Redeeming the Time in the Bible as per Ephesians 5:16

Hey Friend…

Have you ever found yourself in a moment of reflection, feeling like you’ve made mistakes that are beyond repair? Perhaps you resonate with the parable of the prodigal son, where you sense that you’ve squandered your inheritance (be it spiritual, physical, etc) and now find yourself seemingly out of luck. Were you ever negligent of the giftings and opportunities God gave to you?😭

If these thoughts resonate with you, then this blog post is here to offer hope and encouragement. It delves into the concept of redeeming the time, inspired by Ephesians 5:16. To fully grasp the significance of this verse, we must delve into the context in which Paul wrote this letter.

Paul wrote the letter to the church in Ephesus, an epicenter of Roman deities with its predominantly Gentile population. The church was grappling with challenges like navigating the intricacies of a newfound Christian faith. Amidst this backdrop, Paul, confined in prison, put pen to paper to convey his wisdom and guidance.

P.S. I recently did a deep dive on the book of Ephesians, and I have to say that I’ve totally fallen in love with it; it’s hands down my top 3 fave books in the Bible now! 🏆

Literary Style and Breakdown

I’d like to go over the structure and style of Ephesians so that we can move over to Ephesians 5:16. Let’s begin:

The book of Ephesians has two distinct parts: chapters 1-3 and 4-6.

• The first three chapters are all about our foundations and the provision that God has already given unto us. This information was important for this Church because they were Gentiles, and they needed to understand this. You will find verses about our riches in God, spiritual realities, and blessings. A lot of beloved/popular verses are found in the first three chapters.
• Moving on to the final three chapters, Ephesians focuses on the practical aspects of Christian living. This is equally important because the church at Ephesus now belongs to Christ Jesus, and their lives must reflect this! It highlights moral and ethical behaviors and how we ought to live. As you read the final three chapters, you need to remember the foundational truths and our spiritual heritage (from verses 1-3), i.e., Shedding the old man and wearing the new man.

Now let’s move over to Ephesians 5:16, which states, “Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” A verse that mirrors this is Colossians 4:5, “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”

Why Redeem the Time?

The essence of why we must redeem the time can be found in Ephesians 5:16, where it is revealed that the days are EVIL.

Friends, the insidious tactics of the enemy are clear – to kill, steal, and destroy. How does he do this? We are told in Ephesians 6:11 about the “wiles of the devil,” which translates to an intricate web of deception or trickery. I honestly believe that one of the prime targets that the enemy has is our time. The enemy seeks to launch attacks on the precious moments of our lives, aiming to steal the opportunities that lie within each passing second.

Understanding this truth is pivotal in our journey towards redemption. By recognizing the evil forces at play, we become aware of the need to safeguard our time from being squandered or stolen. It is a call to vigilance, a reminder to cherish each moment and invest wisely in pursuits that align with our purpose and values.

The Enemy Wants You Stuck!

Terri Savelle Foy (she’s soo sweet!) often talks about a tribe that cursed its foes to remain stuck in one spot eternally. This curse reflects a form of stagnation, where progress and movement are halted, akin to time being stolen away.

Stagnation serves as a subtle but effective way for the devil to operate, hindering growth and trapping individuals in a state of inertia. It’s like a sly tactic of the enemy to rob us of the opportunities and experiences that come with the passage of time. By keeping us stagnant, the devil aims to prevent us from evolving, learning, and embracing new possibilities, ultimately impeding our purpose journey forward.

If you are experiencing delays, I have a beautiful post titled The Ultimate Prayer Against Spirit of Delay and Stagnation that you’ll totally love!

The Greek Meaning of Redeeming the Time

Let’s break down two keywords in Ephesians 5:16. These are the words “redeem” and “time/kairos.”

Redeem is from the Greek word exagoridzo. I read the Blue Letter Bible to understand the meaning, and here’s my summary:

To redeem:

• The act of paying a price to break free from the control or influence of another. (I don’t know why generational bondage comes to mind)
• The concept of ransom, where a valuable exchange is made to secure liberation from external forces.
• Making wise and sacred use of every opportunity to do good.
• It is a beautiful symbolism of Christ liberating believers from the dominion of the Mosaic Law through his sacrificial death.

Regarding time/kairos, I wrote a detailed blog post titled Chronos vs Kairos (A Biblical Analysis of Time).

What does this mean? I believe that this implies that God assists in recovering lost time and missed opportunities. It signifies a chance for restoration and renewal with divine help, offering hope and comfort in reclaiming what may have seemed lost or missed.

14 Spiritual Keys to Understand the Concept of Redeeming the Time

After my month-long study, I found that there are 14 spiritual keys to help you understand and live out this biblical principle of “redeeming your time.”

1. Understand Enemy Attacks on Time

As I stated earlier, Christians must be aware that the devil seeks to delay and disrupt our lives. John 10:10 reminds us that Satan comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. This includes our time. Recognizing this spiritual battle for our time is the first step in redeeming it for God’s purposes.

