Redeeming the time–Seek first the Kingdom of God!
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The Apostle Paul wrote:
15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:15-17)
We are not to waste time away frivolously.
We are getting closer to the end of this age. Events in the Middle East and elsewhere should serve as a “wakeup” call–will you heed?
There is only limited time for us to support God’s work and develop the character necessary to be a part of the God Family.
Satan knows this. Satan knows he has limited time to interfere with our progress. Consider the following end time scripture:
12 … Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time. (Revelation 12:12)
Now, the Apostle Peter warned:
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:8-9)
The Apostle Paul wrote of “Satan … we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Corinthians 2:11).
Satan’s devices are more than just appearing as a roaring lion. Actually, Paul wrote that it is no surprise that Satan’s ministers appear to be “ministers of righteousness” (2 Corinthians 11:15).
Satan’s ministers and assistants generally do not claim to be affiliated with him–they want you to think that what they have to offer you is something you want/need/deserve. They do not want to tell you how it may be harmful to you.
The Worldwide Church of God published the following in the old Worldwide News related to time and priorities:
Too busy for God
Satan knows that the more hectic, busy and jam-packed our lives are, the less time we will have for contact with God. He wants us to become preoccupied with various projects, errands and responsibilities — the more, the better, so long as God is crowded out of our thoughts.
Are you a victim of this tactic? Sometimes at the end of the day do you suddenly realize that you have devoted little or no time to spiritual pursuits? Bible study and prayer can easily be overshadowed and nudged out by other activities and distractions.
It’s amazing how quickly time can slip away. We may wake up one morning with just enough time to get ready for work. When we come home that evening, it’s time to unwind, socialize with the family and enjoy our evening meal… “It’s still early” we assure ourselves. “There will be plenty of time for Bible study later.” (Taylor RC. Don’t let Satan steal your time. Worldwide News, December 2, 1985)
Remember as Christians, Jesus said we are to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33).
So, certainly, we should not have prayer and Bible study as our lowest priority.
Jesus said:
3 … “Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 9 He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” (Matthew 13:3-9)
He then explained it:
19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. 22 Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matthew 13:19-23)
We do not want be like those who are choked by the thorns.
Jesus also warned:
32 Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.
34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:32-36)
We are in that generation.
Notice not only are we to pray, we are to pray to be worthy to escape what is coming and not be overtaken by the cares or various questionable activities in this life.
Jesus is saying to watch, pray, and properly redeem your time.
And, in order to be counted worthy, you need to see if you are truly doing what Jesus wants Philadelphian Christians to do.
Related to redeeming the time, the following was also in the old Worldwide News:
Redeem the time
Yes, time is running out. “Behold, I come quickly,” Christ warns (Revelation 22:12). Every day should count toward the moment when Jesus Christ returns to rule this earth. We must be “redeeming the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16).
How can we redeem the time? The following points should help:
• Recognize your own tendencies to lose time and to let priorities slip.
• Make a commitment to pray and study every day, without exception. Choose a time when you are mentally alert and there will be few, if any, interruptions.
• Keep Bible study organized. Have a purpose and goal in mind. Glean as much as you can in the time you have. Prayer time, too, should be well spent.
• Maintain contact with God throughout the day. The transition time between projects, for example, might be a good time to send up a short, silent prayer.
• Review your progress every week. If priorities got jumbled, figure out why and plan to do better before wrong habits arc established.
• Continually seek strength and encouragement from God. He knows we cannot do it all ourselves, and He is more than happy to help us.
Don’t let Satan waste your precious time. Make a commitment, now, to put first things first. “knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed” (Romans 13:11). (Taylor RC. Don’t let Satan steal your time. Worldwide News, December 2, 1985)
Another point to make is that many people procrastinate and will not do what they should do.
The Apostle James wrote that “a double-minded man” is …unstable in all his ways” (James 1:8).
As Christians we need to be all in.
Jesus praised the Philadelphians for their work (Revelation 3:7-13), but had the following harsh things to say to the Laodiceans:
14 “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
‘These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: 15 “I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ — and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked — 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
22 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”‘” (Revelation 3:14-22)
If you are going to be a Philadelphian Christian you need to fully commit.
Don’t make excuses–everyone can do that. The Bible has the following:
4 The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; But the soul of the diligent shall be made rich. (Proverbs 13:4)
13 The lazy man says, “There is a lion outside! I shall be slain in the streets!” (Proverbs 22:13)
4 The lazy man will not plow because of winter; He will beg during harvest and have nothing. (Proverbs 20:4)
5 The fool folds his hands And consumes his own flesh. (Ecclesiastes 4:5)
15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. (James 2:15-17)
Having good intentions is not enough, Christians need to take proper actions.
You should obey God, support the Philadelphian work, pray, study the Bible, listen to sermons, change where you should, and fast on occasion (beyond only the Day of Atonement) if you can.
You need to develop more of God’s character in this life–and that includes doing good.
Here is something from our free online book The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you?:
Do Good
God is good (Mark 10:18; Psalm 143:10) and does what is right (cf. Genesis 18:25).
