Central Thought: Time is the most valuable resource that we have, a life of (strategic) wisdom is demonstrated by how we utilize our time (in relation to others).

Key Scripture: Colossians 4:2-6

Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

Introduction

Paul’s letters tend to have a similar structure. For example, he has his salutations, normally some deep theological truths, and some implications. Some of those implications are little bit systematic where he picks up on major relationships-husbands-wives-children-slaves. And he works through these in a systematic manner. Then he has some injunctions and instructions that he throws in towards the end. They are things that are important but are not developed in a systematic manner. The passage that we have read today is one of those s important but seemingly random injunctions. We want to spend time on this aspect of making the best use of our time.

Although we will be talking about things that we can and must do to redeem the time Paul’s little instructions, his injunctions are not random principles on how to live your best your life. Remember that Paul has earlier in the book outlined his great theological truth-in this case the supremacy of Christ. So, when Paul gives his instructions on living a Holy life, on treating people right and so on he is not presenting the pathway to live a “good” or to earn your way into heaven. Rather he is resting on the truth of the supremacy of Christ and his sacrifice on the cross. 

As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:8-9

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 

So here at ICA when you hear a sermon of great practical wisdom. Whether to improve your spiritual life, your romantic life, your work life, your school life etc. When you hear powerful messages that motivate you, you must place them in a gospel context.

All we are doing when we live the Christian life is to respond to this great salvation that he has lavished upon us. We are not good people, we are a gathering of people loved by God and bestowed with unmerited favour.

And yet we must respond! Verse 10 of Ephesians says;

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

So our life MUST count! 

So it is in that vein that we want to consider our scripture today. How are we to handle time as People that have been saved by Jesus?

As Moses, the Man of God, prayed in Psalm 90

1

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations.

2

Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.

3-4

You turn people back to dust, saying, “Return to dust, you mortals.” A thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night. 

10-12

Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.
If only we knew the power of your anger!
our wrath is as great as the fear that is your due. Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Living a life of wisdom requires that we recognize the limitations of time and act accordingly. Your life matters. Your time matters. God wants your life to count.

How to we redeem our time? There are three things that I can see in our main text that Paul mentions but all three of them relate to our Christian Testimony. What is our Christian Testimony? It is the sum total of what our life speaks about Christ. It is how we live out Jesus and what that communicates to the world Christian and non-Christian. 

3 Ways to Redeem Your Time

1.  Manage Your Conduct-Walk in wisdom
   • Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I am your masterpiece. Fill me with wisdom. Lord use my life to speak of your glory.
2. Manage Your Speech-Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt
   • Prayer: Lord I give you my lips!. Use my speech to be a blessing and not a curse
3. Manage Your Preparedness (To Evangelize)
   • Prayer-Lord help me redeem the time by being prepared to tell my story of hope in Jesus.

Conclusion

Redeeming the time-Our CONDUCT, our SPEECH, our EVANGELISM