Influence

Intro: Who is the greatest influence in your life?

Study

  1. Matt 5:14-16, 2 Cor 5:20 We are called of God to influence all those who are around us, God wants us to be a light in a dark world.
    1. 1 Cor 10:13 Many Christians become influenced negatively by others, and by the things of this world, and loose their fire because they cant resist temptation.
      1. 2 Pet 2:1, 1 Tim 4:1 Others call themselves Christians, but live just like the world, become deceived, and justify blatant sins.
      2. 2 John 2:15-16 We must learn how to stand against the pressures, and temptations that surround us, and influence others rather than be influenced.
    2. 2 Cor 6:17, 1 Pet 1:16 God is looking for those in this generation who live holy, who are not afraid to stand up, live right, and change this generation.
  2. 1 Tim 4:12-14, Ecc 12:1 We are called to influence this generation while we are young, satan wants to steal our influence, by deceiving us with sin.
    1. 3 John 1:11, 1 Cor 11:1 We influence others through how we live our personal lives, when we choose to live like Christ, it will directly affect many other people.
      1. Psalms 119:36 We influence others through what we do, we are called to spend our time ministering to others, rather than for own selfish desires.
      2. James 3:9-10 We influence this generation through what we say, both the words that we speak, and when we share Christ with others has great influence.
    2. Gal 5:1 To keep the fire of God burning in our lives, we MUST stand firm, and be sure that we are influencing others rather than being influenced to do wrong.

Discussion

  1. What are some of the greatest negative influences in this generation today? How can we resist these influences?
  2. How can we be sure that we are standing firm, influencing others for Christ, rather than being influenced to be like the world?
  3. Why is it so important that how we live, what we do, and what we say honors God?
  4. Right now in your personal life, do you feel you are influencing others towards Christ, or are you compromising, and being influenced to do wrong?

End: Pray for any who have been struggling with negative influences, pray for requests, then invite any new young people to come to church with you this Sunday.