A Case for Revival

 

A Case for Revival

Malachi 1:6-8

SUBJECT: NEGLECT OF WORSHIP

THEME: As We Serve God with Respect and Sincerity, Our Ministries Will Honor Him. This Must Be our Number One Priority in a Life of Worship.

RELEVANCE:  Have we succumbed to problems of neglect, expediency-convenience, and outright disobedience? Do we have a proper perspective of God, or do we doubt His faithfulness to His promises? Such opinions lead to widespread unfaithfulness, and it affects the worship of others. We need to renew our perspective, reestablish our hope, and promote a proper faithfulness to God.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  What sins were the priests committing as they carried on their duties in the restored temple? This showed in the way they kept up superficial religious behavior which insulted God.

2. Beloved, have we “despised” God by offering unacceptable worship in direct violation of the word? Are we treating God in a way that we would not dare treat our human or spiritual leaders, family members, or fellow church members (1:8). Perhaps it’s time for us to repent also (1:9)!  By our “polluted” worship, and meaningless church exercises we demonstrate our disrespect for God (1:12-14). Aren’t we making this same mistakes?

MESSAGE:

I.  Give God the Honor Worthy of His Name.   (Mal. 1:6-9)

God focuses on the priests, who should have been the spiritual leaders of the land. The priests were not giving honor to God’s name; they were taking the best for themselves.

A.  THE ALLEGATION (Mal. 1:6)

B.  THE VERIFICATION (Mal. 1:7-8)

They offered polluted bread and imperfect sacrifices and kept the best for themselves. We have in these words a case for genuine revival detailed that we would be wise to heed.

True revival is indicated by discovering again Bible truth, a returning to a sense that God Almighty is to be respected, reverenced, and the feared, and a recommitment to God through honest confession and complete repentance. There is a revived spiritual faithfulness on behalf of God’s people, and a commensurate restoration of authentic personal virtue and zeal for witnessing. Moses, Samuel, Elijah, Haggai, Josiah, and Nehemiah all experienced something quite similar connected with Bible revivals. Every revival in the Old Testament rested solidly on a new and powerful proclamation of the Word of God. The most obvious example is the revival under King Josiah (2 Chron. 34).

    1.  They Offered God Polluted Bread.  (Mal. 1:7)

       A.  The Offerings Were Supposed to be Holy.

            1.  Because They Belonged to God.

                  — What was consumed upon the altar was regarded as God's portion, and regarded as "the bread of God."

                  — Leviticus 21:6, They shall be holy unto their God, and not profane the name of their God: for the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and the bread of their God, they do offer: therefore they shall be holy. 

                  — The "polluted bread" was maimed and blemished sacrifices.

            2.  But the priests did not Value the Worship of God.

They show how little they valued worship by the contemptuous way it was performed.

            3.  The Prophet Malachi deals with the unfaithfulness, and the disregard of the priests.

                  — This signified the sad spiritual conditions, morals, and religion when the priests failed in their duty.         

                  — The way to national repentance could not be realized, until the spiritual leaders realized and sensed their obligations.

APPLICATION: What causes real spiritual revival then? True revival rests on rediscovery of the word of God, a restored sense of the fear of God, a return to God through confession and repentance, a renewed spiritual commitment as God's people, and certainly a reformation of distinctively Christian devotion. A desire to reach the lost is one outcome of real revival. Preachers should lead the way in this regard. Those who are exposed to the Word and God regularly through prayer should be the first to repent, get right with God, and lead the way to real revival, worship, witnessing, and devotion to God!

       B.  The Priest Were Supposed to be Holy.

            1.  Often the condition of our culture reveals the unfaithfulness of God’s “priests.”          

            2.  It is generally true that our culture is reflected in the moral standard of the believers and spiritual leaders. This is embodied in the saying, "Like priest, like people;" and it is a broader and more unsettling truth than is usually recognized.

            3.  The Christians and pastors are the moral barometers by which the atmosphere of their time can be known. The priests of Malachi's time revealed the moral and spiritual decline of the people.

            4.  The saddest sign of all was the degeneracy of the priesthood which Malachi, though perhaps himself a priest, was specially commissioned to denounce.

