

Redeeming the time requires more than creating a schedule. It also requires identifying and removing activities, habits, and attitudes that consume time without producing worthwhile results. Some distractions are obviously harmful, while others appear harmless but gradually displace important responsibilities.

A person may remain busy throughout the day and still make little progress towards meaningful goals. Busyness is not the same as fruitfulness. Wisdom helps us recognise what deserves our attention and what must be reduced, postponed, delegated, or abandoned.

a) Overcome Laziness and Procrastination (Proverbs 6:6-11)

Proverbs points to the ant as an example of diligence and preparation. The ant works without needing constant supervision and makes provision for the future. The passage warns against laziness and the gradual consequences of neglecting responsibility.

Procrastination often begins with the decision to delay a task until later. Repeated delays create unfinished work, missed opportunities, and unnecessary pressure. In spiritual matters, procrastination can also prevent us from obeying God's Word promptly.

Practical Application: Break large responsibilities into manageable tasks. Start with one necessary action today instead of waiting for the perfect moment.

b) Control Unnecessary Distractions (Hebrews 12:1)

Hebrews encourages believers to lay aside every weight and the sin that easily besets them so they can run with patience the race set before them. Some things may not be sinful in themselves, yet they can become weights when they consume time and attention needed for more important responsibilities.

Excessive entertainment, endless social media browsing, unnecessary arguments, and constant interruptions can reduce our effectiveness. We must be willing to evaluate our habits and establish boundaries.

Practical Application: Set reasonable limits on distracting activities. Keep your phone away during prayer, study, work, or important family conversations, and protect time for your priorities.

c) Avoid Fruitless Arguments (2 Timothy 2:23-24)

Paul warns against foolish and unlearned questions that generate strife. Some discussions produce understanding, but others simply consume time and create bitterness.

A wise believer recognises when a conversation is no longer constructive. We do not have to answer every provocation or participate in every online argument. Sometimes the wisest response is to remain calm, speak briefly, or withdraw respectfully.

Practical Application: Before engaging in a heated discussion, consider whether it will produce truth, peace, or useful action. Refuse to spend valuable time on quarrels that achieve nothing.

d) Learn to Say No to Wrong Priorities (Luke 10:40-42)

In the account of Martha and Mary, Martha was distracted by much serving, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet to hear His Word. Jesus corrected Martha's anxiety and affirmed the importance of Mary's choice.

Martha's service was not inherently wrong, but her distraction prevented her from giving attention to what was most important at that moment. Similarly, even good activities can become misplaced priorities when they consistently crowd out essential responsibilities.

Practical Application: Evaluate invitations and commitments before accepting them. Politely decline activities that would prevent you from fulfilling your primary responsibilities or maintaining your spiritual health.

Biblical Example: Nehemiah Refuses Distraction (Nehemiah 6:1-4)

Nehemiah's enemies repeatedly invited him to meet them, intending to interrupt the rebuilding work. He refused and remained focused on the assignment God had placed before him. His response teaches us that not every invitation deserves our attention. Sometimes redeeming the time requires refusing distractions so we can complete our God-given work.

3. USE YOUR TIME FOR GOD'S PURPOSE

The highest purpose of redeeming the time is not simply to become more productive or successful by worldly standards. It is to use our days in ways that honour God and fulfil the responsibilities He has entrusted to us.

Every believer has opportunities to grow in faith, serve others, build godly relationships, work with integrity, and make Christ known. We may not all have the same gifts or assignments, but each of us can use our time faithfully.

a) Seek First the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)

Jesus commands His followers to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This means that God's rule and righteousness must shape our priorities.

Seeking God's Kingdom first does not mean neglecting work, education, family, or other legitimate responsibilities. It means carrying out those responsibilities in ways that honour Him and refusing to allow worldly ambition to displace our devotion to Christ.

Practical Application: Build your schedule around your essential spiritual and practical responsibilities. Make time for worship, prayer, Scripture, family, work, and service rather than allowing less important activities to control your day.

b) Invest Time in Spiritual Growth (2 Peter 3:18)

Peter commands believers to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Spiritual growth requires intentional attention to God's Word, prayer, fellowship, obedience, and reflection.

We cannot expect to mature spiritually if we continually neglect the practices that strengthen our faith. Attending church is valuable, but personal devotion and daily obedience are also necessary.

Practical Application: Establish a regular time for Bible study and prayer. Set spiritual growth goals, such as reading through a biblical book, memorising Scripture, or strengthening a particular area of Christian character.

c) Use Opportunities to Do Good (Galatians 6:10)

Paul encourages believers to do good to all people, especially those who belong to the household of faith. Opportunities to help others are among the ways we can use our time meaningfully.

Doing good does not always require money or extraordinary effort. It may involve listening to someone who is discouraged, visiting a person who is lonely, helping a neighbour, mentoring a younger believer, or offering practical assistance to someone in need.

Practical Application: Look for one practical way to bless someone each day or week. Do not postpone every act of kindness until a more convenient season.

d) Make the Most of Opportunities to Share the Gospel (Colossians 4:5-6)

Paul instructs believers to walk in wisdom towards those who are outside the faith, redeeming the time, and to let their speech be gracious. This connects wise living with our witness to others.

People around us need opportunities to hear and see the truth of Christ. Our conversations, conduct, compassion, and readiness to explain our faith can help others understand the Gospel. We must be sensitive to opportunities without becoming harsh or forceful.

