Pastor Mrs. Evelyn Agbirekomi at the just concluded Variety Service of Gihon City Bible Church on Sunday, the 3rd of May, 2026.
The commencement of Ephesians 5 presents a compelling call to believers to be imitators of God, as dear children. The expression ‘dear children’ denotes a special status. As treasured children, believers live as obedient followers of God, prepared to follow Him with unreserved commitment. Unwavering dedication is mandatory, for half-hearted service will not suffice for Him.
Always utilize your time judiciously, given the uncertainty of what is to come, a reality solely known to God. Through a deep and sustained relationship with God, however, we can gain spiritual insight into divine purposes by means of dreams and revelations.
As noted in Psalm 25:14, “The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant,” divine truths are reserved for devoted followers. Those who walk in faith and obedience can expect to glimpse God’s glory, much like Moses experienced, as recorded in Exodus 33:23, “Then I will take away My hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen.”
In verse two, Apostle Paul urges believers to walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God that results in a sweet fragrance. Love, therefore, is a tangible expression of our faith in God, highlighting the magnitude of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. When we show agape love to others, we demonstrate the loving character of Jesus Christ.
In verse three, Apostle Paul highlights certain counterproductive behaviors that are detrimental to our spiritual growth, which we, as followers of God and beloved children, must remove from our lives in line with Hebrews 12:1.
In verse four, we are informed that our words will be subject to divine accountability. Consequently, the mouth that is employed for frivolous conversation and jesting ought to be utilized for expressing gratitude to God rather than uttering unbecoming remarks.
In verse five, Apostle Paul categorizes certain individuals as lacking inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God, with idolaters being amongst them. Here, idolatry connotes not just idol worship but anything assuming God’s place, which could mean choosing business interests over communal spiritual growth, a concern also raised in Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”
In verses six through eight, Apostle Paul makes us understand that those who walk in disobedience are susceptible to deception, whereas obedience protects one from being deceived. Some may believe they are in the light when they are far from it. Why would you desire to return to the works of darkness? My situation cannot drive me back to darkness. Without God’s help, no one can truly assist.
In verses nine through sixteen, the divine mandate is clearly outlined: to utilize time effectively, walking in wisdom and purpose, while navigating the spiritual challenges of a world characterized by darkness and wickedness.
‘Redeeming the time’ implies an intentional effort to reclaim time that would otherwise be squandered on frivolities and negative influences, embodying an active pursuit of God’s will. ‘Evil days’ denote every current spiritual opposition, moral deterioration, and temptation that fosters spiritual negligence.
We can efficiently redeem the time by implementing three actionable measures, so let us explore how.
1. Live Wisely: Exercise prudence in decision-making, directing your efforts towards endeavors of enduring worth.
2. Prioritize Purpose: Focus intently on fulfilling the Great Commission and living for divine glorification.
3. Utilize Time Effectively: Given that time is a transient resource, it ought to be allocated towards purpose-driven endeavors rather than being squandered on apathy or immoral tendencies.
It is evident that lost time can never be regained, which underscores the finite and irreplaceable nature of time. Unlike material wealth, every fleeting moment is irretrievable, rendering the present moment invaluable and necessitating prudent decision-making to preclude regret. It is therefore my earnest hope that we will seize every God-given opportunity and avoid the folly of squandering time.