            5.  It may be shown that priestly indifference and unfaithfulness are products and results of neglected personal devotional life. So long as priestly duties are associated with heart-felt spiritual devotion they will be correctly performed.

            6.  When personal godliness fails, these duties become perfunctory, and then if they are kept up, the service begins to deteriorate. It is in maintaining the personal spiritual life that priests lead the nations and influence others.

APPLICATION: Revival is needed when believers have strayed from God. 2 Chronicles 7:14, If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. It is vital that revivals take place periodically because they stir us and even cajole us to have an awakening and renewal to the Lord. Revival awakens us to the same joy that we had when we first trusted Jesus as our Savior and Lord. It helps us to desire to know God better and to grow in our relationship with Him. Such renewal should start with preachers…us who are exposed to the Most High often should live in the reality of revival! Historically, revivals share a common origin with anxious believers desperately seeking God in prayer.

          C.  The People Were Supposed to be Holy.

The culture is recovered by the recovery of the “priests.” Therefore, Malachi appeals to them.

            1.  It may be that the priests are the last to yield to the society evils; but they must always be the first recovered.

            2.  They must become forces on the side of Christ in the restoration of moral health to a nation.                               

            3.  Revivals are always hopeless things unless their first effect is the spiritual revival of the preachers.

APPLICATION:  God is worthy of great respect (Ex 3:5). Exodus 3:5, And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. At God's command, Moses removed his sandals and covered his face. Taking off his shoes was an act of reverence, conveying his own unworthiness before God. God is our friend, but he is also our sovereign Lord. To approach him frivolously shows a lack of respect and sincerity. When you come to God in worship, do you approach him casually, or do you come as though you were an invited guest before a king? I know we are wanted at the “throne of Grace” and the Lord Jesus our great high priest gives us the right to be there (Heb. 4:14-16), but none of these facts encourages us to be casual…relaxed…and everyday-ish with Almighty God! If necessary, adjust your attitude so it is suitable for approaching a holy God.

APPLICATION: One of the first hindrances to true revival is a misunderstanding of the very nature of true revival. They are first for believers and not the lost unconverted. The goal is to reach believers through which the unsaved will be addressed with the Word. Additionally, we can have a scheduled meeting, but God must revive! Even when people think they can conjure up revival with fanaticism, or by diminishing the truth of the Bible, it hinders the Spirit of God and the work of true revival. Thirdly, worldliness, secularism, externalism, and materialism embraced by church members is a tremendous obstacle to revival! God can indeed revive a carnal believer, but a carnal believer will not sustain revival encouragements, appetites, and reinforcements without serious changes. Are we willing to change that God can sustain revival in our lives? Remember we were dead in trespasses and sins! Colossians 2:13-14, And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; (See also Eph. 2:1, 5)

APPLICATION: Without life sustaining sound doctrine, the revival meeting excitement will be nothing but noise. Acts 2:42, And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Sustaining a revival requires wholesome and healthy teaching, pinned, and focused on the word of God. After hearing Peter speak and being moved by his account, the people in Acts 2 continued with Peter's doctrine before anything else. Also to sustain revival, we need to identify what sparks it in the first place. While we cannot predict when the next great revival will happen in America or the world, we can take faithful steps to sustain it with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Again, the purpose of revival is to restore the presence of God in our lives and bring us back into right relationship with the Father. It awakens the hearts of God’s people. Remember revival is needed when believers have strayed from God.

    2.  They Ignored God’s Laws of Sacrifices.  (Mal. 1:8)

The Levitical system very rigorously demanded that only sound and clean animals be presented in sacrifices.

        A.  The Law of Acceptable Sacrifices. (Lev. 22:17-25; Deut. 15:21)

Such rejectable offerings signaled just how low the priesthood had fallen in that day! When people are not careful, thoughtful, biblical, or respectful of their offerings to God, they have lost great respect for who he is really!

The priests; however, dismissed Almighty God! They did not value him greatly at all (see Lev 22:22, etc.). This sin of offering the imperfect to God can be seen in the following two ways.

        B.  Offer an Imperfect Gift to Your Friend.

Is it even good enough for your friends? Such gifts dishonor a friend, and morally degrades you as the giver. Is God in Christ our Friend? Think about an outdoor barbeque or grill…. Is this good enough for friends?  

