“Therefore, be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Eph. 5:15–17, NASB1995).

Your time is like money: It is either invested or spent. Whether you are rich or poor, no matter what part of the world you live in, you only have twenty-four hours in a day. In the bigger picture, God has given you a certain measure of time to live out your life in His will. Any time spent outside His will is forever lost; any time spent in His will is forever rewarded. Let’s take a look at some spiritual principles as they apply to your time and the will of God.

1. Paul’s advice for your time:
   
   a. Be careful with your time – This word means “looking around,” careful watching every moment. One moment of crossing the centerline in a car can alter the rest of your life and potentially end your life. A lifestyle of carefulness in how you walk can lengthen your days and make your time useful to God. Foolishness, drunkenness, and worthless wasting of our time is not the will of God.
   b. Make the most of your time – This word means to “redeem the time.” It came from the Roman marketplace where you purchased a commodity. It refers to “opportunities” in which you invest yourself. For example, “Chronos” is a word for “time” that means the passing of minutes, hours, etc. This word for “time” is “Kairos”: “time in strategic seasons and opportunities.” The more “accurate” you walk, the more “opportunities” you will have. God gives certain open doors of “Kairos” time in which to invest your “chronos” time.
   
   Question: How does foolishness and sloppiness in our lifestyle cause us to miss strategic opportunities?

2. Organizing your “chronos” time:
   
   a. A Sabbath – God took a Sabbath, a day to reflect on His labor. We are running seven days a week, working three jobs, living on “overdrive.” God told Israel to let the land lie “fallow” on every seventh year, and because they didn’t do it for 490 years, He removed them to captivity (Exod. 23:11)! It will eventually catch up to you if you don’t take a day of rest, worship, and reflection. In the New Testament, Sunday is called the “first day of the week!”
   b. Your day – Begin your day with a Bible reading plan and prayer. It does not waste your time; it saves your time. “If the ax is dull and he does not sharpen its edge, then he must exert more strength” (Eccl. 10:10). If you take time to pray, God will cause your contacts, connections, and meetings to move forward without frustration.
   c. Your week – Write down your five most important accomplishments for each day, and be sure you do those first. Always take time to minister to those in need (like the Good Samaritan). God will make up to you the time invested in others.
   
   Question: What are your biggest time-wasters, and how have you learned to overcome them?

3. Managing your “kairos” time:
   
   a. Wait for the right season for the will of God. Jesus’ brothers tried to force Him to go to Jerusalem, but He said, “My time is not yet here” (John 7:6). The will of God is two things: “opportunity plus timing.”
   b. Realize that every opportunity is not the will of God. Satan even sends along great-looking “opportunities” that will entrap you financially, legally, etc. You must fast and pray about new opportunities to see if it is the blessing of God or the deception of Satan.
   c. Commit to your opportunities from God. Someone has said, “Nothing of any significance ever happens before you commit ten years to it.” We want “instant” fruit and productivity, but it may be a long-range, strategic plan that fully develops that opportunity.
   d. Listen to the Holy Spirit: “be filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18). The Holy Spirit has the plan and the timing. Philip left the Samaritan revival and went down to the desert. The Spirit led him to a chariot carrying a high official of Ethiopia who was saved, baptized, and later founded the Ethiopian Coptic church!
   
   Question: What is one great opportunity you have right now, and why do you think it is the will of God for you?

App. Point: If you have not read Life 01, now would be a great time to learn more about who Jesus is and what He did for you. Many men have been exposed to, and even participated in, immoral practices and need a time of cleansing. The Freedom Encounter is a great place to receive healing and deliverance from your past. Ask your B-Group Leader about attending at the end of this semester. Do you have another man with whom you are accountable? If not, would you like one, or is that a future step for you?

Leader: Take a few minutes and lead your group in a new commitment to practice the will of God for their life. Challenge them to have an accountability partner that they can trust to encourage them through their challenges.