Ephesians 5:16- Redeeming the Time

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Ephesians 5:16- "Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

So it's really a sad thing that many people especially in the third world countries do not redeem the time.  In the Philippines, many people are habitually late- they pay bills late, they wait for the last minute and while there is much time, they do not do their work and wait for hectic time to do their work and they do their work really bad.  In the business angle, there is such a thing as an opportunity loss which was never taken because one did not redeem the time or take it when it was still there.  Sadly, many people will continue to commit the mistake of not redeeming the time.

So if one is to read at a bigger context of Ephesians 5:16 one can see that the whole chapter is focused on Christian work.  That is, a true test of one's salvation whether or not they are saved and how consistent they were.  So how can one redeem the time according to Ephesians 5 prior to verse22 which starts on the household rules?  Now to tackle on the other verses as part of this commentary:

  • Walking with Jesus daily that is having constant fellowship.  This can be done by reading the Bible, setting a time for the day to read it, having a devotional, going soulwinning whenever possible and that should not only be on Sundays, being thankful to God all the time even in times of distress. (v. 1-3)
  • Putting aside sexual immorality, works of unrighteousness, filthy and vain talk and jesting because the unsaved have no inheritance so why mingle with them?  As said, there is NO PLACE to live a life of sin for any believer because they are not of the world, they are friends of God therefore they are enemies of the world and they should NEVER seek approval of the world.  Believers may still remain saved even when they stumble into sin but God is clear on one thing, Hebrews 12:5-6 says He will chastise them whenever they sin. (v. 4-5)
  • Letting no man deceive the Christian with vain words because these people (unsaved) are destined to God's wrath already in the first place.  One can avoid vain words by NEVER participating in debates about the Bible with the unbelieving crowd.  Because a Christian is no longer a child of disobedience because they got saved, consistency is required.  One must never have any association with the works of darkness but rather reprove them.  That is, Christians should really take a stand against immorality by any means, saying no to sin whenever need be but that of course is a result of one's salvation. (v. 6-13)
  • Walking circumspectly, not as fools but as wise men, not wise in the worldly sense but wise in God's standards asking God for the necessary wisdom. (v. 15-16)
  • Staying sober by not being drunk with liquor (shakar or intoxicating wine) but rather being filled with the Holy Spirit, speaking in psalms and praises, not worldly songs and being thankful to the Father in the Name of Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in love out of reverential fear for God. (v.  17-21)