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Lesson 28 - Stewards of TimeIntroduction: God has made us stewards not only of the money and health He has given us, but of our time. Today's lesson is about this stewardship of time. 1. What illustration does the Bible use to show the brief nature of our earthly life? James 4:14 [The Further-study verse is Isa. 40:6-8] (James 4:14 NKJV) whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 2. Unless we are saved, we shall live only a short time. Thus, what should be our chief purpose in life? 1 Tim. 6:11, 12 (1 Timothy 6:11-12 NKJV) But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. {12} Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. [Note: Our major goal in life is to be saved and to help others be saved. Everything else is secondary. Ps. 37:9-11, 20, 35-38; Matt. 16:24-26] 3. What activities occupied the people before the flood? Were they concerned about their own salvation or the salvation of others? Matt. 24:37, 38 [Gen. 6:5] (Matthew 24:37-38 NKJV) "But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. {38} "For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, 4. After being converted, what use did Paul make of His time on earth? Phil. 3:13, 14 [2 Tim. 4:7, 8] (Philippians 3:13-14 NKJV) Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, {14} I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 5. Since most of us have already wasted much of the time allotted to us, as did the antediluvians, what should we do now? Eph. 5:15-20 [Col. 4:5] (Ephesians 5:15-20 NKJV) See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, {16} redeeming the time, because the days are evil. {17} Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. {18} And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, {19} speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, {20} giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 6. What does Jesus say about wasting time in worldly cares and activities in these last days? Luke 21:34-36 (Luke 21:34-36 NKJV) "But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. {35} "For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. {36} "Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man." [Note: "Only those who have been diligent students of the Scriptures and who have received the love of the truth will be shielded from the powerful delusion that takes the world captive .... Satan will, if possible . . ., so arrange affairs as to hedge up their way, entangle them with earthly treasures, cause them to carry a heavy, wearisome burden, that their hearts may be overcharged with the cares of this life and the day of trial may come upon them as a thief."--The Great Controversy, p. 625. 2 Tim. 3:1, 4b] 7. In view of the above, what relationship should we maintain with worldly activities that merely consume our time or, worse yet, develop a taste for the common and trivial? Eph. 5:8-11 (Ephesians 5:8-11 NKJV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light {9} (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), {10} finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. {11} And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. [Note: "Card playing should be prohibited.... Evil angels are familiar guests in these places. There is nothing in such amusements beneficial to soul or body."--Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 652. What do you think about dancing and gambling? 2 Tim. 2:22; Ibid., vol. 1, p. 514] 8. On what kind of subjects should we focus our time and thoughts? Phil. 4:8 (Philippians 4:8 NKJV) Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy; meditate on these things. [Note: In general, movies not only consume time, they lead to sinful, lustful thoughts, and should likewise be discarded by Christians. Most television programs do not even meet Paul's first requirement--"whatever things are true." Most, like novels, are fictitious. 2 Cor. 3:18] 9. How compatible is Christianity with worldly activities and friendships? 2 Cor. 6:14, 17, 18; 7:1 [1 John 2:15-17; James 4:4; 3:11-13] (2 Corinthians 6:14 NKJV) Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:17-18 NKJV) Therefore "Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you." {18} "I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty." (2 Corinthians 7:1 NKJV) Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 10. What did Jesus say about the man who was saved from sin but did not then spend his time wisely in doing good? Luke 11:24-26 (Luke 11:24-26 NKJV) "When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest; and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' {25} "And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. {26} "Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first." [Note: If we would fill our minds with Bible truths and Christian songs instead of television and rock music, our Christian experience would grow. Our thoughts and our time need to be preoccupied with Christ so that Satan may find no entrance. Rom. 6:18, 19, 22; Rev. 3:20; Matt. 12:30] 11. What is one activity in which we can profitably participate? Matt. 18:20 (Matthew 18:20 NKJV) "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." [Note: "Those who are really seeking for communion with God will be seen at the prayer meeting."--Steps to Christ, p. 98. Acts 2:44-47] 12. To help us realize that our time belongs to God, He has reserved a special portion of time for Himself. What should we do on the Sabbath? Isa. 58:13, 14 (Isaiah 58:13-14 NKJV) "If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the LORD honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, {14} Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken." [Note: The Sabbath is not to be spent in idleness, but in attending church, visiting the sick, exploring God's nature, studying the Bible, praying, and enjoying Christian fellowship. Matt. 12:12] 13. What Sabbath activity becomes even more important as we near the time for Christ to return? Heb. 10:24, 25 [Lev. 23:3; Luke 4:16] (Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV) And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, {25} not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. 