The Power of Influence

InfluenceInfluence “To have an effect on something; power to sway” (Encarta Dictionary) “To have an effect on something; power to sway” (Encarta Dictionary) “The act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion or force or direct exercise of command” (Merriam- Webster) “The act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion or force or direct exercise of command” (Merriam- Webster) 2

The good influence of godly deeds and examples Young people on believers, 1 Tim 4:12 Young people on believers, 1 Tim 4:12 Young men on opponents, Titus 2:6-8 Young men on opponents, Titus 2:6-8 A godly spouse on partner, 1 Pet 3:1-2, 7 A godly spouse on partner, 1 Pet 3:1-2, 7 A Christian on unbelievers, 1 Pet 2:11-12 A Christian on unbelievers, 1 Pet 2:

The Power of Evil Influences (Prov 22:24-25; 1 Kgs 11:1-4) Corrupting influence of evil and error, 1 Cor 5:6-8 Corrupting influence of evil and error, 1 Cor 5:6-8 – Leaven: Causes fermentation (formation of carbon dioxide gas) that expands dough – Through the persuasion of false teachers, Gal 5:7-9; Matt 16:11-12 (2 Tim 2:14, 16-18) – Through the deception of lust, Prov 6:25-29; Heb 3:13 4

The Power of Evil Influences (Prov 22:24-25; 1 Kgs 11:1-4) Corrupting influence of an unfaithful Christian, 1 Cor 5:6-7; 8:10-13 Corrupting influence of an unfaithful Christian, 1 Cor 5:6-7; 8:10-13 – Our sin can influence other Christians to join us in sin, Gal 2:11-13 – Our sin can influence unbelievers to reject God, Rom 2:24, 1 Tim 6:1; Titus 2:5 5

The Power of Evil Influences (Prov 22:24-25; 1 Kgs 11:1-4) Corrupting influence of the ungodly, Mark 15:11 Corrupting influence of the ungodly, Mark 15:11 – The influence of evil associations results in: Misery, Numbers 33:55 Misery, Numbers 33:55 Parental shame, Proverbs 28:7 Parental shame, Proverbs 28:7 Moral defilement, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 Moral defilement, 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 Denial of Christ, John 18:18, 25 Denial of Christ, John 18:18, 25 Apostasy, 1 Kings 11:2, 4-6 Apostasy, 1 Kings 11:2, 4-6 Divine wrath, 2 Chronicles 19:2; Proverbs 13:20 Divine wrath, 2 Chronicles 19:2; Proverbs 13:20 6

THE INFLUENCE OF THE GOSPEL PART 2 Romans 1:16 7

InfluenceInfluence “To have an effect on something; power to sway” (Encarta Dictionary) “To have an effect on something; power to sway” (Encarta Dictionary) “The act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion or force or direct exercise of command” (Merriam- Webster) “The act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion or force or direct exercise of command” (Merriam- Webster) 8

The Influence of the Gospel Romans 1:16 Contrasted with the corrupting influence of sin and error, 1 Cor 5:6-8; Col 1:3-6 Contrasted with the corrupting influence of sin and error, 1 Cor 5:6-8; Col 1:3-6 – Power to change the mind, Eph 4:20-23 Paul, Acts 26:9 Paul, Acts 26:9 – Power to change conduct, Eph 4:24; 5:8-10 Paul, Acts 9:1, Paul, Acts 9:1,

The Influence of the Gospel Romans 1:16 Contrasted with the corrupting influence of sin and error, 1 Cor 5:6-8; Col 1:3-6 Contrasted with the corrupting influence of sin and error, 1 Cor 5:6-8; Col 1:3-6 – Power to change spiritual condition (from death to life), 2 Tim 1:10 Paul, Acts 22:14-16; Rom 6:4 Paul, Acts 22:14-16; Rom 6:4 – Power to change darkness to light, 2 Cor 4:3-4 Paul, Acts 9:17-18; 1 Tim 1:12-16 Paul, Acts 9:17-18; 1 Tim 1:

The Power of Godly Influences The flavoring and preserving power of a godly influence, Matt 5:13; Mark 9:50 The flavoring and preserving power of a godly influence, Matt 5:13; Mark 9:50 – Flavor your environment with words of goodness and deeds of kindness, Col 4:5-6 (Prov 15:1-2) – Preserve godliness in a world of sin and wrath, Ezekiel 22:30; 1 Peter 2:

The Power of Godly Influences Saving power of a godly influence, 1 Pet 3:1-2; 2:11-12 Saving power of a godly influence, 1 Pet 3:1-2; 2:11-12 – Turn the attention of the lost to the saving gospel of Christ Encouraging power of a godly influence, 2 Cor 9:1-2; Heb 10:24-25 Encouraging power of a godly influence, 2 Cor 9:1-2; Heb 10:24-25 – Your zeal to be faithful will stir up others 12

The Power of Godly Influences Evangelizing power of a godly influence, 1 Ths 1:8-10; Jno 1:43-46 Evangelizing power of a godly influence, 1 Ths 1:8-10; Jno 1:43-46 – The news of conversions influences others to greater faith Posthumous power of a godly influence, Heb 11:4 Posthumous power of a godly influence, Heb 11:4 – Your influence will live after you are gone 13

The Power of Influence Let no one say, “I have no influence!” Let no one say, “I have no influence!” As surely as the sun influences the earth, your life influences many people in unseen ways. As surely as the sun influences the earth, your life influences many people in unseen ways. 14

The Power of Influence Let no one say, “I am not influenced by others!” Let no one say, “I am not influenced by others!” As surely as the moon influences the tides, you are influenced by the people around you and the values they hold. As surely as the moon influences the tides, you are influenced by the people around you and the values they hold. 15

The Power of Influence Pursue the influence of godliness and flee the influence of the world, 1 Tim 6:11 Pursue the influence of godliness and flee the influence of the world, 1 Tim 6:11 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”, Rom 12:20-21 “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good”, Rom 12: