Knowing the Time

The word “time” does not refer to the space or measurement of time. The word is kairos, which refers to an opportunity (). We are living in a kairos moment, a critical moment where important decisions must be made. As one translation says, “know this critical time” (Goodspeed).

Kairos moments are typically critical moments where important decisions must be made. As one translation says, “know this critical time” (Goodspeed). Another says, “know what this crisis means” (Moffatt). Why is it so critical?

What are we to ‘know’ about this critical time? Again, when we say ‘time’ we do not mean the kind of time that might be measured by days or years ().

Whenever we think about

God is not requiring us to know how many seconds were left on the clock. He’s requiring that we know this kairos of time (importance/crisis of this moment).

We are commanded to ‘know’ (have insight into) this time. Again, it is not kronos that we’re being required to know . The disciples wanted to know how many seconds were left on the clock. It’s not given for us to know God’s kronos. It’s given for us to know His kairos!

The first thing we need to know about this kairos moment is that it’s here NOW ( ESV)!

Many are hitting ‘snooze’ on this opportunity of salvation or sanctification. (When the alarm on a clock goes off you can hit the ‘snooze button’ and the alarm will temporarily stop. This delays the waking process!) There are many in the Church who are trying putting off their salvation to the last minute (the moment they see the Lord coming). But, if we do not sanctify ourselves now, we won’t see the Lord when He comes (, , )!

Those who truly know the ‘time’ will do several things:

The previous time was one of ignorance. Man was ignorant of God’s salvation. But, now the time of salvation has come, which is made known unto us by way of the gospel. Therefore, this is a time of repentance. Why is it important that we repent? Because of what’s coming (). We hear this and we don’t even flinch anymore ().

As we ‘see’ this day approaching, what manner of persons ought we be in all believing? No, in all holy living! In other words, we ought to be careful in how we live (, ; ; , ;). We’re approaching a day of judgment and accountability (, ; ; ).

Those who truly know the ‘time,’ or the opportunity we have been given, will do several things:

The time is so important (critical) because “…[our] salvation is nearer than when we believe.” The return of the Lord is drawing near. We hear that and we don’t even flinch or start to move ().

We’re commanded to ‘know’ this moment (have insight into it). If we don’t know, then we need to pray to know (). Those who truly know the ‘time,’ or the opportunity we have been given, will do several things:

Whenever we think about the return of the Lord we often think of it in terms of chronology (kronos). However, we should think of it in terms of kairos. In other words, treat every ‘moment’ like it is the last!

Moreover, we’re not just living in a kairos, but we’re living in a krisis (a time of intense difficulty, when important decisions must be made).

Awake (stop being indifferent regarding eternal things). Here the sleepers are believers. (In the sleepers are unbelievers. Here Paul talks about ‘redeeming’ the time (buying it back) as opposed to simply ‘knowing’ it. Moreover, to keep from sleeping Paul admonishes them to be filled with the Spirit. When we get sleepy we thing of drinking something (water, energy drinks). We drink in the Spirit. The world enjoys the night. In fact, if they had their wish, the night would never end! But as believers, our night is over for we are the children of the light.

In Ephesians the ‘sleepers’ were sleep spiritually. Here they are asleep morally. We are not to resemble unbelievers in our conduct. Paul places the stress on behavior. Today, ministers place the stress on success (the time to improve your company or business, expand your portfolio). Paul said, “Take care to improve your behavior. Now is the time to focus on your behavior.”

Cast Off (immorality). Paul likens our behavior to the kind of clothes we wear. Science says that the clothes we wear affect our behavior, attitudes, personality, mood, confidence, and even the way we interact with others. “Look good, feel good, play good.” Dion added, “…and they will pay good!” We must put off our ‘night clothes’ or things we do in darkness (when others are not around). These are those things we do that are inappropriate for people who walk in the day. Not only must we put off these things because they are inappropriate, but we must put them off because they leave us unprotected (no armor). Let us put off the nightgown with which we become entangled in the cares of this world.

Put On On the Lord Jesus, not simply the weapons that He gives. Put on Him. Seek to behave like Him for He is the sum total of light (all that is true). That’s the best protection.

Walk We need to walk as people knowing the time. In other words, we need to walk in the present the way we would in the final day when we meet the Lord.

Why is it the right moment? Paul said,

Someone might say, “If He is going to ‘save’ us, why do we need to cast off, put on and walk? Why not just let Him do it? We think of that ‘day’ simply as a day of deliverance and vindication. But, it is also a day of accountability.

our salvation that is nearer than when we first believed. We must be able to distinguish it from what came before and what’s coming afterwards.

The previous time was one of ignorance. Man was ignorant of God’s salvation. But, now the time of salvation has come, which is made known unto us by way of the gospel. Therefore, this is a time of repentance. Why is it important that we repent? Because of what’s coming (). We hear this and we don’t even flinch anymore ().

As we ‘see’ this day approaching, what manner of persons ought we be in all believing? No, in all holy living! In other words, we ought to be careful in how we live (, ; ; , ;). We’re approaching a day of judgment and accountability (, ; ; ).