God also wants us to do good as this pleases Him (Psalm 34:14; Hebrews 13:16).
19 You are great in counsel and mighty in work, for your eyes are open to all the ways of the sons of men, to give everyone according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings. (Jeremiah 32:19)
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:9-10)
5 … God, 6 who “will render to each one according to his deeds”: 7 eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; (Romans 2:5-7)
God wants good for you and if you truly love and “obey Him” (Acts 5:32; Hebrews 5:9), that is how everything will turn out (Romans 8:28).
Notice the following:
24 Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God. (Ecclesiastes 2:24)
12 I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor–it is the gift of God. 14 I know that whatever God does, It shall be forever. (Ecclesiastes 3:12-14)
The above is true, essentially because being productive in work is intended to make things better. And humans should enjoy being productive.
Don’t excuse yourself because of carnal worries.
Jesus said:
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble” (Matthew 6:34).
So making success one day at a time is something we should all strive to do. Don’t put it off.
Now, some people are “self-starters,” whereas other tend to procrastinate and need motivation.
Regarding procrastination, Pocket recommended the following:
Free yourself from the inessential …
So much of what we think we must do — and what we end up doing — is not essential. Rip off the chains of obligation to these things. Then you’ll be able to better do what is essential … https://forge.medium.com/how-to-beat-procrastination-like-a-stoic-philosopher-d9e1ddd31306 accessed 12/06/20
While Jesus dealt with that in Matthew 6:28-34, notice another way He dealt with that:
41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Getting back to that Pocket recommended article:
Face your important tasks head-on …
The Bible teaches:
10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
Your physical life and this world’s society will not last. It will be replaced by the Kingdom of God–and don’t you really want to be in it?
Procrastination can be a problem to derail Christians.
The old Worldwide Church of God published the following:
Do you put off doing things that need to be done? You need to know the causes — and some practical, effective solutions — for this problem! …
You’re probably familiar with procrastination — all of us fall into it, and fairly easily, from time to time.
And the effects can be devastating: You can be robbed of happiness and peace of mind, harm your relationships with others and, yes, even keep yourself out of God’s Kingdom!
Does that last statement sound shocking? It shouldn’t! Procrastination — putting things off — can be a deadly, sinister enemy. How?
Christ’s parable about the 10 virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) addresses this problem. All the virgins wanted to meet the bridegroom, but only five were wise. The others had neglected to bring along a supply of oil (symbolic of the Holy Spirit) for their lamps. They had procrastinated by placing more importance on some thing else. As a result, they were not allowed to be part of the marriage.
What lesson does this parable have for you? Simply stated, if you put off your preparation now for the Kingdom, you will not qualify for eternal life. …
In the parable of the talents fear prevented a man from developing his talents (Luke 19:20-24).
Even entire groups of people can let fear paralyze them. Remember what happened to Israel in the wilderness? They received a glowing report about the land that flowed with milk and honey. But they were afraid to face the land’s inhabitants, who were said to be giants. As their fear grew, their faith weakened. This led to rebellion against God’s will and 40 years of wandering in the wilderness.
Just as the man with the one talent and the nation of Israel were denied blessings, so could you lose blessings and even be kept out of God’s Kingdom.
Replace fear with faith. Remarkable accomplishments can result. Love can also help conquer the effects of fear (I John 4:18). Applying this teaching can help you overcome the negative effects of fear, because your love to do something — namely, obey God — is greater than your fear of attempting it. …
Act now
Now that you have considered these barriers, what’s your reaction? Have you seen some attitudes that are keeping you from doing God’s will? Are you convicted of the need to stop procrastinating? Are you now ready to change?
Eliminating procrastination will bring you many blessings. Instead of frustration, anger and guilt, you’ll experience peace of mind, a product of doing what is right (Isa. 32:17). Your productivity will increase and so will your blessings from God (Ps. 128:1- 3).
Beyond these temporal blessings is an even greater blessing – eternal life. Listen to Jesus Christ: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing [not waiting till later!]. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods” (Matt. 24:45-47).
God has given each of us responsibilities, and He expects us to be doing them now.
Don’t risk your eternal life by ignoring top-priority matters. Overcome procrastination — now! (Kackos GM. Overcome Procrastination – NOW! Good News, May 1983)
Don’t let procrastination or fear keep you from being a Philadelphian Christian.
As far as acting now, Zephaniah wrote:
1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together,
O undesirable nation,
2 Before the decree is issued,
Or the day passes like chaff,
Before the Lord’s fierce anger comes upon you,
Before the day of the Lord’s anger comes upon you!
3 Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth,
Who have upheld His justice.
Seek righteousness, seek humility.
It may be that you will be hidden
In the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zephaniah 2:1-3)
Those who take proper action now, BEFORE it is time to flee, are subject to being protected from the coming Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 12:14-16).
Sadly, most Christians in the end times are Laodicean who do not have the urgency to change or support the proper Philadelphian work (Revelation 3:14-18).
Getting back to that Pocket recommended article:
All the crises, distractions, and temptations we face today have their analogs in the past.
