Introduction
Like it or not, the way I behave is affecting people.
I may be having a bad influence.
- Matthew 18:4-6
- Romans 14:13
- I Corinthians 5:6-8 – One sinner can have a tremendous effect on the entire congregation.
- Even if I think I am hiding my sin, my influence on others is not as good as it should be.
- I Corinthians 8:9
- II Timothy 2:14 – Wrangling with words could ruin others.
But there is enormous potential for good influence!
- Matthew 5:13-16
- Philippians 4:8-9 – Can I tell other people to copy what they’ve seen me do?
Three areas to think about …
Joy
- Acts 13:47-49
- Often, we can do our best teaching when we are at the lowest point in our lives.
Humility
- I Peter 5:5
- Proverbs 11:2
- Acts 26:1, 9, 15, 19 – Paul humbly admitted his previous mistakes.
- I Peter 2:12, 15
Healthy relationships
- I Timothy 3:4-5 – How did the man manage his family relationships?
- Ephesians 6:1
- Proverbs 17:17; 18:24
“Your life as a Christian should make non-believers question their disbelief in God.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer