I Love My church! - Everyone's an Influencer
August 17, 2024

EVERYONE’S AN INFLUENCER!

Christ loved the church and gave his life for it. - Ephesians 5:25 CEV

YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW ONE CONVERSATION, ONE WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT, OR ONE EXPRESSION OF LOVE MIGHT CHANGE SOMEONE’S LIFE.


INFLUENCER
“AN INDIVIDUAL WHO HAS THE POWER TO AFFECT PURCHASE DECISIONS OF OTHERS BECAUSE OF THEIR AUTHORITY, KNOWLEDGE, OR RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR AUDIENCE.”*


“You are the salt of the earth. … You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” - Matthew 5:13-16 NIV


TRUE AND LASTING INFLUENCE ALWAYS STARTS WITH PEOPLE BEFORE PLATFORM.
INFLUENCE ISN'T ALWAYS OBVIOUS. INFLUENCE ISN'T ALWAYS INSTANT.

The woman was surprised, for Jews refuse to have anything to do with Samaritans. She said to Jesus, “You are a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. Why are you asking me for a drink?” Jesus replied, “If you only knew the gift God has for you and who you are speaking to, you would ask me, and I would give you living water.” “But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water?” - John 4:9-11 NLT

“But sir, you don’t have a rope or a bucket,” she said, “and this well is very deep. Where would you get this living water?” Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again. But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.” “Please, sir,” the woman said, “give me this water! Then I’ll never be thirsty again.” - John 4:13-15 NLT

“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband—for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now. You certainly spoke the truth!” “Sir,” the woman said, “you must be a prophet.” - John 4:16-19 NLT

The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him. - John 4:28-30 NLT


YOU DON'T HAVE TO HAVE IT ALL TOGETHER TO INFLUENCE SOMEONE ELSE TOWARD JESUS.


Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see him, they begged him to stay in their village. So he stayed for two days, long enough for many more to hear his message and believe. - John 4:39-41 NLT

DISCUSSION GUIDE

  1. Has a single conversation ever made a big difference in your life? How did it affect you?
  2. How would you define the word influencer?
  3. Read Matthew 5:13-16. We have no idea how God can use one conversation, encouragement, or expression of love to influence others. Talk about someone who influenced you toward Christ.
  4. Think about the people in your life you can most strategically influence. Who is it that God might be calling you to influence?
  5. How can you be most influential? Think about the ways in which God has gifted you to be influential.
  6. When are you most influential? Think about the opportunities you have to influence others.
  7. Which part of this message was most impactful for you and why?