You and Your Sphere of Influence
Acts 16:16-31
BIG idea: We have to recognize our influence before we can exercise our influence.
Matthew 5:14 (LB) You are the world’s light—a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see.
Matthew 5:15,16 (LB) Don’t hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.
Acts 16:30 (NIV) He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
Acts 16:31 (NIV) They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
“Household” = oikos (Greek) “People in your realm of relations, covering or influence.
1. My People.
Mark 5:19 (NCV) Go home to your family and friends. Tell them how much the Lord has done for you and how he has had mercy on you.
2. My Place.
Church.
Government.
Sports and Entertainment. Education.
Business.
Family.
3. My Passion.
Psalm 37:4 (ESV) Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Your Manner
Your Moment
Psalm 37:23 (KJV) The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord:
Proverbs 16:9 (NASB) The mind of a person plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.
Your Message
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,
Write your testimony in 2 minutes or less.
1) What does your sphere of influence look like? How can you be intentional to reach others through that influence?
2) We are all a product of someone else’s influence. Who has influenced your life most? What difference have they made in your life?
3) God doesn’t just ask us to do something, He gives us a passion to do it. What are you most passionate about in life? How can you use your passions to influence others for eternity?