The Power of Influence

What Influences You?

• We have many influences in our lives– Some are good, others are bad– All contribute to our make-up

• That which influences you has the power to change you…for good or bad

For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the

things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.  (Rom 8:5

NKJV)

Beware the Power!

How Do You Influence Others?

• Jesus calls us to be a powerful influence for the good (Matt. 5:13-16)

You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men;  clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us,

written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on

tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. (2 Cor. 3:2-3 NKJV)

The Power of a Bad Influence

• Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. (1 Cor. 15:33-34 NKJV)

• We are called to righteousness• Righteousness is determined by not only how

we live but with whom/what we associate– 1 Tim. 5:22; 2 John 1:11

A Closer Look at 1 Cor. 15:33

• Evil - κακός kakos 1) of a bad nature 1a) not such as it ought to be (Thayer’s)

• Company - Cὁμιλία homilia 1) companionship, intercourse, communion (Thayer’s)

• Habits - ἦθος ēthos Thayer Definition: 1) a customary abode, dwelling place, haunt, customary state 2) custom, usage, morals, character (Thayer’s)

The Power of a Good Influence

• How can we be and influence for good?• Our conduct must glorify God and motivate

others to holiness– Titus 2:1-8

• A good influence can save souls– 1 Peter 3:1-2; 1 Cor. 7:16

• A good conscience comes from living so that none can justly impugn our character– 1 Peter 3:15-16

Be a Leader!

And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will

serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the

flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house,

we will serve the LORD. (Joshua 24:15)

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches,

Loving favor rather than silver and

gold. Pr 22:1 NKJV