1. The Stewardship of Time Eph. 5:15-16 1

2. Eph. 5:15-16 2 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

3. Eph. 5:15-16 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. 3

4. Stewardship Steward = One who is responsible to take care of what belongs to someone else 4

5. Gen. 39:5-6 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, …..And he left all that he had in Joseph's hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. 5

6. We Are Stewards Talents Time Possessions Carrying out the work of the church 6

7. 1 Cor. 4:2 “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.” “Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy.” (ESV) 7

8. We must be good stewards of the time God has given us! 8

9. I. We Must Take Time For God Mt. 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” 9

10. Col. 3:1-2 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 10

11. I. We Must Take Time For God We must never too busy, tired or pressured to give God the time and service He deserves from each of us 11

12. Mt. 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 12

13. I. We Must Take Time For God Time to read & study the Bible; pray; teach our families; praise God; teach the lost; help those in need; meditate on God and His word; 13

14. II. We Must Take Time For Church Activities We all have 168 hours per week What percentage of our time do we give to the Lord’s work? 14

15. III. We Must Take Time For Family Ps. 39:6 Surely every man walketh in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knoweth not who shall gather them 15

16. Lk. 12:20-21 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God 16

17. III. We Must Take Time For Family Time with our mates is short 1 Cor. 7:29 “But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none” 17

18. III. We Must Take Time For Family Time with our children is even shorter Eph. 6:4 “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” 18

19. Eph. 6:4 (ESV) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. 19

20. III. We Must Take Time For Family Time for attending worship; teaching our children; sharing time with our spouse; care for the family; care for aging parents; Make time today and avoid any regrets tomorrow 20

21. IV. We Must Take Some Time For Ourselves Genesis 24:63 “And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.” 21

22. Lk. 2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. 22

23. Mark 6:31 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. 23

24. IV. We Must Take Some Time For Ourselves Hobby; exercise; go to a museum with your family; watch a movie with your spouse; plant some flowers or work in the garden; mow your lawn; If done in the right way and within reason – this can help you 24

25. IV. We Must Take Some Time For Ourselves Work hard and from time to time “play hard” “Don’t try to relax while you work or work while you relax” Allen Webster 25

26. IV. We Must Take Some Time For Ourselves Take time for education and for your career The number one factor for success – Good time management (A. Webster quoting research by Forbes magazine) 26

27. Conclusion Time for God Time for the Lord’s church Time for family Time for self 27

28. Conclusion “Time is such a powerful force that it is given to us only in small doses” We need to use todays portion wisely 28

29. References Investing Time Wisely, Tract by Allen Webster 29

30. Graphics for Scriptures 30