        C.  Offer an Imperfect Gift to Your Governor. (Mal. 1:8)

If a man wants to show his respect to a governor, or to indicate his gratitude he would ensure that no flaw is in it; he selects the best possible options for the governor; he is most anxious about its being the very best! Isn’t God our supreme Governor? Then how can we fail to offer the very best possible to him?

        D.  Offer an Imperfect Gift to Your God.

Doesn’t God have more claim than either friend or governor to the perfect offering? How should we respond to (1) his authority; (2) his holiness; (3) his redemption?

APPLICATION: Though it happens without our purview, God searchingly scrutinizes all our worship, praises, testimonies, gifts, offerings, and sacrifices…he even searches our motives (1Cor. 3:1-15). God will one day examine and inspect our services to and through the body of Christ! The all-seeing God can detect when we offer less than our best, the errors, flaws, and mistakes in (1) our conduct of worship; (2) our deeds of kindness; (3) our actions of ministry and service. He can also observe our sincerity, carefulness, responsibility, and attitudes! It behooves us then to be purposeful, biblical, dutiful, transparent, faithful, and honest with Him always.

CONCLUSION:

The priests had “despised” God by offering unacceptable sacrifices in direct violation of the law (Mal. 1:6-8; see Deut 15:21). They were treating God in a way that they would not dare treat a human leader (1:8). Malachi called on them to repent (Mal. 1:9)!  By their “polluted” sacrifices and empty formalism they demonstrated their “contempt” for God (1:12-14). The priests were listlessly going through the motions….

Jesus Defeats the Devil: The Battle of the Flesh

 

 MATTHEW 4:1-4

THEME: Jesus indisputably triumphs over Satan to show us how to live for spiritual priorities instead of succumbing to the temptations to live for physical satisfactions first and foremost.

RELEVANCE: Jesus is tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the great Conqueror. This temptation is necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The devil will encourage us to adopt a value system that places an unhealthy emphasis on physical and material needs, but Jesus un-mistakenly points out our real priorities. In addition, He exposes Satan and his schemes, while crushing him most convincingly. Because of His victory, we can win against the tempter. 

INTRODUCTION:

From the high and holy experience of blessing at the Jordan, Jesus is led into the wilderness for testing. Yes, the Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil. Jesus was not tested so that the Father could learn anything about His Son, for the Father had already given Jesus His divine approval.

Just as the first Adam met Satan, so the Last Adam met the enemy (1 Cor. 15:45). Adam met Satan in a beautiful Garden, but Jesus met him in a terrible wilderness. Adam had everything he needed, but Jesus was hungry after forty days of fasting. Adam lost the battle and plunged humanity into sin and death. But Jesus won the battle and went on to defeat Satan in more battles, culminating in His final victory on the cross (John 12:31; Col. 2:15).^[1]

Truly the Lord Jesus is a victor, winner, and champion!

John 12:31, Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Col. 2:15, And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 

LESSON:

Jesus Defeats The Devil (Matt. 4:1-4):

Jesus is led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan.

It may seem strange that Jesus should be “led up of the Spirit” into temptation (vs. 4:1). Why should the Holy Spirit lead Him into such an encounter? The answer is that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. The first Adam proved his unfitness for dominion when he met the adversary in the Garden of Eden. Here the last Adam meets the devil in a head-on confrontation and emerges unscathed.^[2]

The word “tempted” has two meanings: (1) to test, try, prove, or to make proof of (John 6:6; 2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 11:17); and (2) to solicit to evil—to entice to do wrong. The Holy Spirit along with the Father sought occasion to test, prove or demonstrate the high and unique quality of Christ’s nature and character. But, the “devil” sought to lure Him to do evil. God Himself is never personally responsible for temptations to practice sin (James 1:13), but here—as in the book of Job—God uses even satanic temptations to serve His sovereign purposes. The Scriptures record how Christ was tempted in all points but He remains free of sin (Heb. 4:15; 1 John 2:16). As typical of him, Satan appeals to our Lord with his favorite tricks, “the lust of the flesh” (vv. 2, 3); “the lust of the eyes” (vv. 8, 9); and “the pride of life” (vv. 5, 6).