14. What weekday activities are inappropriate during the holy hours of the Sabbath? Neh. 13:15-18 (Nehemiah 13:15-18 NKJV) In those days I saw people in Judah treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and loading donkeys with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I warned them about the day on which they were selling provisions. {16} Men of Tyre dwelt there also, who brought in fish and all kinds of goods, and sold them on the Sabbath to the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. {17} Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, "What evil thing is this that you do, by which you profane the Sabbath day? {18} "Did not your fathers do thus, and did not our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Yet you bring added wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath." [Note: Buying and selling, engaging in sports, watching television, washing cars, cleaning the house, etc., are our own works. Even our Sabbath meals, God says, should be prepared as much as possible before the Sabbath begins so that we can spend our time with Him. Ex. 16:23; Isa. 58:13, 14] 15. Satan works tirelessly to get us to put off spending time with Jesus. What does Paul warn about this fatal delay? Heb. 3:12-15 [Acts 24:25] (Hebrews 3:12-15 NKJV) Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; {13} but exhort one another daily, while it is called "Today," lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. {14} For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, {15} while it is said: "Today, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion." Commitment: We are each the product of the way we spend our time. If we spend our time with Jesus we will become more like Him, but if we spend it with the world and in worldly activities we will become like it. Let us spend the first part of each day with Jesus, and then keep Him with us throughout the day as we travel, work, play, or socialize. Our sojourn in this world is short. Will you just now vow to please Jesus by being a faithful steward of your time?
Further Study VersesQuestion 1 - Further Study (Isaiah 40:6-8 NKJV) The voice said, "Cry out!" And he said, "What shall I cry?" "All flesh is grass, And all its loveliness is like the flower of the field. {7} The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the LORD blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. {8} The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." -->Back to Study Question 2 - Further Study (Psalms 37:9-11 NKJV) For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth. {10} For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more; Indeed, you will look carefully for his place, But it shall be no more. {11} But the meek shall inherit the earth, And shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. (Psalms 37:20 NKJV) But the wicked shall perish; And the enemies of the LORD, Like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away. (Psalms 37:35-38 NKJV) I have seen the wicked in great power, And spreading himself like a native green tree. {36} Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more; Indeed I sought him, but he could not be found. {37} Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; For the future of that man is peace. {38} But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; The future of the wicked shall be cut off. (Matthew 16:24-26 NKJV) Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. {25} "For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it. {26} "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? -->Back to Study Question 3 - Further Study (Genesis 6:5 NKJV) Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. -->Back to Study Question 4 - Further Study (2 Timothy 4:7-8 NKJV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. {8} Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. -->Back to Study Question 5 - Further Study (Colossians 4:5 NKJV) Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. -->Back to Study Question 6 - Further Study (2 Timothy 3:1 NKJV) But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: (2 Timothy 3:4 NKJV) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, -->Back to Study Question 7 - Further Study (2 Timothy 2:22 NKJV) Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. -->Back to Study Question 8 - Further Study (2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV) But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. -->Back to Study Question 9 - Further Study (James 3:11-13 NKJV) Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? {12} Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. {13} Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. (James 4:4 NKJV) Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. (1 John 2:15-17 NKJV) Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. {16} For all that is in the world; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life; is not of the Father but is of the world. {17} And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. -->Back to Study Question 10 - Further Study (Romans 6:18-19 NKJV) And having been set free from sin, you became slaves of righteousness. {19} I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness. (Romans 6:22 NKJV) But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. (Revelation 3:20 NKJV) "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. (Matthew 12:30 NKJV) "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad. -->Back to Study Question 11 - Further Study (Acts 2:44-47 NKJV) Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, {45} and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. {46} So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, {47} praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. -->Back to Study Question 12 - Further Study (Matthew 12:12 NKJV) "Of how much more value then is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath." -->Back to Study Question 13 - Further Study (Leviticus 23:3 NKJV) 'Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. (Luke 4:16 NKJV) So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read. -->Back to Study Question 14 - Further Study (Exodus 16:23 NKJV) Then he said to them, "This is what the LORD has said: 'Tomorrow is a Sabbath rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. Bake what you will bake today, and boil what you will boil; and lay up for yourselves all that remains, to be kept until morning.'" (Isaiah 58:13-14 NKJV) "If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, From doing your pleasure on My holy day, And call the Sabbath a delight, The holy day of the LORD honorable, And shall honor Him, not doing your own ways, Nor finding your own pleasure, Nor speaking your own words, {14} Then you shall delight yourself in the LORD; And I will cause you to ride on the high hills of the earth, And feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. The mouth of the LORD has spoken." -->Back to Study Question 15 - Further Study (Acts 24:25 NKJV) Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, "Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you." -->Back to Study
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