Scripture Reading: Psalm 1
Influences
Intro.
1. English word "influence" is not in NKJV Bible; twice in NASB (Isa. 2:6; Dan. 8:25); once in NIV (Job 31:21). Yet, influence fills its pages.
2. Influence: "the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself"; synonyms include "effect, impact, control, sway, hold, power, authority, mastery, domination, supremacy, guidance, direction, pressure" (Oxford Dictionaries). cf. Wind, Acts 27:13-18
3. Power of influence cannot be overestimated, whether good or evil:
a. Good influence (salt): The flavoring of righteousness in a sin-filled world.
b. Evil influence (leaven): Consumes and contaminates.
4. Christians must examine and assess our words and actions (and those of others) in order to nurture good influences and to avoid evil influences.
5. The nature of influence and what we to do with it.
I. GOOD INFLUENCE.
A. The Nature of Good Influence.
1. Preserving, Matt. 5:13 (Mk. 9:50). Usefulness can be lost.
2. Saving, 1 Cor. 7:13-14, 16; 1 Pet. 3:1-2.
3. Stimulating, 2 Cor. 9:2. Inspiring, stirring, cf. Heb. 10:24.
4. Evangelizing, 1 Thess. 1:8.
5. Posthumous, Heb. 11:4. Extends beyond the grave.
B. Good Influence is Exerted by Setting Godly Examples Others can Follow (tupos: example, design, model, stamp, figure), 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7.
1. The individual, Matt. 5:16.
2. A church, 1 Thess. 1:8; 2 Cor. 8:1-5, 8.
C. The Outcome of Good Influence.
1. God is glorified, 1 Pet. 2:11-12.
2. Souls are strengthened, Heb. 10:24.
3. Souls are saved, Col. 4:5-6.
4. Approved of God and avoid shame, 2 Tim. 2:15.
II. EVIL INFLUENCE.
A. Evil Influences Emanate from the Ungodly, 1 Kgs. 18:17-18.
1. Wives, 1 Kgs. 11:3-4; 21:25.
2. Kings, 2 Chron. 21:4-6.
3. False prophets and unholy priests, Jer. 23:15-16; Hos. 4:9; Mk. 15:11.
4. Unfaithful people of God, cf. Israel, Rom. 2:24.
B. The Evil Influence of Unfaithful Christians.
1. Spreads. Sin is infectious and polluting, 1 Cor. 5:6-8; Rev. 2:20-21.
2. Stumbling block to others, Matt. 18:6-7. Trap, enticement to sin.
-Example: Drawing others into violating their conscience, 1 Cor. 8:9-11; Rom. 14:13-15.
3. Hinders the spread of the gospel, cf. 1 Pet. 2:11-12.
C. The Evil Influence of Evil Associations, 1 Cor. 15:33-34. Leads to...
1. Misery, Num. 33:55.
2. Apostasy, 1 Kgs. 11:2, 6-9.
3. Divine wrath, 2 Chron. 19:2; Prov. 13:20.
4. Parental shame, Prov. 28:7.
5. Denial of Christ, Jno. 18:18, 25.
6. Deception, disobedience, darkness and death, Eph. 5:6-8, 11.
Conclusion
1. Making the applications...
a. We influence others and we are influenced by others, Rom. 14:7-8.
b. We choose which kind of influence we will be and which kind of influence will affect us, Psalm 1; Prov. 1:10-15.
2. “Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14–15).
By: Joe R. Price
Posted: July 13, 2015