The Attacks of the Adversary (Matt. 4:2-11)

After fasting forty days and forty nights, Jesus was hungry—famished from a necessary privation. The number forty in Scripture is frequently indicative of situations of testing or probation. This natural appetite of hunger, like so many others, provides the tempter with an advantage, which in many people he can exploit and manipulate. The Devil often perverts what God intended for good and uses it for evil. It is vital we understand this experience was absolutely necessary according to the Holy Spirit’s direction—a time of testing, endurance, and obedience until the tests are complete.  

Hebrews 5:8, Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

THE FIRST ATTACK—THE TEMPTATION TO LIVE FOR PERSONAL NEEDS AND TO PROVIDE FOR YOURSELF INDEPENDENTLY OF GOD (Matt. 4:2-4) 

The Temptation of the Flesh (Matt. 4:2-3):

Satan challenges Jesus to change the stones into loaves of bread!

Matthew 4:2-4, And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 

Satan suggests that Jesus use his miraculous power to convert the stones of the desert into loaves of bread. The words, “If Thou be the Son of God,” does not mean that Satan doubted who Jesus was. No, Satan knew full well and exactly who he was dealing with. Satan was actually saying, “Since You are the Son of God.” The devil is alluding to the words of the Father to Jesus at the baptism, “This is My beloved Son.” The devil accepted the statement as true and, called on Jesus to exercise His power to satisfy His hunger. You know, sometimes the idea of wanting a miracle comes from the Devil and not our Lord. Miraculous solutions are great to witness and sometimes escape from difficulty or suffering is the Father’s will. But, not always! Please note the following observations. 

To fulfill a natural appetite by using divine power in response to Satan’s encouragements is a direct act of disobedience to God. As Christians we do not take marching orders from the Devil! This is the same appeal Satan enticed Eve with in the Garden of Eden in Genesis 3:6 (“good for food”). John classifies this temptation as “the lust of the flesh” (1 Jn. 2:16). Our corresponding temptation is to live for the gratification of natural desires, to choose a pathway of comfort instead of seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The devil says, “You have to live, don’t you?” Instead of trusting God for all our needs, we sometimes reserve the right to control matters that relate to our legitimate needs. We must resist the desire to be controlling and self-sufficient. It is always right to depend on God, His way and timing.

Temptations to live to satisfy personal needs and desires presents a challenge to our love for God, involves doubts and questions relative to the love of God and proposes a path that rivals the will of God. “Since You are God’s beloved Son, why doesn’t Your Father feed You?” Why does He put You into this terrible wilderness?” This temptation sounded like Satan’s words to Eve in Genesis 3! It is a subtle suggestion that our Father does not love us. In affect Satan says, “If God loved his children then why does he allow them to suffer?” “Why doesn’t your Father shield you from all painful experiences?” If Satan can provoke us to doubt God’s love and care for us then we will find it difficult to trust Him with our needs and the timing for His provisions in our lives. We will pursue our own will and methods to secure whatever we feel we need in whatever ways that produce the desired results. Such independent behavior does not honor the Lord.

Still there is another suggestion from the Devil: “Use your divine powers to meet your own needs.” When we put our physical needs ahead of our spiritual needs, we sin. All needs do not have the same priority or gravity. Spiritual concerns are far more important than our physical concerns. Both of these areas matter to the Lord, but spiritual needs are clearly weightier in God’s economy. We cannot allow the Devil to dictate our values system. When we allow circumstances to dictate our actions, instead of following God’s will, we sin. Too many of us look no further than to the situation, circumstances, or natural conditions to make decisions, but life is to be sanctified unto the purpose and glory of God. Jesus could have turned the stones into bread, but He would have been exercising His powers independently of the Father; and He came to obey the Father (John 5:30; 6:38). When we use our abilities, talents, strengths and skills in a manner that does not acknowledge God’s will, we sin. My sweet mother use to emphasize how we must use our powers wisely—just because you can do something does not mean that you should. Too many of us justify greed, excess, avarice, gluttony, extravagance, and luxurious living because we deem these lavish extras as needs. 

