SESSION 7
We all live according to a schedule. The difference between people is that some plan their schedule and others don’t plan their schedule. If you don’t plan your time, someone else will. God has charged you to make the most of your time. However, to use your time wisely, you must first know what is important to you (priorities) and the way in which to live your life according to your priorities (objectives and goals).
The purpose of this study is to help you as a Christian to:
- Declare your priorities
- Set up your life in light of your priorities
- Budget your time according to your priorities
I. Use of Time:
Time is the most valuable resource you have available to you. How you use it will determine the direction, the impact, and effectiveness of your walk with the Lord and your ministry to others.
1. What perspective did the psalmist have on his time on the earth in the following verses?
- Psalm 144:4
- Psalm 39:4-5
- Psalm 103:15-16
2. Read Ephesians 5:13-18
- How are you to walk through life as a Christian? (Ephesians 5:15)
- How can you walk as a wise man? (Ephesians 5:16)
- Why should you make the most of your time? (Ephesians 5:16)
- What is the opposite of being foolish with your time? (Ephesians 5:17)
- What is God’s will for every Christian? (Ephesians 5:18)
3. What will happen as you conduct your time with wisdom? (Colossians 4:5)
II. Scriptural Priorities:
The way in which you use your time will reflect your priorities. That which you put first in importance is revealed by what you do, not by what you claim to do.
1. Read Matthew 6:33, Psalm 119:10, and Matthew 28:19-20.
- What two things are you to be most concerned about as a Christian?
- Does the way in which you use your time reflect these two priorities?
2. Jesus’ purpose was to glorify the Father. How did He do this? (John 17:4)
3. What were the main priorities in Jesus’ life? (John 17:25-26)
- ______________________________________________________________
- ______________________________________________________________
4. What excuses are often given to keep people from living out their priorities?
5. What is it going to cost you to live out your priorities?
III. Establishing Objectives and Goals in Your Life:
An objective is a stated intent of achievement. (Example: Read the Bible to know God’s plan and purpose for my life.) A goal is a specific and measurable step to be taken to achieve your objective. (Example: I will read five chapters of the New Testament every day for the next semester.)
1. Reasons for Establishing Objectives and Goals
- Gives you a strategy for achieving your purpose in life
- Gives direction for each day
- Allows you to spend your time as well as your life on the things that are most important to you
- Keeps you from getting sidetracked
- Provides a means to evaluate your progress
2. Basic Areas to Be Considered – Luke 2:52
- Spiritual – to maintain your closeness with God
- Knowing God: quiet time, prayer, Bible study, Scripture memory
- Making God known: discipleship, service, personal witness, personal ministry, evangelism
- Mental – studies and reading, maintain a keen mind
- Physical – sleep, diet, exercise to maintain good physical condition
- Social – family and friends, maintaining good relationships
- Ministry – finding your passion and place in God’s world, why you are here
3. Application—Steps to Take
- Decide to allow Christ to be the Lord of your time.
- List your priorities.
- Write down objectives and goals in each area.
- Keep concise and brief enough to remember
- Clear enough to write down
- Specific enough to be achieved
- Realistic enough to be accomplished
- Take the time to plan your time to accomplish your goals.
- Use a weekly schedule to plan your time out for each week.
- Pray over your schedule each day to know God’s will for you that day.
- Be flexible and open to the Holy Spirit leading you. (Proverbs 16:9)
For the next four weeks, give a copy of your schedule each week to your discipleship leader and discuss any problem you may be having managing your time.
IV. Counting the cost:
- Study Luke 14:16-30
- What is a good reason for NOT putting Christ first in your life?
- What excuses are given that keep people from living out their priorities? (possessions, property, passion, time)
- What is it going to cost you to live out your priorities?
V. Scripture memory verses for the week:
Ephesians 5:15-18, John 17:4
CHARTING YOUR WEEKLY SCHEDULE:
Plan a Minute | Save an Hour
Week of ________________________________
Sunday —- Monday —- Tuesday —- Wednesday —- Thursday —- Friday —- Saturday
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