Ephesians 5:15-18 - The Time of My Life
“15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit” —Ephesians 5:15–18
People waste their lives when…
… they are CAREFREE not CAREFUL
“15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.” —Proverbs 14:15
… they are UNWISE rather than WISE
“19 For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, “He catches the wise in their craftiness,”” —1 Corinthians 3:19
… they allow OKAY to detract from BEST
“23 “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up.” —1 Corinthians 10:23
… they pretend to have authority to decree what is GOOD and what is EVIL
“20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! 21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and shrewd in their own sight! 22 Woe to those who are heroes at drinking wine, and valiant men in mixing strong drink,” —Isaiah 5:20–22
BIG IDEA: WISE people CAREFULLY decide the BEST use of the TIME they have left. How much time do you want to spend…
… imbibing sin-exalting entertainment via cable, movies, streaming apps, etc.?
… ignoring real-life relationships by scrolling on social media?
… tricking your brain into thinking you’ve accomplished something with video games?
… objectifying people & creating unrealistic sexual expectations with pornography?
… harming your future marriage in dead-end “romantic” relationships?
… forfeiting your productivity being drunk, high, or hung over?
… meditating on evil others have committed against you?
… increasing anger and anxiety on news websites?
… making others rich through online shopping?
… sitting on your boat, in your camper, or at your lake house while the world burns?
… forfeiting your own dreams watching professional athletes live out their dreams?
… gaining deep understanding of truth that God is revealed in the Bible?
… accessing God’s power through prayer?
… cultivating a deep connection with the people you love the most?
… intentionally discipling your son or daughter?
… gaining financial peace and time freedom by honing lucrative skills?
… changing lives, culture, and eternity through serving with your church?
… recruiting friends, family, and enemies through evangelism?
Wisdom to consider when allotting time:
Your life is short (James 4:14 )
Time with your children is running out (Proverbs 22:6 + Psalm 90:12)
Your loved ones are going to die unexpectedly (Luke 12:20 )
You will not take possessions into the next life (Psalm 39:6 )
Most people are trying to impress are the wrong audience (Galatians 1:10 )
Your boss, your politicians, your friends, your family, your religious leaders, and your professors have no power to give you eternal life. God will not submit to their morals or their narratives, no matter how educated they are, how wealthy they are, or how numerous they are. (Matthew 7:13 )
Disciples of Jesus who walk out allegiance to Him will inherit eternal life in the Kingdom of God, but He will destroy those who reject His authoritative Lordship. (John 3:16 + Romans 2:6–8 + Luke 14:27 + Luke 19:27 )
How do I give to 1MSO?
The people of One Missoula Church give tangible resources back to God in order to suffocate greed in our own lives and amplify the impact of the Gospel in the lives of others. We’ve removed every barrier and inconvenience to make this sacrificial act as accessible and simple as possible. At present, here are the avenues for this act of devotion:
- Sunday Morning – offering boxes on the communion tables at the back
- Snail Mail – postage-paid envelopes available
- Text “1MSO” to 406-631-3323
- Online at https://onemissoulachurch.com/give
- Via the One Missoula App under the “Giving” tab
