Time Management

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:15-17 (KJV)

OPENING PRAYER: Father, please breathe on me in Jesus’ name.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.

MEMORY VERSE: Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.– Ephesians 5:16 (KJV)

BIBLE PASSAGE: Ephesians 5:15-17 (KJV)

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

INTRODUCTION: Time is one of the greatest resources for success. We must learn to maximally utilise the time released to us by God. Time is very slippery, though comes our way every day. Time is of the essence to a man who counts it important to fulfil purpose and reach his goals in life (John 9:4). Time is evenly distributed across board, irrespective of age, race, gender or status. Until you understand the value of time, you cannot succeed maximally in life.

TEXT REVIEW: EPHESIANS 5:15-17

In this passage, the apostle Paul enjoying his readers to walk with wisdom. He encourages us as stated below:

i. See then that ye walk circumspectly. V15a.

ii. ……………………………….. V15b.

iii. ………………………………… V16.

iv. ……………………………….. V17a.

v. ………………………………… V17b.

LESSON OUTLINES

TIME MANAGEMENT DEFINED

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR TIME

1. TIME MANAGEMENT DEFINED

A. Time management is the way you organise and plan how long you will spend on specific activities (John 9:4). It is about making the best use of your time productively and efficiently (Proverbs 6:6-11) because it is always limited (Ephesians 5:16).

B. Time management can also be the art of having time to do everything that you need to do without feeling stressed about it (Exodus 18:18-23) and prioritising your tasks in order of importance (Matthew 6:33).

C. These definitions, therefore, suggest that when you think of time management, you think of a combination of working productively, efficiently and prioritising your time.

D. Do not just work hard but work smart. Do not just be busy without having something to show for the hours used; be productive and fulfil your purpose.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: How do you feel when you waste your time

2. HOW TO MANAGE YOUR TIME

A. Every purpose in life has a time attached (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Hence, when time is wasted, the purpose is no longer guaranteed.

B. To effectively manage your time, you should consider the following:

Set smart goals: Make sure your goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound.

Stay focused: Shun Distractions (Philippians 3:13).

Be disciplined and punctual: Discipline is the effective use of your time, energy and resources in the pursuit of your task (Job 36:10). Being punctual is being available to do something at the agreed or proper time (Esther 9:27).

Know when to say “NO”: You cannot always say ‘Yes’ to everyone or everything. It will take you to the grave early in life (James 5:12). Saying ‘No’ sometimes is an act of respect for your person.

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What is the meaning of the acronym SMART?

CONCLUSION: A life lived is an accumulation of time. When your time is up, your life ends.

EVALUATION: How can your manage your time?

CLOSING PRAYER: I resist every time-wasting venture in my life in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT: Identify five successes you have achieved through proper time management (2×5=10 Marks).