0447. The Fool Who Does Not Redeem the Time

The Fool Who Does Not Redeem the Time

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph_5:15-16).

1. We want to place before you one who has fully been awakened to his lost estate. He has realized that he is building on the sands; he knows that he has no assurance of eternal life; he concedes the need of a Saviour and believes that Jesus Christ is that Saviour,

2. We want to show satan’s tactics toward such a soul, toward the one who is awakened. The enemy sees the sinner under deep conviction; he hears the man of God as he presses home upon the sinner, the plan of salvation in Christ alone. Then it is that satan urges that there is "plenty of time yet."

But is there plenty of time? Does it pay to procrastinate? Is it wise to delay?

We remember reading a sign once on a business man’s desk. It ran: "Do It Now." Certainly that is the only wise course for the lost sinner. Now, is the only time he has. Christ says: "Behold, now is the accepted time."

There is always danger in delay. The heart may get hardened against God, the life may become more and more entangled in sin; the devil will certainly not become less active in his efforts to wreck your hopes. Now, is the only safe time.

The one who postpones the day of his decision for God, is a fool. No one knows what a day may bring forth. If you are ever coming to Christ come now.

Besides there is a waste of time in delay. Suppose that you do defer your acceptance of Christ, and then in after years you are saved. Still you have played the fool, because you have wasted many precious days that might have been used for service, and for "laying up treasures in Heaven." There is but one wise course, Come now.

3. We want to press upon believers the need of redeeming the time. They, too, may play the fool, by wasting their opportunities. If the sinner should come now, the saint should go now and preach.

When God spoke to Philip, we read, "And he arose and went." There is every suggestion of prompt obedience.

God’s commands do not brook delay. Matters which concern eternal issues are too often at stake.

Obedience postponed, is only half obedience. Besides this, we need to get the present duty done, so we will be ready for a further call.

The days are evil, there is much that needs to be done, and there is much that needs to be done right now. Let us be wise, not as fools, redeeming the time.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR