What does Jesus think about Influence? What is influence?

What does Jesus think about Influence?

What is influence?

It is “the ability to produce an effect without apparent force or direct authority.”

The world’s thinking about Jesus’ disciples-

No Influence.

Jesus-thinking-If His disciples live their

lives in line with His teachings they can “turn any world upside down.”

Matthew 5:13-16 “You are salt for the earth. But if salt loses its taste, how will it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything

except to be

thrown out and trampled on by people. You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill. No one lights a lamp

and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who

lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the

house. In the same way let your light shine in front of

people. Then they will see the good that you do and

praise your Father in heaven.”

1. Jesus plans for His disciples to influence

their world.

Who is someone who influenced you toward

a negative view of Christianity?

Who is someone who influenced you toward

a positive view of Christianity?

Which type of influence do you want to be?

hypocrisy

commitment

We can be an influence on our world.

John 14:12 “I can guarantee this truth:

John 14:12 “I can guarantee this truth:

John 14:12 “I can guarantee this truth:

Those who believe in me will do the things that I am doing. They will do even greater things because I am going to the Father.”

As we spend time with Jesus we will see that He STILL believes that

the church can influence our world toward being a

better place.

2. We can mess up the plan of Jesus.

3. How can we embrace the plan of Jesus and

see Him accomplish it?

WE ARE TO DO MORE THAN SURVIVE IN OUR SPIRITUALLY

DARKENED WORLD.

We are to INFLUENCE it!

John Stott gave four ways disciples can have

influence in our world:

Disciples must use the power of prayer.

Disciples must use the power of truth.

Disciples must use the power of example.

Verse 16- “In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in

heaven.”

“To God we are the aroma of Christ. . .”

-Disciples must use the power of the group.

Robert Belair wrote, “The quality of a whole culture

can be changed when two percent of its people have

a new vision.”

Isn’t that the way of Jesus?

“turning the world upside down.”