Redeeming The Time

 

From Wikimedia Commons, changed from PNG to JPG

Sunday's sermon, given by Scott Matthews, the following scriptures first focusing on four words:

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV)

Many people would chose Redeeming the time, which are not four words, leading me to believe more would choose the days are evil from personal knowledge. Looking around this world, we can see so many things acknowledged by society as evil - yet exist in functioning societies. 

In another set of Ephesians verses, I found a specific explanation of why:

"Their moral understanding is darkened and their reasoning is beclkouided. [Thkey are] alienated (estranged, self-banished)  from the life of God - witih no share in it. [This is] because of the ignorance - the want of knowledge and perception, the willful blindness - that is deep-seated in them, due to their hardness of heart (to the insensitiveness of their moral nature). In their spiritual apathy they have become callous and past feeling and reckless, and have abandoned themlves [a prey] to unbridles sensuality, eager and greedy to indulge in every form of impurity [ that their depraved desires may suggest and demand]. But you did not so learn Christ!"

That's from my Amplified New Testament, and I believe while it covers the following verses, it does so with explicit current words. Since that New Testament was published about 40 years ago, today's moral understandings may not recognize them, or this:

Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ; (Ephesians 4:18-20 KJV)

Determine for yourself  - do you see open evil in the world that touches our lives, family, friends, work, acquaintances, or our country? The remainder of Bro. Matthews' sermon dealt with the most likely remembered Redeeming the time, and how the Bible tells us to do this.

Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; (Ephesians 5:17-20 KJV)

The advice is in that verse, describing action we can take to bring change to our lives after we've begun to give thanks to God in the name of Jesus: be wise, understand God's will, don't let your mind be affected, make melody around you, give thanks, always. Paul wrote a list in another letter:

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 

See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. 

Rejoice evermore. 

Pray without ceasing. 

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

Quench not the Spirit. 

Despise not prophesyings. 

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 

Abstain from all appearance of evil. 

And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. 

(1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 KJV)

Is there anything in those verses you believe you cannot do? Why not? Let's discuss, if you would.

PS: This is not to be construed to be Bro. Matthews' sermon, but my own thoughts afterward. More of what he covered will be in my next blog.