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Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 2:14-19

Powerful Influences

Part 1

Intro.

1.  To have an effect on something; power to sway (Encarta Dict.); “the act or power of producing an effect without apparent exertion of force or direct exercise of command; the power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible ways” (Merriam-Webster).

   -Illus. the opposite poles of a magnet

2.  The Bible has much to say on the subject of influence, although the word itself is not in the English Bible!

3.  Influence can be the force and power of godly deeds and the examples they set, 1 Tim. 4:12; Titus 2:7.

  a.  Of young people upon believers, 1 Tim. 4:12.

  b.  Of young men upon opponents, Titus 2:6-8.

  c.  Of a godly spouse upon her/his partner, 1 Pet. 3:1-7.

  d.  Of a Christian upon the ungodly, 1 Pet. 2:11-12.

I.  THE POWER OF EVIL INFLUENCES, Prov. 22:24-25; 1 Kgs. 11:1-4.

  A.  The Corrupting Influence of Evil and Error, 1 Cor. 5:6-8.

    1.  Leaven: “Substance that causes fermentation of dough in bread making. A leaven acts by causing the formation of carbon dioxide gas, which bubbles through and lightens and expands the batter or dough while it is baking.” (Yeast, baking powder) howstuffworks.com

    2.  Through the persuasion of false teachers, Gal. 5:7-9 (teaching, Matt. 16:6, 12); 2 Tim. 2:14.

    3. Through the deception of lust, Prov. 6:25-29; cf. Heb. 3:13.

  B.  The Corrupting Influence of Unfaithful Christians, 1 Cor. 5:6; 8:10-13; 2 Tim. 2:16-18.

    1.  Our sin can influence other Christians to join us in sin, Gal. 2:11-13.

    2.  Our sin can influence unbelievers to reject God, Rom. 2:24; 1 Tim. 6:1; Tit. 2:5.

  C.  The Corrupting Influence of the Ungodly, Mk. 15:11.

    1. The influence of evil associations results in:

      a.  Misery, Num. 33:55.

      b.  Parental shame, Prov. 28:7.

      c.  Moral defilement, 1 Cor. 15:33.

      d.  Denial of Christ, Jno. 18:18, 25.

      e.  Apostasy, 1 Kgs. 11:2.

      f.  Divine wrath, 2 Chron. 19:2; Prov. 13:20.

Part 2

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:11-13

Intro.

1.  Review Part 1: The power of evil influences.

2.  Part 2: The power of the influence of the gospel, Rom. 1:16; Col. 1:3-6.

  a.  Power to change the mind, Eph. 4:20-23.

  b.  Power to change our conduct, Eph. 4:24; 5:8-10.

  c.  Power to change spiritual condition (death to life), 2 Tim. 1:10.

  d.  Power to turn darkness into light (Candle), 2 Cor. 4:4.

I.  THE POWER OF GODLY INFLUENCES.

  A.  The Flavoring and Preserving Power of a Godly Influence,  Matt. 5:13; Mk. 9:50.

    1.  Flavor your environment with goodness, Col. 4:6 (Prov. 15:1).

    2.  Preserve godliness in a world of sin and wrath, Ezek. 22:30.

    3.  Creates thirst for righteousness, Matt. 5:6 (Jno. 4:13-14).

  B.  The Saving Power of a Godly Influence, 1 Pet. 3:1-2; 2:11-12.

    -Turn the attention of the lost to the saving gospel of Christ.

  C.  The Encouraging Power of a Godly Influence, 2 Cor. 9:1-2.

    -Your determined zeal to be faithful will stir up others, Heb. 10:24-25.

  D.  The Evangelizing Power of a Godly Influence, 1 Thess. 1:8-10.

    -The news of the Thessalonians’ conversion spread, influencing many others to greater faith.

  E.  The Enduring Power of a Godly Influence, Heb. 11:4.

    1.  Your influence will live on after you are gone (posthumous).

    2.  cf. the influence of Bible people of faith, Heb. 11:35-40.

Conclusion

1.  No one should say, “I have no influence”! As surely as the sun influences the earth, your life influences many people in unseen ways.

2.  No one should say, “I am not influenced by others”! As surely as the moon influences the tides, you are influenced by the people around you and the values they hold.

3.  Pursue the influence of godliness and flee the influence of the world, 1 Tim. 6:11.

4.  Overcome evil with good, Rom. 12:21.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted: May 6, 2016