The Gift We Can't Waste

In his enlightening sermon titled “The Gift We Can’t Waste,” Pastor Adam Burton of Central Baptist Church in Maysville, Kentucky, delves into the significance of time as a divine gift. He encourages us to recognize its value and to invest it wisely, especially in eternal purposes through Jesus Christ. Pastor Adam’s message highlights the importance of using our time to glorify God and to ensure our lives are aligned with His will.

Summary of Key Points

Pastor Adam’s sermon focuses on several profound themes:

• Time as God’s Currency: Time is a precious resource given by God, meant to be invested in ways that honor Him and have eternal significance.
• The Nature of Time: Time is finite and unpredictable, urging us to make every moment count.
• Eternal Investment: Investing time in temporary things is futile; true value comes from investing in eternity through Jesus Christ.
• The Role of Jesus: Without Jesus, we squander time; His sacrifice redeems our time and gives it eternal purpose.
• Personal Responsibility: We are accountable for how we spend our time and must regularly reassess our priorities.
• The Call to Action: Recognize the Holy Spirit’s prompting to use time for God’s glory and respond with a commitment to eternal values.

Detailed Discussion

Time as God’s Currency

Pastor Adam emphasizes that time is like currency given to us by God, intended to be spent on what truly matters. He draws parallels to the story of Randy Pausch, a computer science professor who, upon facing terminal cancer, highlighted the value of time in his “last lecture.” Randy’s reflection serves as a reminder that time is finite and should be used wisely. Pastor Adam insists that time, much like financial resources, should be invested in activities and relationships that have eternal significance.

The Nature of Time

Time is fleeting and uncertain. Pastor Adam urges us to be mindful of the fact that we never know how much time we have left. This uncertainty should not paralyze us but rather motivate us to live purposefully. By understanding the transient nature of life, we can better appreciate each moment and use it to its fullest potential, aligning our actions with God’s eternal purposes.

Eternal Investment

Investing our time in temporary, worldly pursuits can lead to a sense of emptiness and futility. Pastor Adam draws attention to the fact that without a focus on eternity, our efforts may feel meaningless. He stresses the importance of dedicating our time to activities that honor God and have lasting impact. This includes deepening our faith, serving others, and spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

The Role of Jesus

Without Jesus, we are spiritually bankrupt, and our time is wasted on pursuits that do not matter in the grand scheme of eternity. Pastor Adam highlights that Jesus’ perfect life, sacrificial death, and resurrection offer redemption for our time. When we place our faith in Him, His righteousness is credited to us, giving our time new meaning and purpose. Jesus transforms our temporal existence into an eternal journey, making every moment count.

Personal Responsibility

We are responsible for how we use the time God has given us. Pastor Adam encourages regular self-reflection and reassessment of our priorities. By examining our daily activities and making adjustments where necessary, we can ensure that we are investing our time wisely. This involves prioritizing our relationship with God, engaging in meaningful work, and fostering relationships that reflect His love and truth.

The Call to Action

Pastor Adam calls on us to respond to the Holy Spirit’s prompting to use our time for God’s glory. This involves a conscious decision to shift our focus from temporary to eternal values. By committing to God’s purpose for our lives, we can ensure that our time is spent in ways that honor Him and contribute to His kingdom. This call to action is both a challenge and an invitation to live a life of significance.

Personal Reflection and Application

Pastor Adam encourages believers to engage in regular personal reflection and to immerse themselves in God’s Word. This practice helps to prevent the subtle encroachment of distractions and misaligned priorities. Additionally, surrounding oneself with a supportive faith community provides accountability and encouragement. By fostering these habits, we can remain steadfast in our commitment to use our time wisely.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Pastor Adam’s sermon “The Gift We Can’t Waste” underscores the critical importance of recognizing time as a divine gift and investing it in eternity through Jesus Christ. By embracing this perspective, we can live meaningful lives that are aligned with God’s purpose. Let us commit to using our time wisely, focusing on what truly matters, and seeking spiritual renewal through faith in Jesus Christ.

FAQs and Additional Resources

What is the main message of Pastor Adam’s sermon “The Gift We Can’t Waste”?

The main message is that time is a precious gift from God, and we should invest it in ways that honor Him and have eternal significance, primarily through faith in Jesus Christ.

How can I ensure I am using my time wisely according to God’s purpose?

You can ensure you are using your time wisely by regularly reflecting on your daily activities, aligning them with God’s teachings, and seeking guidance through prayer and the support of a faith community.

Why is time considered God’s currency?

Time is considered God’s currency because it is a finite resource given by God, meant to be used for His glory and eternal purposes. How we spend our time reflects our values and commitment to God.

What role does Jesus play in redeeming our time?

Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection redeem our time by offering us a new purpose and direction. When we place our faith in Him, we align our lives with God’s eternal goals, ensuring our time is spent meaningfully.

How can Randy Pausch’s story inspire us to use our time wisely?

Randy Pausch’s story powerfully reminds us of the finite nature of time and the importance of making the most of every moment. His wake-up call encourages us to reflect on our time management and prioritize activities with eternal significance.

What practical steps can I take to avoid mismanaging my time?

Practical steps include regular self-reflection, immersing yourself in God’s Word, seeking support from a faith community, prioritizing activities that honor God, and being mindful of the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your daily decisions.

Recommendations for Further Study

• Download the Sermon Notes
• Download the Sermon Transcript
• Listen to the Audio Podcast