The Sermon on the Mount

PART TWO - INFLUENCE

Matthew 5:13-16

Influence is something that we all possess ( Rom. 14:7 ). It is impossible for us not to have some kind of influence; it may be good or bad, but it can’t be both at the same time, for "ye cannot serve God and mammon" ( Matt. 6:24 ).

Influence is something that you can't lose, even in death ( Heb. 11:4; Rev. 14:13 ). When you are dead, your influence lives on. This makes the responsibility of your influence more grave, knowing that it does not die with you, but continues to lead others when you are gone.

I. HOW DO WE INFLUENCE EACH OTHER? READ 1 Tim. 4:12.

A. IN SPEECH - Speech serves as an index to our character ( Mat. 12:34-37 ). The Christian is to guard his speech ( Eph. 4:29; 5:3-5 ).

B. IN MANNER OF LIFE - ( Phil. 1:27 ). "Some of the best sermons are not preached in the pulpit." - J.C. Roady

C. IN LOVE - Where there is no love there is none of the joy that makes the gospel desirable to others ( John 13:34-35 ). Read also Mat. 22:37-40. What does it mean to love the Lord? ( John 14:15 ). How do we show our love toward our neighbor? ( 1 John 3:16-18 ).

D. IN SPIRIT - 1 Pet. 2:5. Our worship must be in spirit ( John 4:24 ). Our goals must be spiritual ( Mat. 6:33; Col. 3:1-4 ).

We must bear the fruit of the spirit ( Gal. 5:22-23 ).

E. IN FAITH - Heb. 11:6. We are to be examples of trust in God ( Phil. 4:6-7 ). Faith shows itself in what it produces ( James 2:14-26 ). True faith causes one to totally commit himself to the Lord ( 2 Tim. 1:12; Gal. 2:20 ).

F. IN PURITY - Without contamination or admixture. We must put sin out of our lives. Only then can we serve the Lord ( 2 Tim. 2:19-21; 1 John 3:1-3 ). How can we insure purity?( Phil. 4:8 )

II. JESUS TALKS OF THE EFFECT OF THE CHRISTIAN’S INFLUENCE ON THE WORLD.

A. HOW IS OUR INFLUENCE LIKE SALT?

1. Salt can be tasted in everything. Christians have a peculiar personality that distinguishes them in every situation.

2. Salt is a preservative. The Christian, through his influence, acts as a preservative in today’s society.

B. HOW IS OUR INFLUENCE LIKE LIGHT?

1. A city set on a hill.

2. Lights in a dark world ( Phil. 2:14-16 ).

3. Sin can disrupt the flow of light.

4. Our light is not our own. We reflect God’s light ( 1 Pet. 2:9; Mat. 5:16 )that we may win others for him.

QUESTIONS:

1. What is influence?

2. When do we cease to have influence?

3. Can our influence be good and bad at the same time?

4. How do we know first off what’s in a man’s heart?

5. What kind of goals should we make most important?

6. What causes one t make the commitment he should?

7. How does faith manifest itself?

8. How can we insure the purity we must have to see Jesus?

9. What if your influence turns bad?

10. What is the ultimate goal of good influence?

MEMORY VERSE: Mat. 5:13