The Outreach Sunday School class at Mobile’s Kingswood Church rotates four class members as the Sunday School teacher.
This Sunday, the designated teacher will be George Simmerman, a retired Mobile lawyer.
Simmerman doesn’t use a quarterly or other lesson guide. He writes his own lesson from a topic that he feels a calling to teach. This week’s lesson is timely, as this Sunday is the day that clocks change from Standard Time to Daylight Savings Time. Spring forward.
Hence, Simmerman’s topic: Time, taught from a Biblical perspective. “Understanding God’s View of Time.”
Simmerman is a graduate of Spring Hill College in Mobile and Ole Miss Law School. He retired after 31 years as deputy general counsel of Huntingdon Ingalls Industries.
Here is the lesson outline. Can you tell it was composed by a retired lawyer and a serious student of the Bible?
Lesson Theme: Understanding God’s View of Time (as of March 2025)
Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1 – "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."
Objective:
To explore what the Bible teaches about time, how God’s timing differs from ours, and how we should manage our time wisely as believers.
Introduction: The Concept of Time (over 700 references to “time” in the NIV)
Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God….”
Revelation 22:13 “I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last.”
1. Discussion Questions:
o How do you view time—do you feel like you never have enough, or do you use it intentionally?
o How do you feel about waiting? Are you patient when things don’t happen on your timeline?
o What changes for you when we adjust our clocks for daylight savings?
2. Connection to Daylight Savings Time:
o We are used to controlling time—adjusting clocks, scheduling our days, managing our time.
o But God operates outside of human time. He is not bound by our schedules, and His timing is perfect.
Biblical Perspectives on Time (20-25 min)
1. God Created Time – He Exists Outside of It
Key Verse: 2 Peter 3:8 – "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."
· Time is a human limitation, but God is eternal.
· We often feel impatient, but God sees the bigger picture beyond our limited time frame.
Reflection:
· Have you ever questioned God’s timing in your life?
· How does knowing that God is outside of time change your perspective?
2. There is a Season for Everything
Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 – "He has made everything beautiful in its time."
· Life moves in seasons, and each season has its purpose.
· Some seasons are for growth, others for waiting.
· God works in His time, not ours, and His plan unfolds in ways we may not immediately understand.
· Psalm 31:15 “My times are in your hands.”
· 2 Kings 20 – The Lord added 15 years to Hezekiah’s life.
· 2 Peter 3: 8 – “Beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing: with the Lord one day is as 1,000 years, and 1,000 years as one day.”
Example:
· Abraham and Sarah waited decades for God’s promise of a son (Genesis 21:1-3).
· Joseph waited years in slavery and prison before rising to power in Egypt (Genesis 50:20).
· Jesus came at the appointed time for salvation (Galatians 4:4-5).
Reflection:
· What season do you feel like you are in right now—waiting, growing, healing, transitioning?
· How can you trust God’s timing more in your current season?
3. Making the Most of Our Time
Key Verse: Ephesians 5:15-16 – "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."
· The Bible calls us to use our time wisely.
· We are responsible for how we spend our time—are we investing in things that matter eternally?
· Jesus Himself used His time intentionally, balancing ministry, solitude, and rest.
· Matthew 28:20 – “Lo I am with you always until the end of the age.”
· John 19:30 – Jesus said: “It is finished.”
Reflection:
· How do you currently spend most of your time?
· What changes can you make to be more intentional about how you use your time?
4. Trusting God’s Timing in Difficult Seasons
Key Verse: Isaiah 40:31 – "But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength."
· Waiting on God is an act of faith.
· Delays are not denials—God is preparing something in His perfect time.
· Patience in waiting helps us develop spiritual maturity.
Reflection:
· Have you experienced a time when you had to wait for something from God?
· How did that experience strengthen your faith?
Application: Living with a Biblical View of Time (10 min)
1. Trust in God’s Timing:
o Instead of stressing about time, learn to rest in God’s perfect plan.
o Remember that even when things feel delayed, God is never late.
2. Use Time Wisely:
o Prioritize spiritual growth, relationships, and kingdom work over trivial things.
o Reflect on how much time you spend with God vs. distractions (social media, work, etc.).
3. Be Faithful in Every Season:
o Whether in a season of waiting, growth, or transition, remain faithful in what God has called you to do.
Closing Prayer:
· Thank God for His perfect timing in our lives.
· Ask for patience in waiting, wisdom in using time well, and trust in His plan.
__George Simmerman
If you would like to attend the class and experience this timely lesson, the class is at 9 to 10 a.m. this Sunday in the Outreach Class of Kingswood Church. After class from 10-11 a.m. the church will hold its worship service.
To everything, turn, turn, turn
There is a season, turn, turn, turn
And a time to every purpose under Heaven.
- The Byrds, 1965
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler writes about Alabama’s people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
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