One of the direct calls of Jesus to believers is in Eph 5:16 and Col 4:5. Read.

What does it mean to “redeem the time?”

To “redeem” means to exchange for something; to convert, to maximize use or put something into effective or productive use.
Believers are asked to redeem time, resources, gifts, calling, knowledge, doctrine, etc. to bring glory to God (Ecc 9:10, Rom 12:11, 1Cor 9:24-26, Col 3: 23).

This means disciples are to be good stewards and custodian of these things (1Tim 4:14, 1Pet 4:9-11).
This requires discipline.

Discipline is defined as “…to obey rules or code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.”

Christ redeemed us from:

• The law (Gal 3:13)
• Sin (Col 1:14, Rom 5:6 Rom 6:14)
• The world (Joh 16:33)
• Death (2Cor 1:10, 1Cor 15:55-57)
• Eternal damnation (Heb 9:12)
• Our own body (Rom 7:24, 1Cor 6:20).

As disciples of the Lord, therefore, Christ wants us to:

• Manifest the victories from what He has redeemed us from (Rom 6:12, Rom 8:13, Col 3:5)
• Maintain the redemption He has given us through a life of self-discipline.

However, discipline requires obedience  "...to obey rules or code of behavior", and if necessary, take punishment to correct disobedience or shortcomings (2Cor 10:6, Heb 12:4-11).

• What is the consequence of not redeeming the time? (Eph 4:30)
• How can a believer, through discipline, redeem the following areas of life?:

1. Time (1Cor 3:1-3, 2Tim 4:1-4, Heb 5:12)
2. Body (1Cor 3:16-7, 6:19, 9:27, 1Pet 2:11)
3. Passions (Rom 8:13, Col 3:5, Gal 5:19-22, Eph 4:22, 5:3-6)
4. Life and living (Rom 14:8, 1Jn 2:15-17).

The following are some characteristics of a believer who is yet to commit to a life of discipline and redemption in the gathering:

1. Cause division and strife (Rom 13:13, 1Cor 11:18, 2Tim 2:23)
2. Arrested spiritual development (1Cor 3:1-3, Heb 5:12-14, Col 3:16)
3. One leg in the world (carnal mind) Rom 8:7, 1Cor 3:1-4)
4. Habitually wrestling with doctrine (2Pet 3:16, 1Tim 1:4, 6:3-5, 2Tim 2:23, Tit 3:9)
5. Not function in their gift, calling, or grace to edify the body (1Th 5:11, Eph 4:7, 1Cor 14, 1Tim 4;14) 
6. A “manner” to forsake the assembly, or a habit/lifestyle to be late to fellowship (Heb 10:25)
7. No respect for leadership (1Thes 5:12-14, Heb 13:7,17)
8. No regard for unity in the body (1Cor 1:10, Eph 4:3)

Further reading: 1The 5:14, Rom 16:17-18, 1Tim 6:3-5).

If there was anytime in history Christ wants us to be diligent and be good steward of all He has blessed us with, it is now, because "the days are evil" (Eph 4:16), and the time is short.

When we put into maximum use all His graces and blessings in our lives, particularly living a life above sin,

• We lift Jesus up and declare to the world the power of His salvation
• We truly pray the prayer "thy kingdom come"

Then, God can "draw all men" to Himself (Joh 12:32).

However, if we do not redeem the time, we grieve the Holy Spirit and we break the seal of our redemption (Eph 4:30).

Brethren, let us be a good steward of the time, resources, gifts, calling, knowledge, and grace God has given us.

"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams" (1Sam 15;22).

Exercises:

• In what areas do I need to examine myself as regards discipline? (2Cor 13:5).
• How has the gift, calling, and grace of God in my life be a blessing to others other than myself?
• In what specific area above I’m I struggling with discipline in the body?

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​Who is a Disciple?
The Greek word which translates to disciple in English is "mathetes.” It literarily means an “apprentice,” “pupil,” or “student.”
In Biblical terms, it means one who sits at the feet of Jesus to learn (Mat 24:3, Mar 3:14).
​
The word Disciple is also a derivative of the word Discipline.

​It thus means that a Disciple is:

• A “disciplined one” (Act 4:13, Phi 3:12)
• A follower of Jesus (Mat 9:9, Mat 4:19, Mat 8:22)
• A learner (Mat 11:28-30, Eph 4:20-21, 2Tim 2:15)
• One who lives a life of denial and sacrifice (Mat 16:24, Luk 14:27, Phi 3:10, 1Pet 4:1-2)
• One who lives in accordance with the teaching of the master (Gal 2:20, 1Tim 6:3)
• One who lives to please his master (1Tim 2:4, 2Cor 5:9; 1The 2:4, Heb 11:6).

Attributes of a Disciple

• Ready to learn from his master (Mat 11:29)
• Have a teachable spirit (Mar 4:10-20)

• Resemble his master (Mat 10:25)
• Learn obedience (Phi 2:8, Heb 5:8, 10:36)
• Learn humility (Phi 2:5-7, Jas 4:10)
• Be a team player (1Cor 3:6-9, 2Cor 6:1, 2Cor 8:23, 3Jn 1:8) 
• Ready to suffer persecution (2Tim 3:12, 2Cor 12:10)
• Good managers (of time, resources, people, gifts, doctrine, and knowledge). 2Tim 4:1-4, 2Tim 3:1-6, Tit 2:1)  
• Ready to live a life of suffering (1Pet 2:21, 1Pet 4:1, 12-16, 2Tim 1:8).

Exercises

• Which of the definitions do I find most interesting and relatable to my personal life?
• Which of the attributes do I find most challenging in my faith walk?

Discuss Acts 4:13 and 1Cor 3.