Redeeming the Time
We must seize and redeem special moments of opportunity in life, being spiritually alert and understanding God's will.
A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of seizing divine opportunities in his sermon 'Redeeming the Time.' He explains that the Greek term 'ton kairon' refers to specific moments filled with potential that must be grasped before they vanish, likening them to rare flowers in a desert or unique business opportunities. Simpson urges believers to be spiritually vigilant and wise, understanding God's will and acting decisively in moments that can lead to salvation, love, and victory over sin. He encourages the congregation to redeem these fleeting opportunities for spiritual growth and service.
Text
Two little words are found in the Greek version here-ton kairon. They are translated in the revised version, "Buying up for yourselves the opportunity." The two words ton kairon mean, literally, the opportunity. They do not refer to time in general, but to a special point in time, a juncture, a crisis. They refer to a moment full of possibilities quickly passing by, which we must seize and make the best of before it has passed away. It is intimated that there are not many such moments of opportunity, because the days are evil. These moments are like flowers which appear here and there in the barren desert: pluck them while you can.
Or they are like a business opportunity which comes once in a lifetime; buy it up while you have the chance.
Be spiritually alert; be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (v. 16). Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (v. 15), buying up for yourselves the opportunity. Sometimes it is a moment of time to be saved; sometimes a soul to be led to Christ; sometimes it is an occasion for love; sometimes for patience; sometimes for victory over temptation and sin. Let us redeem it.
Sermon Outline
- Understanding the Opportunity
- Seizing the Opportunity
- Redeeming the Opportunity
- Identify the moment of opportunity
- Seize it and make the best of it
Key Quotes
“Be spiritually alert; be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (v. 16).” — A.B. Simpson
“Walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise (v. 15), buying up for yourselves the opportunity.” — A.B. Simpson
“Let us redeem it.” — A.B. Simpson
Application Points
- Be spiritually alert and understanding of God's will in order to seize opportunities.
- Walk wisely and circumspectly, not as fools, in seizing opportunities.
- Identify and redeem moments of opportunity in life, whether for personal growth or soul-winning.