Redeeming the Time | Ephesians Study

Ephesians 5:15-16

(15)  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

(16)  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

The wise man considers not only his walk, but also the times in which he is walking. He believes that what God says is truth - and because of this belief, he is hard at work to fulfill what God says he must do.

An example of this is the belief that Christ really is returning soon. Do we really believe the following verses?

"But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." (1 Peter 4:7)

"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:25) 

"Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." (James 5:8) 

"Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time." (1 John 2:18) 

If we truly and honestly believed these verses, then would we not walk circumspectly? Would we not wisely consider our lifestyle? Would we not redeem the time? ("Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time." Colossians 4:5)

Yes, as many people have used this verse, we need to be wise stewards of our time in general. We need to wisely use our time. But let's consider the next verse: "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is." (Ephesians 5:17) It is unwise to think that God is merely talking about my personal pleasure and activities in "redeeming the time." We must understand God's will - the bigger picture - and walk according to that.

Walk circumspectly. Redeem the time. Understand God's will.