The disciple’s use of time The disciple’s use of time

A time for everything – Ecclesiastes 3 There is a time for everything, There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. a time for war and a time for peace.

Outline PrinciplesPractice

You were dead in your sins, You followed the ways of this world All of us lived…gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature, following its desires and thoughts We were by nature objects of wrath But God has made us alive with Christ, saved by grace through faith (and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God) – not by works… created in Christ Jesus to do good works What is a disciple? Ephesians 2

A radical change in heart, mind and outlook What is a disciple?

Ephesians 2:6: And God has raised us up with Christ and seated us in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus What does God want disciples for? Hebrews 10:19-22: Since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings

Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 What is the church for?

Where do I fit in? Where do I fit in? Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

Three pictures of discipleship (2 Timothy 2: 3-6) Three pictures of discipleship (2 Timothy 2: 3-6)

Some instructions (1) Some instructions (1) Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved…who correctly handles the word of truth Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved…who correctly handles the word of truth 2 Timothy 2: 15 Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Colossians 3: 17 Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Be wise in the way you act towards outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4: 5-6

Some instructions (2) Some instructions (2) Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity Ephesians 5: 15 Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect 1 Peter 3: 15 Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith 1 Peter 5: 5

Two tests 1. Does it please God and help my relationship with God? 2. Does it build up the church and further the church’s mission?

Practical questions Secular v Christian Fit, young, energetic v old, infirm Identifying gifts Self discipline Getting prepared “Busyness” and burnout Avoiding time wasting I’m discouraged

Summary We are saved to enjoy a new relationship with God We are saved to enjoy a new relationship with God We all have a mission We all have a mission We need to be wise in how we live We need to be wise in how we live We need to be prepared We need to be prepared We need to know the Word and how to correctly handle it We need to know the Word and how to correctly handle it We need to be self controlled and self disciplined We need to be self controlled and self disciplined It’s a team event It’s a team event