2. Recognize the Spiritual Realm

Ephesians 6 teaches us that we are not fighting against flesh and blood but against evil forces in the spiritual realm. Understanding this helps us to be more vigilant and intentional with how we use our time.

3. Embrace Foundational Truths

In Ephesians 1-3, we find foundational truths, spiritual realities, and blessings for us as His children. Reading and understanding these chapters helps us align our time with God’s heart and will for our lives.

4. God is in the Business of Redemption

The story of the cross is the ultimate testament to God’s commitment to redemption. Jesus’ sacrifice was not only for the redemption of our souls but also for the redemption of our time. When we surrender our schedules, routines, and daily activities to God, He can transform even the smallest moments into opportunities for His glory. Whether it’s a mundane task or an unexpected interruption, God can redeem the time when we invite Him into every aspect of our lives.

5. Steward Your Time Wisely

“Redeeming the time” also means more than just managing our schedule; it involves stewarding our time in a manner that glorifies God. Time is a precious, non-renewable resource and should be treated as such. Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” By seeking God’s guidance through prayer and scripture, we can prioritize our tasks according to His will and ensure we are investing our time in things that have eternal value.

6. Discern God’s Will

To make the most of our time, we must seek to understand God’s will for our lives. Ephesians 5:17 admonishes us not to be foolish but to comprehend what the Lord’s will is. This discernment comes through prayer, meditation on God’s Word, and listening to the Holy Spirit. As we align our plans with God’s purposes, we can be confident that how we spend our minutes, hours, and days will contribute to the fulfillment of His divine plan.

7. Embrace a Spirit-Filled Life

Living a Spirit-filled life is crucial to redeeming the time. Ephesians 5:18 encourages us to be filled with the Spirit, which empowers us to live in a manner that reflects Christ’s character. The Holy Spirit provides us the strength, wisdom, and discernment needed to navigate our daily lives effectively. When we are led by the Spirit, our actions, decisions, and use of time will naturally align with God’s will.

8. Practice Gratitude

A heart filled with gratitude allows us to see time through God’s perspective. Ephesians 5:20 instructs us to “always give thanks to God the Father for everything.” Cultivating a habit of gratitude shifts our focus from complaining about what we lack to appreciating what we have, including time. As we develop a thankful heart, we become more aware of the opportunities God places before us to redeem the time for His kingdom.

9. Seek Wisdom and Strategy

Walking in wisdom is essential for redeeming the time. Colossians 4:5 exhorts us to “walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.” Seeking God’s wisdom and strategy helps us to make informed decisions about how to spend our time. Delving into scripture, seeking counsel from godly mentors, and praying for insight can illuminate the path God wants us to take, ensuring our time is used effectively and purposefully.

10. Be Wary of Distractions

In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, distractions are plentiful and can easily lead to wasted time. Both external distractions and internal ones, such as worries and fears, can deter us from our God-given purposes. Being aware of these potential hindrances allows us to guard our time carefully. Colossians 3:2 advises us to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things, helping us to stay focused on what truly matters.

11. Stay Busy with Purpose

Avoidance of idleness (or slothfulness) is a recurring theme in the Bible because it often leads to sin and missed opportunities. We can learn from David’s error in 2 Samuel 11, which began when he was idle, and this led to adultery and murder!

P.S. When I think of slothfulness, what also comes to mind immediately is the idea of “doom scrolling” on social media.

12. Cultivate the Fruits of the Spirit

Ephesians 5:9 speaks of the fruits of the Spirit, and it tells us, “is in all goodness and righteousness and truth.” Living a life that bears these fruits demonstrates a life aligned with God’s will. As we cultivate these qualities, our interactions and tasks are enriched, and our time is used to foster positive, God-honoring outcomes.

13. Understand Grace, Not Works

Redeeming the time is grounded in grace, not in a works-based mentality. While it is important to be diligent, we must remember that our efforts alone are not what makes the time redemptive. Trust in God’s grace to guide and multiply your efforts. Philippians 2:13 says, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” Recognize that it is God working through you rather than relying solely on your strength.

14. Follow Divine Instructions

Lastly, it is crucial to follow God’s specific instructions for your life. Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” By seeking and obeying divine guidance, we ensure our time is aligned with God’s purposes. When we follow His lead, our efforts to redeem the time will bear eternal fruit.

And that’s it, folks, all about redeeming the time as per Ephesians 5:16!

I feel super honored to have shared what the Lord has been teaching me over the past few months. God is still in the business of redemption, including redemption of time!

I close by saying that in James 4:14, we are reminded that our lives are but a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This truth should give us a sense of urgency to make the most of every moment we have been given.

May these spiritual keys on redeeming the time empower and inspire you to live a purposeful and godly life. ❤️

Hearts and Hugs,