The Triumph Over the Desires of the Body (Matt. 4:4):

People have greater needs than their physical life; we must feed on every word of God to satisfy the spiritual life needs as a first priority. When this is the case, we will have the spiritual understanding to make sound decisions concerning our needs. Jesus’ answer directs us to trust God to provide for our needs…He can speak and our supply will be available to us. Now note what Jesus did in response to the Devil to defeat him concerning this temptation in the area of the flesh. 

The Lord Quotes Deuteronomy 8:3, to Defeat Satan’s First Temptation.

All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. 2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. 3 And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. 4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. 5 Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee.

When Israel was in a desert place and could not provide for their most basic needs, it was God who merely spoke and their needs were supplied. God gave them manna in the wilderness wanderings. Depending on God first and foremost for our physical needs must become our priority as well. Food is a need, companionship is a need, for some marriage is a need, a means of employment is a need, shelter is a need, and on the list goes. We must look to God to supply our physical and relational needs; we must not resort to compromise, shacking up, sleazy hock-ups, and lying on government applications to secure a social benefit.

We can follow God’s leadership and guidance obediently because we are confident of His love and care…we do not doubt that He will provide for our needs in His way and timing. We are less tempted to resort to lying, cheating, stealing, manipulating, or even working excessively to supply our needs independently of God. Remember, we can survive and be satisfied by the bread which God supplies, but bread acquired independently of God will leave you still wanting and longing for something more.

Jesus Answered The Temptation By Quoting Audibly The Word Of God to the Devil (Matt. 4:4). Matthew 4:4, But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.

It is written (γέγραπται). The perfect tense. “It has been written, and stands written.” The first recorded words of Jesus after his entrance upon his ministry are an assertion of the authority of scripture, and that though he had the fulness of the Spirit. When addressing man, our Lord seldom quoted scripture, but said, I say unto you. In answer to Satan he says, It is written.^[3]

The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17) is the Word of God and here Jesus shows us how to weld this most powerful sword in spiritual combat! Yes, it is an offensive weapon when used properly by God’s people. Give the devil the pure undiluted Word of God; our arguments are not wise or cleaver enough to win the day. Use God’s Book; quote it to the wicked one. The imagery of a sword relative to the Bible, the Word of God, is a primary idea the Bible repeatedly highlights (Heb. 4:12; Rev. 1:16; 2:16; 19:15). It denotes examination, judgment, and warfare!

Jesus’ example instructs us to speak God’s Word with insight and practical application to everyday situations, temptations, and challenges. Yes, even at times directly to the Devil also to remind him where our loyalties lie. The disciples of our Lord followed this example of addressing devils directly with a keen and practical understanding of the Scriptures and to cast them out (Matt. 17:14-21). However this ability was not to be taken presumptuously, it was only honored when genuine faith filled disciples of our Lord were on His mission and executing His will (Acts 19:11-18).  

In addition, always maintain uppermost in your mind the very character of the Word of God. It is faithful (2Tim. 2:11), confirmed (Heb. 2:3; 2Pet. 1:19) and it endureth forever (1Pet. 1:24-25). You are always correct to trust God’s prescriptions for everything that ails this life or afflicts our experience!

Our Lord’s example teaches that we don’t have to live without physical hungers, but we do have to live to obey God! Getting bread or being filled with bread is not the most important thing in life. While full obedience to every word of God is truly paramount. We should hunger for righteousness and thirst for obedience far more than mere material provisions! Sometimes it is the will of the Father for us to be hungry or to go without whatever to train us to trust Him to supply our needs. God revealed Himself throughout the Scriptures as the Lord God Almighty who meets and satisfies our deepest needs and desires. He has not changed! W. MacDonald says, “Since Jesus had received no instructions from the Father to turn stones into bread, He would not act on His own and thus obey Satan, no matter how intense His hunger.”

CONCLUSION:

The Holy Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil, and our Lord indisputably triumphs over Satan’s temptation to live for physical satisfaction as our first priority. Jesus was tempted so that every creature in heaven, on earth, or under the earth might know that Jesus Christ is the Conqueror. Are you convinced of this truth? Have your convictions about the Lord Jesus being a winner deepened and advanced? 

You may recall also that this temptation was necessary to demonstrate His moral fitness to do the work for which He had come into the world. God still uses such testing and challenges to prove our fitness and demonstrate our readiness to lead! 

