Theme: Stewardship Topic: Stewardship of Time.
Main Texts: Eph 5:15-17, James 4:14,17, 2 Corinthians 6:1-4.
Key verse: Eph 5:15-16 “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (NIV)
Introduction:
The Bible teaches extensively about the stewardship of time, emphasizing that time, like money, talent, or possessions, is a gift from God that must be managed wisely and used purposefully for His glory. Unlike the other gifts, time cannot be recovered once spent, nor can it be developed. The Bible makes it clear that God is the creator and sustainer of time. We are merely stewards, not owners, of the time He gives us. From Psalm 31:15 we learn from David that our life and moments are under God’s control and Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 teaches that God has appointed specific times for every activity and event. We should live with the awareness that every moment is sacred and accountable to God even more so since life is short and our time on earth is a “mere vapor that is visible for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Like the morning mist that disappears with the sunrise, our lives here on earth are brief and uncertain. This reality should awaken us to the urgency of living intentionally. Psalm 90:12 tells us to “number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom,” recognizing that awareness of lifes brevity should produce not anxiety but wisdom that transforms how we invest each moment.
Q1. (1a) What does it mean to say that “our times are in God’s hands” (Psalm 31:15)? (1b) What do you understand Moses to mean by “teach us to number our days…” (Ps 90:12 (1c) How does seeing time in the light of James 4:14 change your perspective on how you spend your daily hours? What activities might you need to re-consider considering this reality?
Paragraph 2:
Wise stewardship means avoiding distractions, procrastination, and sin that rob time. It begins with setting the right spiritual priorities. Jesus’ teachings center on using our time and life’s priorities for eternal purposes (Matthew 6:33). Jesus also emphasized the urgency of fulfilling God’s mission before the opportunity passes (John 9:4). Our understanding of times value must lead to concrete action, for knowledge without application profits nothing (James 4:17). God has given us this present moment as the arena for responding to His grace and fulfilling our calling as His children. Jesus modeled perfect time stewardship. He lived with a sense of urgency, always aware that His earthly ministry had appointed limits. Likewise, we must recognize that our time on earth is a limited resource entrusted to us by God, and He will hold us accountable for how we used it. With that in mind, Paul exhorts believers to live intentionally, maximizing every moment for God’s purposes (Ephesians 5:15-16) and urges us to use time wisely, especially in how we relate to others and bear witness (Colossians 4:5).
Q2. (2a) Read John 9:4. How does this awareness of limited time affect your approach to opportunities for ministry and sharing the gospel? Why do you think we struggle with the urgency of “now” and tend to postpone kingdom work? (2b) If God were to review your schedule, what would it reveal about your values and priorities? (2c) What one thing do you know that God is calling you to do with your time that you have been postponing? Whats holding you back from acting on it today?
Paragraph 3:
Faithful stewardship of time requires us to live with integrity, ensuring that our use of time honors God and advances His kingdom rather than creating obstacles to the gospel. Each day presents us fresh opportunities to serve God, love others, invest in prayer, study the Scripture, share the gospel, and grow in Christlikeness. The question is not whether we have time – as we all receive the same 24 hours daily – but whether we steward our time wisely. We wont be judged by how much time we had but by what we did with the time He gave us. However, Stewardship doesn’t mean constant activity—it includes proper rest and renewal. Rest is part of divine rhythm and responsible time management. Time stewardship includes setting aside periods for worship, reflection, renewal and rejuvenation.
Q3. (3a) Read Romans 14:12. How does knowing that you will give an account to God affect your thinking about your planning and scheduling? (3b) How can you guard your time more effectively from “time thieves” that beset you? (3c) What practical changes could you make this week to use your time more wisely?
Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for the gift of our time. We pray for wisdom and grace to walk wisely,redeem the time and to live with eternal perspective, in Jesus name, Amen