Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16

Influences

(By Tanner Bass)

Intro.

1. Definition - “The moral or Spiritual force, power or capacity by which we have an effect upon a person, condition, or development”
2. Importance of Influence? We all possess it!

I. INFLUENCE JESUS SPOKE OF:

A. Christians are to be the Salt of the earth; different, Matt. 5:13; 1 John 2:15-17; Romans 12:2
B. Light of the world, Matt. 5:14-16; Eph. 5:8-14

II. EXAMPLES OF INFLUENCE.

A. Poor examples; Solomon’s wives, bad company, etc. 1 Kings 11:3-4; 21:25; Matt. 23:13; 1 Cor. 15:33
-Who is a poor influence to you?
B. Good examples: Paul, Job, Christ, etc. Acts 28:30-31; 1 Cor. 11:1, 1 Thess. 1:6; Phil. 3:17-18
C. Who is a good influence to you?

III. HOW WE INFLUENCE OTHERS.

A. Through our:
1. Conduct, Phil. 2:13
2. Speech, Matt. 15:18; Eph. 4:29
3. Actions, Matt. 7:15-20
4. Choices
5. Obedience to Christ

IV. IMPORTANT POINTS.

A. Influence can be lost or gained
B. Our influence doesn’t stop after death, Rev. 14:13
C. Age is irrelevant

By: Tanner Bass

Posted: July 7, 2017