Matthew’s record of these events exposes Satan and his tactics. What have you learned about the enemy’s attacks and seductions? Finally, please do not miss the all-important lesson that because of Christ’s victory, we can have victory over the tempter as well. But how? Well… by understand that nourishing the soul with the written Word and obeying God’s Word supersedes consuming physical food or satisfying temporal needs. Exalt spiritual pursuits in your value system! Yes, accordingly God’s Book is our spiritual food. 

In closing consider and even meditate on the values and priorities of the Lord Jesus in John 4:32-34, But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of. [33] Therefore said the disciples one to another, Hath any man brought him ought to eat? [34] Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.     

 

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^[1] Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 1, p. 18). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.

^[2] MacDonald, W. (1995). Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments. (A. Farstad, Ed.) (p. 1212). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

^[3] Vincent, M. R. (1887). Word studies in the New Testament (Vol. 1, p. 28). New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons.

Managing Our Priorities

MATTHEW 25:14-30

SUBJECT: STEWARDSHIP OF TIME

THEME: Biblical Stewardship Is the Key to Overcoming Financial Indebtedness and Bondage.  As Christians we are to faithfully, wisely, and diligently manage our Lord’s affairs, privileges, opportunities, and the property he has placed in our managerial care. Today we will learn about where our priorities should be concerning the stewardship of our time.

INTRODUCTION:

Today we want to look at one more extremely important area of Stewardship: Time. We look to Matt. 25 and the Parable of the Talents to identify this and others areas of Stewardship.

Matthew 25:14-15 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. ¹⁵And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.

Matt 25:19, After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

The lord in this parable along with these large sums of money also gave them time or opportunity to manage the money.  This indicated by the phrase in verse 19, “After a long time” which indicates the period that our Lord is away in Heaven and He has left us in charge of His assets.  One of the things He has left for us to manage is TIME.

LESSON:

I.  THE MANDATE TO REDEEM THE TIME

Ephes. 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

This precious verse teaches us to be disciplined time managers as Christians.  We must buy up every opportunity to execute the will of the Lord.

        A. TIME IS NOT THE PROBLEM; WE ALL HAVE AN EQUAL MEASURE OF IT!

"I don't have enough time" is the constant complaint of our average church member today.  Even myself, as I walk into the pulpit, I think “If I had a little more time, I would have put together a dynamite sermon.”  With some of us, as we come home from a meeting, a long work day, an exercise, a deployment, only to find the children are already in bed, we say, "I wish I had more time for my family." As we notice the thickness developing around the waist area, we wish for time to exercise.  As we sense a distancing in our relationship with our spouse, we say to ourselves, “I'm going to have to spend more time building this relationship.” Time! Why is this such a problem for the pastor, and everyone else here today? (Source Unknown)

                1.  Is the Time Crunch Really Felt by All of Us? Of course. Everyone has discretionary time to use (Unstructured Schedule), and everyone has interruptions (Unpredictable Schedule), and everyone has too much to do in the amount of time they have (Unrelenting Schedule).  Most people have to deal with these problems.

               2.  So What Can Be Done? Does Time Have to Be the Believer's Enemy? Does time have to be a destructive force in the Christian's home? Or can it become a friend? No simple solutions will suffice. The following suggestions, however, will pave the way to a more effective use of time.  We must first, however, understand where our Time Priorities should be.

       B.  A FAILURE TO REDEEM THE TIME IS THE PROBLEM!

Ephes. 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

             1.  Redeem Means to Buy Back or Buy up the Opportunities Afforded Us Through Wise Planning and Time Management.  Life is short, but we can make a meaningful impact on this world with the proper use of our time.  And since life is short take advantage of every second of life to maintain balance in your life and to address the priorities that God has established for you.

Time that is not managed is time that is wasted or spent for you by someone else.

           2.   Broken Promises Could Be Indicative of a Time Management Problem. 

If you find yourself always breaking promises to your children or your spouse or even if you struggle with being at work on time, then it could be an indication that you are not properly managing your time.  This could mean that you are not taking advantage of your opportunities to maintain time balance in your life.

Discipline yourself to manage your time. Structure your day as much as possible and weigh carefully the magnitude of the unpredictable “crises” that often come and demand your attention.  Again, we must first understand where our Time Priorities should be.

