How long will a thing last? MTBF – “the average amount of time that a device or product functions before failing.” Customer reviews – how many stars? How many things have you purchased which proved to be a great waste of money?

The test of time Psalm 90:10-12 Job 38:2-4

Time’s test on things How long will we live? Luke 12:19,20 How does that compare to the life to come? Ecclesiastes 2:18-21 Where is value found in this life concerning “things?” 1Timothy 6:6-8; Ephesians 4:28 Value is found in the contentment in knowing God and thus knowing the proper place of things! Jews placed trust in physical temple – Jeremiah 7:3,4; Matthew 24:1,2

Time’s test on people Fools only care for the present – Ecclesiastes 7:4- 6; 2:14; Proverbs 17:12 Fools will lead you to great pain – Proverbs 13:19,20; 26:11; 27:22 Who should you choose to be closest to you? Proverbs 27:6,9,17 What does God’s wisdom tell us? Luke 1:6; 1 Corinthians 9:5; 1 Peter 3:7; Proverbs 31:10,11, 28,29

Time’s test on actions God pleads with us concerning sin and its consequences - Ezekiel 18:31,32; Matthew 23:37-39 God is holy & He will never change in His attitude towards sin God tells us what is wrong and then shows us the consequences – Romans 1:26-31 Men easily swayed to think they can avoid consequences – Galatians 6:7

Time’s test on actions Sexual immorality can affect your entire life – 1Corinthians 6:18; Proverbs 6:32-35 Consider the kind of teaching needed in the home and church: What happens to untaught child? Proverbs 29:15,17 What happens when church is not taught the “hard things?” 1 Corinthians 3:10-13

Time’s test on actions What kind of teaching is needed? Deuteronomy 6:7-9; Acts 20:26,27,31,32 Some substitute food & fun for teaching- John 6:26,27,44,45 Fruits of lack of teaching not immediately seen – many opt for the easiest course – some even want fewer assemblies and less teaching

Time’s test on our hearts Difference between physical & beautiful heart- 1 Peter 3:3,4 The world gives attention to the body – 1 Timothy 4:8 Consider physical beauty and God’s love in the marriage relationship

Time’s test on our hearts What are the most valuable things to place in the heart? Faith will cause us to see, stand & fight in this life Hope will cause us to see value & reject that which cannot profit us in eternity Faith & Hope will also end with the end of all physical thing – 2 Corinthians5:7; Roman 8:24,25

Time’s test on our hearts There is one thing that will last throughout eternity 1 Corinthians 13:13 NKJV 13 “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” Are you looking to that which will last? Psalms 46:1-3 NKJV 1 “God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, …”