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Introduction: A.
Every day we either influence or are influenced: 1.
We strive to imitate that which we desire. 2.
Or our behavior is averted because of undesired
repercussions. B.
We are to “be influenced” by following good examples or
avoid bad ones: 1
Cor. 11:1-2; 1 Cor. 10:1-11
As a challenge, ask yourself the following that may help
you gauge the kind of influence you are on others: “If everyone
was like me …” Discussion: I.
If Your Family Was More Like You … A.
Would they be more or less inclined to read and study
God’s word? Acts
17:11; 2 Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:12-14 B.
Would they be more or less inclined to pray to our heavenly
Father? 1
Thess. 5:17; 1 Tim. 2:1 C.
Would they be more or less spiritually minded? Col.
3:1; Rom. 8:5-10 II.
If Christians Were More Like You … A.
Would they be more or less inclined to worship the
Lord? Heb.
10:24-25; Rom. 12:1 B.
Would they be more or less inclined to help others. Cp. 2
Cor. 8; Gal. 6:10 C.
Would they be more or less inclined to spread the gospel. Matt.
28:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:2 III.
Take Heed A.
Being a good influence for our family and brethren is not
the goal: glorifying God is! Matt.
5:16 B.
We also need to influence with an heir of humility, not
superiority. Cp. Lk.
18:10-14 C.
Ultimately, we influence through love. 1
Cor. 13:1-3 D.
This is the attitude of influence demonstrated by our
Savior that we need to have. Phil.
2:5ff Conclusion: A. Yes, we are influenced everyday both in good and bad ways.
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
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