The
You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion. —2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV
We must
Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else. —Galatians 6:4 NIV
About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!” The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” —Acts 16:25-31 NIV
Household =
1. My
But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” —Mark 5:19 NLT
2. My
Church
Government
Sports and Entertainment
Education
Business
Media
Family
3. My
Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God…He has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ. —Ephesians 4:1; 7 NLT
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. —Ephesians 4:11-13 NLT
He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. —Ephesians 4:16 NLT
You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the Lord? “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. —Isaiah 58:5-7 NLT
“Then your salvation will come like the dawn [ONE], and your wounds will quickly heal [TWO]. Your godliness will lead you forward [THREE], and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind [FOUR]. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ [FIVE] he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon [SIX]. The Lord will guide you continually [SEVEN], giving you water when you are dry [EIGHT] and restoring your strength [NINE]. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring [TEN]. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities [ELEVEN]. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes [TWELVE]. —Isaiah 58:8-12 NLT
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Part 2 – Your Sphere of Influence
In this week’s message, Pastor Chris shared Part 2 of our “Change Your World” series and encouraged us to discover our purpose so that we can make a difference in our sphere of influence. We have all been given influence by God to impact the world for His glory, but we have to recognize our influence before we can exercise it. As we learn to recognize the influence God has given us in our relationships, our talents and opportunities, and our passions, we will be able to effectively play our part in the body of Christ. Let’s actively explore our sphere of influence and make a difference for eternity.
Make it Practical
1. Recognize your people. Your sphere of influence begins with those you already have relationships with including your family, friends, neighbors, business associates, or classmates.
2. Recognize your place. Wherever you are, God has called you to influence others there. This is your neighborhood, workplace, city, etc.
3. Recognize your passion. God has specific purpose for you in the area of your passions. He created you uniquely and gave you passions to make a difference in the lives of others.
(Ephesians 4:16 NLT) He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
Talk About it
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 the most? What difference have they made in your life?
3. What are you most passionate about in life? How can you use that passion to influence others?
Leader Tips
Be sure to emphasize to your group members that each of them have a God-given purpose.
Close in prayer asking God to help your group members use their sphere of influence to reach people for Jesus.