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Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:12-16

The Christian's Influence

Intro.

1.   To be a Christian implies a conversion has occurred in one’s life, Rom 6:3-4; 2 Cor 5:17; Col 3:1-3, 8-10.

2.   Baptism just beginning, not end of conver­sion, cf. Phil 2:12-13.

3.   One area of growth is our influence, Phil 2:14-16. Be children of God who are without rebuke (without blemish):

   a.    Blameless (free of censure) in God’s sight and man’s, 2:15 (cf. 2 Pet 3:14).

   b.   Harmless (innocent), Rom 16:19.

   c.    Without fault: Without blemish, blame; No reprimand needed.

4.   Children of God are to be “without fault” (“rebuke”, kjv; “blemish”, asv, esv) in sight of God and men, Phil 2:15:

   a.   Enables us to have a good influence, 1 Pet 2:12.

   b.   If we are to influence people our conduct must gain their respect. [Influence can be rehabilitated, cf. Paul, Peter.]

   c.   Otherwise, we hinder the truth (2:14, 16).

5.   Things that build an influence that cannot be rebuked.

 

I. BE HONEST IN CHARACTER.

   A.   Honesty is a Principle, not merely a "Policy", Phil 4:8 (A matter of your honor).

      1.   Our honest affects our influence, 2 Cor 8:18-21.

         a.   Honest reputation strengthens your influence and our effectiveness, Acts 6:3.

         b.   Honesty influences, lying and deceit destroys credibility (obvious), 1 Pet 2:11-12.

      2.   Business, congregations, homes, etc.; Impacts relationships.

   B.   Always be Truthful, Eph 4:25; Prov 6:16-19.

      -Speaking truth is the outgrowth of being honest of the heart, Matt 12:34-35.

 

II.   BE PURE IN SPEECH, 1 Pet 3:10.

   A.   We must Abandon Vulgar Hearts and Language, Eph 4:29; 5:4; Col 4:6.

      1.   Vulgar speech influences vulgar people; it does not draw people to Christ!

      2.   Uncontrolled tongue does much damage to the cause of Christ, Jas 3:5.

      3.   Sound speech which cannot be condemned! Titus 2:7-8

 

III.  BE PURE IN LIVING.

   A.   We Must Maintain the Purity of the Church for which Christ Died, Eph. 5:25-27.

      1.   Conduct to be “becoming”, Phil 1:27.

         a.   The present world needs the influence of purity! Titus 2:11-12

         b.   Our responsibility and capability, 1 Tim 5:22.

      2.   No double standards:

         a.   One for men, another for women.

         b.   One for preacher, another for rest.

         c.    All, Rom 12:1-2; Gal 2:20.

   B.   Church must not Condone Sin in its Members, 1 Cor 5:1-2, 13; Gal 6:1; 2 Ths 3:6, 14-15.

      1.   Goal is to bring to repentance and reformation.

      2.   Influence and health of the church is at stake, 1 Cor 5:7. cf. Acts 5:11, 13-14

 

IV.  BE KIND AND CONSIDERATE, Eph 4:32; 1 Cor 13:4.

   A.   Kindness Shows Sincerity towards Others, 1 Pet 1:22; Rom 12:9.

      1.   Such will not condone sin - Straightforwardly rebukes sin and seeks proper remedy, Gal 4:16 (cf. Jesus).

      2.   Do not be harsh, bitter or belittling when trying to help someone, 2 Tim 2:24-26.

 

V.   BE UNCOMPROMISING WITH THE TRUTH.

   A.   Good Influence Occurs when We Live our Convictions.

      1.   Whether others have Bible convictions or not.

         a.   Blessed, Dan 1:8-9, 14-16, 17-20.

         b.   Apostles, Acts 4:17-21; 5:29, 26.

      2.   People have little (if any) respect for one who consistently violates his stated convictions (hypocrisy).

         a.   Must stand unyieldingly on the truth and not compromise, 2 Tim 4:2.

         b.   God is for you; don’t let men persuade you to compromise and be defeated, Rom 8:31, 35-37.

 

Conclusion

1.   These things help us have an influence that does not need to be rebuked (blameless, harmless, without fault).

2.   Give ourselves fully to such a lifestyle, Phil 2:14-16.