Time: How Have You Been Enjoying Your Life?
Time, a precious and fleeting commodity, is a gift from God. How are we using it? Are we squandering it on fleeting pleasures, or are we investing it in eternal treasures? Psalm 90, a poignant reflection on the brevity of life, urges us to number our days, to understand the value of time and seek wisdom from God. Today, we will explore this wisdom and learn how to redeem our time for His glory.
I. The Urgency of Time: Why We Must Number Our Days (Psalm 90:1-11)
A. The Lord Is Our Lasting Dwelling Place (90:1, 2):
• Unlike the transient nature of our lives, God is eternal and unchanging. He is our true home.
B. God's Power Over Man (90:3):
• "You turn man to destruction..." God has the power to return us to dust, reminding us of our mortality.
C. The Deceptive Nature of Time (90:4; 2 Peter 3:8):
• "For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night."
• In God's perspective, our lifespan is a mere moment. Even Methuselah's lifespan is a blink of an eye to God.
• We must consider the difference between how we view time in anticipation versus how we view it in retrospect.
D. The Frailty of Human Life (90:5, 6):
• Like grass that withers, our lives are short and fragile.
E. Our Sins Are Exposed Before God (90:7, 8):
• Our sins, even the hidden ones, are laid bare before God's judgment.
F. The Sorrow of Our Years (90:9, 10):
• Even in our strength, our years are often marked by labor and sorrow.
G. The Misery of Eternity Without God (90:11; Romans 8:18):
• The sufferings of this present time are nothing compared to the eternal misery of those separated from God.
• "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18)
II. Redeeming the Time: Living Wisely (Ephesians 5:15, 16; 2 Peter 3:17, 18)
A. Walk Carefully (Ephesians 5:15, 16):
• "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
• We are called to live with intentionality and wisdom, not foolishly wasting our time.
B. Redeem the Time:
• "Redeeming the time" means buying back lost time, using it for God's purposes.
C. The Evil of the Days:
• The world is filled with temptations and distractions that seek to steal our time and draw us away from God.
D. Grow in Grace (2 Peter 3:17, 18):
• "You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led 1 away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. 2 Amen."
• We must grow in grace to avoid falling into sin, which wastes our lives and leads to destruction.
E. Sin Wastes Our Life:
• Sin is a thief that steals our time and leads us down a path to destruction.
III. How to Redeem Your Time:
A. Understanding God's Will (Ephesians 5:17):
• "Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is."
• Seek God's guidance and align your life with His purpose.
B. Being Filled With the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18; Luke 15:13, 14):
• "And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit."
• The fool's life is marked by dissipation and waste, while the Christian's life is filled with the Holy Spirit.
• Avoid the "prodigal son" lifestyle of wasting time.
C. Walking Wisely Among Outsiders (Colossians 4:5):
• "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time."
• Use your time to be a witness to the world, sharing the gospel and living a life that reflects Christ.
D. Spending Time in Family Togetherness and Instruction (Deuteronomy 11:18-21; Proverbs 3:1-6; 4:10-13):
• Invest time in nurturing your family, teaching them God's Word and building strong relationships.
• Pass down godly wisdom to the next generation.
- Preaching on Sow the Wind, and Reap the Whirlwind Hosea 8:7
- Preaching on Frailty of Man (Psalm 90:3-11)
- Preaching on Opportunities: Recognizing and Embracing
Conclusion:
Time is a gift from God, a precious opportunity to live for His glory. Let us number our days, recognizing their brevity and seeking wisdom from God. Let us redeem our time, walking wisely, understanding God's will, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Let us invest our time in relationships, in service, and in sharing the gospel. May our lives be a testament to God's grace and a reflection of His eternal love. Amen.
