Redeeming the Time: Part 2

The difference between those who are being purposeful and those who are not:

1.  One group effectively knows how to steward their time well, while the other one doesn’t.  

Colossians 4:5 (ESV) Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.

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

“Christians are solemnly obliged not to waste time.  Time stewarding is a command!” —Timothy Keller

2.  One group tends to compartmentalize their lives, while the other one doesn’t.

“Some of us have successfully compartmentalized our lives into two major categories:  Secular and Sacred.”  

• According to God, every single part of our lives is wrapped in divine purpose.

Our work! 

Genesis 2:15 (NIV) The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

• God created work. Therefore, work must be inherently good.

Genesis 3:17-19 (NLT) And to the man he said, “Since you listened to your wife and ate from the tree whose fruit I command you not to eat, the ground is cursed because of you.  All your life you will struggle to scratch a living from it. 18 It will grow thorns and thistles for you, though you will eat of its grains. 19 By the sweat of your brow will you have food to eat until you return to the ground from which you were made.  For you were made from dust, and to dust you will return.”

• Work is one of our original God-given responsibilities. And it was meant to be pleasing to Him, and purposeful (fulfilling) to us.

1.  God is interested in our jobs

Exodus 31:1-5 (NLT) Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood.  He is a master at every craft! 

Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry (service), for the edifying of the body of Christ…

“Our obedience is what makes our work sacred, not a job title.” 

2.  God is interested in our attitude 

What is your attitude concerning your job?

Colossians 3:17 (NLT) And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

Colossians 3:22-4:1 (NIV) Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism. 4:1 Master, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

• Jesus is our boss.

Psalm 100:2 (NKJV) Serve the Lord with gladness. 

3.  God is interested in our work ethic

Proverbs 6:6-11 (NIV) Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provision in summer and gathers its food at harvest.  How long will you lie there, you sluggard?  When will you get up from your sleep?  A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest — and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

• Laziness is not a trait God approves of.

1 Corinthians 15:58 (NLT) So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable.  Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

4.  God is interested in our provision

1 Timothy 5:8 (NKJV) But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 (NLT) Even while we were with you, we gave you this command:  “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” 11 Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. 12 We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living.

“True spirituality requires that we work diligently and provide for our own family.”