II.   THE GOOD STEWARD’S TIME PRIORITIES

Time is a commodity God gives equally to every man - yet the use (stewardship) of it varies greatly. Time is to be used wisely.

       A.  WE NEED TO SPEND QUIET TIME WITH OUR LORD

2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Philip. 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. ⁷And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Chapman's Rule Of Life

Dr. Wilbur Chapman had this which he called “My rule for Christian living”:

The rule that governs my life is this: anything that dims my vision of Christ, Or takes away my taste for Bible study, or cramps my prayer life, or makes Christian work difficult is wrong for me, and I must, as a Christian, turn away from it.”  This simple rule may help you find a safe road for your feet along life's road.

                  1.  Learn to Talk to God (Prayer)

                  2.  Learn to Listen to God (Devotional Bible Study)

                  3.  Learn to Tell Others About God (Witnessing)

       B.  WE NEED TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH OUR SPOUSE

             1.  Quality Time Involves Cleaving and Dwelling Together

Genesis 2:24 Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

1 Peter 3:7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.  (Spiritually, Intellectually, Physically, Philosophically (Common Goals).)

            2.  Quality Time Involves Cooperation With Each Other

Proverbs 31:10-12 Who can find a virtuous (Strong in all Moral Qualities) woman? for her price is far above rubies. ¹¹The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil (Honest and Private Gain) (She Cooperate with him and is profitable to her husband). ¹²She will do him good and not evil (mischief) all the days of her life.

Proverbs 25:24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling (Contentious or Fusing) woman and in a wide house.

               3.  Quality Time Involves Mutual Respect and Loving Consideration.

1 Cor. 7:3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence (Consideration/ Affection): and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

       C.  WE NEED TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH OUR CHILDREN.

              1.  Time Spent in the Word as a Family.

Psalm 78:3-6 Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. ⁴We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. ⁵For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: ⁶That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children:

               2.  Time Spent in Leading The Homes in Spiritual Matters. (Fathers not Mothers)

Genesis 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

                3.  Time Spent Training the Children for Real Life.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

       D.  WE NEED TO SPEND QUALITY TIME WITH OUR CHURCH

Have You Ever paid close attention to the “One Anothers” in scriptures?  They wonderfully instruct us concerning the Christian and his Fellowship/Relationship with his church family.

               1.  Realize That Together We Are One Body

Ephes. 4:25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Romans 12:5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

              2.  Realize Your Time and Fellowship Responsibilities as a Member of This Body

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.

Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

Romans 14:19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Galatians 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.

Galatians 5:26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

Ephes. 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Ephes. 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Ephes. 5:21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.

Col. 3:9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

       E.  WE NEED TO GIVE A HONEST DAYS WORK AT THE JOB/OFFICE

Ephes. 6:5-9 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; ⁶Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; ⁷With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: ⁸Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. ⁹And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.

CONCLUSION:                       TOO BUSY? STOP A MINUTE

"No time to read, no time to pray,

No time to serve the Lord today,

No time to teach in Sunday School,

No time - for life is very full.

No time to give a gospel tract,

No time to do a kindly act,

No time to seek as Jesus sought,

No time - for life is very short.

No time to call upon a friend,

No time, e'en though he's near the end,

No time to share another's care,

No time - for life is such a tear.

No time? How much is spent on self?

How much time on gaining worldly wealth?

How much on seeking place and ease?

Do you have time for only these?"

"Only one life, twill soon be Past, Only what's done for Christ will last."

As Christians we are to faithfully, wisely, and diligently manage our Lord’s affairs and property. Have I been faithful in managing the TIME my Lord has given to me?

If we are not careful, we could view God as being to harsh, and requiring too much from us.

If we are not careful, we will use excuses for not using our abilities and gifts to serve God.

If we are not careful, we will fail to place God’s Tithe where it belongs.

If we are not careful we could fail to manage our time and neglect a Prayer Time, Bible Study, Church Worship, and Time with the Family.

If Jesus called on us today to give account of our stewardship for him would he find us faithful, responsible, and diligent?

Or would our Lord find us negligent, and unfaithful?

Will you determine today to be faithful to every worship service?

Will you ask the lord to direct you in how he wants to use your time in your church?