You might think your situation is so different from others that you are exempt and God understands. Well, God understands whether or not you take action like you should.
As far as your situation, remember that the Apostle Paul was inspired to write the following:
12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:12-13)
God has given you TODAY to take steps and change.
Getting back to that Pocket recommended article:
Create a sense of urgency
Stop letting yourself be distracted. That is not allowed. Instead, as if you were dying right now… Stop allowing your mind to be a slave, to be jerked about by selfish impulses, to kick against fate and the present, and to mistrust the future.—Marcus Aurelius
The Apostle Paul wrote:
31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. (1 Corinthians 15:31)
Well, we are all getting older everyday. And, yes, we die daily. And since we cannot be sure of our future personal circumstances, we need to live each day in accordance to the will of God.
If you do these things, you can overcome procrastination.
The Continuing Church of God (CCOG) also has the following video on our Bible News Prophecy YouTube channel:
Do you procrastinate a lot? Is this a problem? Could you be missing out on properly living life because of procrastination? What about your spiritual life? Could you be missing out on being part of the the Kingdom of God because of your procrastination? How can you overcome procrastination? Are there secular and biblical tips on how to do that? Dr. Thiel covers many tips and scriptures in this video.
Here is a link to the video: Overcome Procrastination.
Shouldn’t you truly have the Philadelphian-era motivation?
Some items of possibly related interest may include:
Christians: Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God, Biblical instructions on living as a Christian This is a scripture-filled booklet for those wishing to live as a real Christian. A related sermon is also available: Christians are Ambassadors for the Kingdom of God.
Can You Keep Your Job, Get Your Degree, and Keep the Sabbath? This article has some information on that. Here is a link to a related video titled: Can you keep the Sabbath and your job? What about college?
Should You Keep God’s Holy Days or Demonic Holidays? This is a free pdf booklet explaining what the Bible and history shows about God’s Holy Days and popular holidays. Two related sermon would be Which Spring Days should Christians observe? and Fall Holy Days for Christians.
Tithing Questions and Some Answers Answers questions about tithing and also addresses some non-biblical arguments against tithing. Should people tithe?Here is a link to a related sermon: Tithes and Tithing. Here is a link to an older sermon: Tithing Answers from the Bible.
The MYSTERY of GOD’s PLAN: Why Did God Create Anything? Why did God make you? This free online book helps answers some of the biggest questions that human have, including the biblical meaning of life. Here is a link to three related sermons: Mysteries of God’s Plan, Mysteries of Truth, Sin, Rest, Suffering, and God’s Plan, and The Mystery of YOU.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available in hundreds of languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons: The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
Living as a Christian: How and Why? In what ways do Christians live differently than others. What about praying, fasting, tithing, holy days, and the world? There are also two YouTube video related to this: Living as a Christian: How and Why? and Living as a Christian: Pure Milk of the Word.
Living as a Christian: Strong Meat Can you handle solid spiritual food? A related sermon is available: Strong Meat: James 1-2 and Strong Meat: James 3-5.
Priorities and the Most Broken Commandment Which commandment is broken the most? Which one is most involved with what should be your top priority? Here is a link to a related sermon: The Most Violated Commandment and Priorities.
What are Your Priorities? The late evangelist Dibar Apartian wrote this.
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. Here are links to three related sermons: The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.
The Philadelphia Church Era was predominant circa 1933 A.D. to 1986 A.D. The old Radio Church of God and old Worldwide Church of God, now the remnant of that era is basically the most faithful in the Church of God, like who hold to the beliefs and practices of the Continuing Church of God.
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. The Laodiceans are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG or its offshoots. They do not properly understand the work or biblical prophecies and will face the Great Tribulation if they do not repent.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Final Phase of the Work What is the final phase of the work? Who will lead it? Do you have the courage and rive to support it? Here is a related YouTube video titled The Final Phase of the Work. The written article has been translated into Spanish La Fase Final de la Obra.
Christian Success Does the Bible teach that Christians are to be successful? Are there at least seven laws of success that Christians should follow? How does the Bible teach we are to become successfully spiritually? Does the Bible really teach that Christians should be successful physically? This video answers these questions and more from the Bible. An outline of some of the scriptures used is here: Christian Success Outline.
What is a True Philadelphian? Many claim to be part of the Philadelphia era of the Church, but is claiming enough? This article has biblical and historical evidence about who really are the Philadelphians.
Are the Laodiceans the Modern Sadducees and Pharisees? Discusses similarities of the Sadducees and Pharisees to various COGs in this end-time.
Herbert W. Armstrong, the Philadelphia Church, & the Mantle Herbert Armstrong claims God had him raise the Philadelphia up. Are there reasons to believe that the Philadelphia mantle in now within the CCOG? Here is a link to a related sermon: Herbert W. Armstrong and the Philadelphia Mantle.
There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Near Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety,’ Zephaniah 2 to ‘gather together,’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on fleeing to a place–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. Two sermon-length videos of related interest are available Physical Protection During the Great Tribulation and Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?
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