(Updated) Redeeming The Time

Redeeming the Time & Discovering Our Why in Christ

PART 1: Redeeming the Time – Managing Our Days for Christ

Introduction: Scripture Reading- Ephesians 5:15–16
Paul’s words in Philippians 1:12–14 show us that even in chains, God was redeeming Paul’s time for the gospel. His circumstances did not limit God’s purposes.
This lesson asks two questions:

How are we using our time?
Why are we here?

Ephesians 5:16 commands us to redeem the time, and Philippians 1 shows us what redeemed time looks like in real life.

I. The Gift of Time

Genesis 1:14–18; Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”; Philippians 1:12

God created time and entrusted it to us.
Psalm 90:12 teaches us to number our days with wisdom.
Philippians 1:12 shows Paul recognizing that even unwanted time—time in prison—can become gospel opportunity.

Illustration: The 86,400‑second bank account (seconds in a day).
Application: Time is not ours to waste; it is God’s gift for us to steward.

Transition: If time is a gift, how do we use it wisely?

II. The Call to Redeem

Ephesians 5:16 “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”; Philippians 1:12–14

“Redeem” means to buy back or maximize opportunity.
Paul redeemed his imprisonment by using it to advance the gospel.
His chains emboldened others to preach Christ.

Illustration: A wise investor maximizes return.
Application: Redeeming time means choosing Christ-centered priorities even when circumstances are difficult.

Transition: But what happens when we fail to redeem the time?

III. The Danger of Waste

Proverbs 6:9–11 “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? when wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth, and thy want as an armed man.”; Matthew 25:14–30; Philippians 1:12–13

Scripture warns against sloth and wasted opportunity.
The servant who buried his talent wasted his moment.
Paul refused to waste even suffering—his hardship became a platform for Christ.

Illustration: A farmer who neglects planting season.
Application: Wasted time is wasted ministry.

Transition: So how do we practically redeem our time?

IV. Practical Stewardship of Time

Mark 1:35 “And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.”; Ecclesiastes 3:1 “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”; Philippians 1:15-18

Jesus prioritized prayer.
Scripture teaches balance.
Philippians 1:15-18: Paul refused to waste emotional energy on rivals—he focused on what mattered: Christ is preached.

Practical Steps:

Begin each day with Scripture and prayer.
Schedule time for family and ministry.
Guard against distractions that steal time.
Mental health is important too (time that you can use to do something that is just for you; this looks different for different people). Eccl. 12:11-14

Application: Redeeming time is not about busyness—it is about Christ-centered wisdom.

Conclusion

Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”
At the end of each day, ask yourself: Did I redeem my time for Christ today?
Invitation

PART 2: Discovering Our Why – Living with God’s Purpose

Introduction: Scripture Reading- Philippians 1:21
Paul’s Why was unmistakable: “For to me to live is Christ.”
Philippians 1:12–30 reveals a man whose purpose shaped his courage, his joy, his suffering, and his decisions.

I. The Foundation of Our Why

Isaiah 43:7”Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.”; Luke 2:49 “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?”; Philippians 1:20

We are created for God’s glory.
Jesus lived with a clear sense of mission.
Philippians 1:20: Paul’s deepest desire was that Christ be magnified in his body.

Illustration: A compass always points magnetic north (3-4 degrees east of true north for western Oklahoma).
Application: If our Why is not Christ-centered, it will collapse. God’s Word is our compass and how well we apply the knowledge we gain from it will depend on how far off of “true north” or Christ we will be.

Transition: How do we discover this Why? Through God’s wisdom.

II. Wisdom Through God’s Word

Proverbs 2:6 “For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.”; 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”; Philippians 1:19

God gives wisdom.
Scripture equips us for every good work.
Philippians 1:19: Paul trusted God to guide and sustain him through the prayers of the saints and the work of the Spirit (the Spirit works through the Word today).

Illustration: A builder needs a blueprint to complete his/her project.
Application: Without Scripture, our Why is guesswork.

Transition: And what does Scripture reveal about our Why? That we are created to serve.

III. The Why of Service

Ephesians 2:10 “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”; Rev. 4:8-11; (Galatians 5:13; Acts 20:24); Philippians 1:21–26

We are created for good works.
We serve one another in love.
Paul’s Why was to finish his course and testify of Christ.
Philippians 1:21–26: Paul’s purpose led him to serve God and fellow Christians sacrificially.

Illustration: A candle’s Why is to shine. (not burn & destroy)
Application: Service is not optional—it is our purpose.

Transition: So how do we discover and live out our Why?

IV. Practical Steps to Discover Your Why

Romans 12:6–8; James 1:5 “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”; Colossians 3:23–24 “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.”; Philippians 1:27–30

Identify your spiritual gifts.
Pray for wisdom.
Work heartily for the Lord.
Philippians 1:27–30 gives four markers of a Christ-centered Why:
- Conduct: Live worthy of the gospel.
- Unity: Strive together for the faith.
- Courage: Be unafraid in the face of opposition.
- Endurance: Accept suffering as part of following Christ.

Application: Your Why becomes clear as your daily choices align with eternal impact.

Conclusion

Philippians 1:21 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”
Invitation