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Now is the Time
Ephesians 5:15-18 (King James Version)
15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;
Magazines and television programs review the past CENTURY as well as make predictions about this one…
So here we are, already 9 YEARS into A NEW CENTURY
What do you think the future holds for this church?--- For your life?
Paul gave Godly advice on how to live as Christians.
There are four important lessons that we need to consider:
I)Realize that our time on this earth is limited.
Psalms 39:4 (King James Version)
4 LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.
Psalm 90:10 (King James Version)
10 The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
James 4:13-14 (King James Version)
13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
II)Make the most of every opportunity.
Paul gives us a reason,16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
A)Jesus said that Satan is a robber & a thief
1)one of the things he tries to rob from us is our time.
B)Even good things can make demands on our time.
C)Illus: Mary & Martha… Jesus told Martha that “only one thing is needed.”
1)one of the major problems of our time - worry & stress. it callED "overload.”
(1st)We’re overloaded with commitments.
(2nd)We’re overloaded with possessions.
(3rd)We’re overloaded with work.
(4th)We’re overloaded with information.
2)I believe we want to make the most of every opportunity,
(1st)so what are we to do? What Suffers.
Usually the church.
III)Understand what the Lord’s will is.
What do you think God’s will is for you.
IS your mind so saturated with REGRETSworry that you can’t think spiritual thoughts?
IS your LIFE so crowded that you don’t have time for the important things?
A)Read the Word
B)Pray
C)Obey
D)Learn how to live today.
1)The two greatest enemies of time are
(1st)regrets for things we did in the past,
(2nd)worry about what will happen to us in the future.
IV)Be Filled with the Spirit.
The “filling of the Spirit” in the life of a believer is “the controlling influence of the Spirit.”