Using Time Wisely
Audio Recording
Sermon Outline
Speaker: Rev. Scott Strickman
Sermon Series: Maturing in Christ
Colossians 4:2-6 (ESV)
2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.
5 Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. 6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Sermon Outline
How do we make the best use of the time?
Walk in Wisdom
Towards Outsiders
Speak Graciously
Prayer of Confession
Our wise God, full of grace and truth: we remember your mercy to us, showing kindness when we have not deserved it. We admit we need forgiveness. We have been fools, running after things that are of no use, with little control over our impulses. We have squandered the time. We have filled our time with things that are trivial, and things that are problematic. We have not stewarded our time to do what is good and honorable. Our words expose us: we grumble, gossip, boast and lie. We appeal to you for more grace. Pardon our sins, renew us, and show us the goodness of Jesus. May we do all things – in word and deed – for your glory. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
Do you organize your time? If so, how? If not, how do you approach the use of time?
Why is wisdom needed for setting priorities and making choices?
What are examples of foolish ways of using time? Do you spend time doing things you don’t think you should? If so, why?
What are examples of good ways to use time? Which of these good things do you not do enough of, and why?
What values or priorities do most human beings share (or the people of New York City)? Are there any? What are some differences where Christians hold counter cultural values and priorities? Are there any distinctives of Christianity that you have trouble with?
Why is there such an emphasis in the New Testament on what we say?
If salt brings out the goodness of the flavor of food, how can your words be like salt? What are we being called to do (“let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt”)?
When you look at Jesus, what do you see? Do you have trouble seeing his goodness? If so, why? How does seeing the goodness of Jesus have a transformative effect?
What changes would you like to make in how you use your time? What do you want to do more of? What do you want to stop doing or do less of? How do you make these changes as part of following Christ (walking in him)? What can he uniquely add to help you better steward your time?