Ephesians 5:15-17; Judges 6-7

I. How is time “redeemed”?

A. To “redeem” is to buy back again
B. Past darkness vs. present light (Ephesians 5:8)
C. Past mistakes should serve as motivation to make the most of present opportunities

II. The example of Gideon

A. A time of darkness in Israel (Judges 6:1-10)
B. Gideon’s task: save his people (Judges 6:14, 25-26)
C. Gideon’s obstacles: fearful and careless men (Judges 7:3-7)
D. Gideon’s needs:
1. Faith (Judges 6:12-16)
2. Strength (Judges 6:12)
3. Obedience (Judges 6:27)
4. Humility (Judges 7:2; 6:15)
5. Courage (Judges 6:27)

III. Present parallels

A. A time of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)
B. Our task: save our people by pointing them to Jesus (Luke 19:10; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 9:6; 10:6; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2; 2 Timothy 2:2)
C. Our obstacles: fear and carelessness (2 Timothy 1:7; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Ephesians 5:15)
D. Our needs:
1. Faith (Romans 10:17)
2. Strength (Ephesians 6:10)
3. Obedience (Hebrews 5:9; Matthew 7:21)
4. Humility (James 4:6, 10)
5. Courage (Ephesians 6:18-20; 1 Peter 3:14)

Adapted from a sermon by Curtis E. Flatt (1921-2018)