Redeeming the Time
(Ephesians 1:10-11 KJV) That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: {11} In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
God has a plan and purpose that He is going to accomplish. We are a part of that plan, redeemed Israel is a part of that plan. God has given us His word that tells us what He is going to accomplish and how we fit in that plan and purpose.
((Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast. {10} For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them..
There are some things that we need to do; we are a part of what God is doing. The good works that we are to do are to be done in cooperation with what God is doing.
(Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV) See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, {16} Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. {17} Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
We have been given information as to what God is doing; now we need to live like we are a part of it. God has let us to know what He is doing; we are not to be unwise concerning God's will and what we are to do. We need to redeem the time, that is, be in cooperation with what God is doing, live in line with what God is doing. When we do things that are outside of God's will we are wasting time and are unwise.
(Romans 12:1-2 KJV) I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. {2} And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God
As we renew our minds, we become educated in God's plan. We begin to replace our human viewpoint with God's viewpoint and when we begin to think like God our lives are transformed. We are transformed as we understand the grace of God, as we comprehend who we are in Christ.
Jesus Christ gave His life for us at Calvary so that when we trusted Him He could give His life to us. So day by day, He could live His life through us as we walk by faith. His Word is how we get the knowledge of God's will and it is His word that works effectually in us that believe.
If you want to do the will of God; then you need to find out what God is doing and then walk in obedience to that. When you forget who you are in Christ then you forget how you ought to be. We need to understand who we are in Christ and that knowledge will transform our lives.
Reference used:
My notes from teaching by Richard Jordan
From tape series:Understanding the Grace Alternative
Understanding God's Will