Practical Application: Pray for people who do not know Christ. Be prepared to explain the hope you have in Him, and use ordinary conversations as opportunities to demonstrate Christian love and share the Gospel appropriately.

Biblical Example: Esther Uses Her Opportunity (Esther 4:13-16)

When the Jewish people faced danger, Esther had an opportunity to approach the king and plead for their lives. Mordecai challenged her to consider whether she had come to the kingdom for such a time as that. Esther responded with courage and accepted the responsibility before her. Her story reminds us that certain opportunities require timely, courageous action. We must be ready to use our position and influence for the good of others.

4. PLAN WISELY AND REMAIN FAITHFUL

Redeeming the time requires intentional planning, but it also requires humility. We can organise our days and make responsible preparations, yet we must remember that our future remains in God's hands. Wise planning and dependence on God belong together.

A faithful believer does not merely make ambitious plans; that believer learns to set priorities, fulfil commitments, review progress, and adjust when circumstances change. We should work diligently without becoming enslaved to productivity, remembering that rest, worship, and relationships are also part of a balanced life.

a) Plan Your Activities Carefully (Proverbs 21:5)

Proverbs teaches that the plans of the diligent lead to profit, while haste leads to lack. This highlights the value of careful thought, preparation, and consistent effort.

A lack of planning can cause important tasks to be forgotten, responsibilities to clash, and opportunities to be missed. A simple daily or weekly plan can help us use our time more effectively.

Practical Application: Write down your most important responsibilities for the day. Arrange them according to importance, allow time for unexpected matters, and review what you have accomplished.

b) Commit Your Plans to God (Proverbs 16:3)

The Bible instructs us to commit our works to the Lord, and our thoughts will be established. This teaches us to seek God's guidance rather than depend solely on personal ambition.

Planning should begin with the question of whether our goals honour God. We should be willing to revise our plans when Scripture, wise counsel, or changing circumstances show that a different course is needed.

Practical Application: Pray over your plans and goals. Ask God for wisdom, examine your motives, and remain willing to make adjustments that align your actions with His principles.

c) Be Faithful in Small Responsibilities (Luke 16:10)

Jesus teaches that the person who is faithful in little will also be faithful in much. Faithfulness is demonstrated through ordinary responsibilities as well as major assignments.

Some people wait for a large opportunity before they become diligent, but God values faithfulness in the work already entrusted to us. Consistent attention to small duties develops discipline and trustworthiness.

Practical Application: Complete your current responsibilities with diligence. Be punctual, keep your promises, handle resources honestly, and do not despise small beginnings.

d) Remember That the Future Is in God's Hands (James 4:13-15)

James warns against boasting about tomorrow as though life and circumstances were entirely under our control. He reminds believers that life is like a vapour that appears briefly and then vanishes.

This passage does not condemn planning. It teaches us to plan humbly, acknowledging that our lives depend on God. We should work diligently today while trusting Him with the outcomes we cannot control.

Practical Application: Make responsible plans, but hold them with humility. Avoid boasting about the future, remain open to God's direction, and faithfully do what is right today.

Biblical Example: Joseph Prepares for the Famine (Genesis 41:33-36, 47-49)

After interpreting Pharaoh's dream, Joseph recommended that Egypt appoint a wise administrator and store food during the years of plenty. The plan prepared the nation for the famine that followed. Joseph's example demonstrates the importance of foresight, wise planning, and faithful administration. Redeeming the time includes preparing responsibly for future needs while making good use of present opportunities.

CONCLUSION

Ephesians 5:16 calls every believer to redeem the time because the days are evil. We must recognise the value of our days, remove unnecessary distractions, use our opportunities for God's purpose, and plan wisely while depending on Him. A fruitful life is not measured only by how busy we are, how much money we make, or how many achievements we accumulate. It is measured by our faithfulness to God and the way we use the time and resources He has entrusted to us.

Do not wait for another season before beginning to live purposefully. Start today. Restore your prayer life, return to the Word, fulfil neglected responsibilities, reconcile where necessary, serve others, and share the Gospel when opportunities arise. Ask God to teach you to number your days and apply your heart to wisdom. May the Lord help you use every season faithfully, complete your assignment, and finish your race with joy.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, teach me to number my days and walk in wisdom, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, deliver me from procrastination and wasted opportunities, in Jesus name.

3. Father, help me overcome distractions and wrong priorities, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, give me grace to seek Your Kingdom first, in Jesus name.

5. Father, help me grow daily in Your Word and in prayer, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, open my eyes to opportunities to serve others, in Jesus name.

7. Father, give me courage to share the Gospel with others, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, establish my plans according to Your will, in Jesus name.

9. Father, make me faithful in every responsibility You have given me, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, help me finish my assignment and my race faithfully, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are receiving wisdom to use your time purposefully.

2. You are breaking free from procrastination and destructive distractions.

3. You are recognising and seizing opportunities to do good.

4. You are growing in prayer, Scripture, and spiritual maturity.

5. You are putting God's Kingdom first in your daily decisions.

6. You are becoming more disciplined, diligent, and faithful.

7. You are using your gifts and opportunities to bless others.

8. You are walking in God's wisdom as you plan for the future.

9. You are fulfilling your God-given responsibilities with integrity.

10. You are redeeming the time and finishing your divine assignment faithfully, in the mighty name of Jesus.