Because of You

By:  M. Allen

 

FILING INFORMATION:

98018

SUBJECT: influence, attitude

Preached Originally: 03/22/98 - Rapid City, SD

 

I.  Introduction.

A.     Last Sunday we spent time discussing importance of proper and right behavior as we conduct our lives as Christians.

1.    We studied that there is required behavior for Christians.

2.    We talked about the fact that our behavior is greatly noticed by those who are around us.

3.    We talked about how our behavior can cause some people to look at us in a negative way and even mistreat us for our stand for Jesus Christ.

B.    In today's lesson we wish to study a lesson that places emphasis on the importance of right doing.

1.    Text:  1 Pet. 2:11-12.  By their good conduct/behavior they could have good influence upon the Gentiles.

2.    They possibly could have influenced them to take a harder look at Christianity instead of dismissing it.

3.    Their/our actions are extremely important to the cause of Jesus Christ, and to our salvation.

C.    Because of you, much more can be taking place than you actually realize.

1.    Your/my impact may be great upon those around us.

2.    This is something that we should take great notice of and as a result guard carefully our conduct.

3.    Because of the actions/conduct of many Bible characters  Christ was glorified.

a.    Lazarus - Jhn. 12:9-11 - influenced many to follow after Christ.  Certainly he lived his life in a way to be pleasing to God.  Made an impact!

b.    Epaphroditus - Phil. 2:25-30 - because of him, Paul was refreshed of his great need.

c.     Timothy - Phil. 2:19-24 - because of his character Paul felt that he would be able to help the Philippians.

4.    These cases are all examples of people influencing others for good because of the way they lived their life.

D.    Let us consider the great importance of our behavior and its influence upon others.

E.    Hope each one of us will examine our lives and make sure we are living right before God!

 

II.  Influences for Bad…

A.    Because of you…some may still be in sin.

1.    The one who is in sin is danger of hellfire unless they go to God and determine to make things right.  Rom. 6:23.  Spiritual death awaits.

a.    we can have impact on whether or not those around us obey God.  Impact either for good or bad!

b.    Impact an be positive if we live life as we say we live life.

c.     Actions speak louder than words.

2.    Notice Mt. 5:13-16 - especially v. 16!

a.         Jesus expects those who serve Him not to act unreasonably!

1.    Why?  So those around us might see good works and glorify God!

2.    Doesn't mean we should try to draw attention to ourselves

3.    Serve God the way He wants us to and others will see.

b.         All that is necessary here to have positive influence is to do good!  These are the results of good behavior.

3.  We can have impact on men for our negative behavior!

a.    bad conduct seen as easily as good!

b.    Have I turned someone away from Christ:

1.    for something I have said?

2.    For something I have done?

3.    For the way I conduct myself?

4.  We can lead people to Christ (out of sin) by the way we live!  We either point way to Christ or to Satan!  We each can make a difference.

5.  I would hate to know someone's soul is in danger b/c of my actions!  We all make a difference!

B.    Because of you…some may be discouraged!

1.    Num. 13:26-29

a.      Israelites left Egypt year earlier.  Been moving toward Canaan from Sinai.  God preparing to give them land of promise.

b.      Note attitude of 10 spies.

1.    they have lack of faith in God & what He said.

a.    13:2 - God tells them He is giving them the land.  Evidently they didn’t' believe Him.

b.    Even after all mighty works God did for them.

2.    they trust ONLY in themselves to get things done.

a.       weren't looking toward God & what He would do for them!

b.       Contract w/v. 30.  Overcome b/c God was on their side.

2.  Num. 13:32-33; 14:1-4 - notice the impact of their attitude!

a.    attitude had a GREAT impact on ENTIRE nation.

b.    Discouraged nation into not partaking of the land at that time.

c.     Our attitude/conduct/words can have a tremendous impact upon others!

3.  true even in church today!

a.    bad attitude of ONE person impact whole congregation.

1.      seen it w/my own eyes.  While we should be realistic/reasonable in our actions/thoughts/words - some take things too far:

b.    Some have bad attitude/lack of faith in:

1.    personal work - hasn't worked b/f - why now??

2.    using the Lord's money for work of the church - we're too small to do this; we don't have enough people for that; the preacher ought to pay…

3.    brethren who have sinned publicly in the past.  They just aren't any good.  Their wearing the carpet out, automatically assume worst in brethren.

c.     those who have this kind of attitude fall into same trap as 10 spies.

1.     lack of faith in God & what He has said.  He will take care of us if we do our part - Phil. 4:13

2.     trust only in ourselves to get things done.

3.     Can bring everyone/others down.  Even turn some away from Christ.

4.  What happened to that generation of Israelites?

a.    Num. 14:28-29 - condemned to die in wilderness.

b.    We have bad attitude? Others see it, influenced by it, could cause their attitude to become unpleasing to God.

c.     Your attitude definitely matters!

 

C.   Because of you…some may be forsaking the assembling.

1.    Heb. 10:24-25 - favorite passage dealing w/attendance.  Must heed it and be present at every opportunity!

a.     attendance not considered important anymore by many because serving the Lord isn't important to them.

b.     Feel something important?  You'll be there.  Make plans for "important" things all the time.  Rearrange schedules, etc.

2.    Have you set the right example before others?

3.    Could it be that fellow bro/sis around you are lax in attendance b/c of you?

D.   Because of you…some may have stumbled and fallen.

1.    words of Jesus in Mt. 18:1-6

2.    "offend" means to cause to stumble, or go wrong.

3.    This talking about those who are old enough to be conscious of their actions and liable to temptation.

4.    Words of Jesus are real!

1.        Jesus said….to die in this manner would be more pleasant than the fate awaiting the one who has cause a humble disciple to fall & stumble b/f the Lord.

2.        We must give consideration to this!

 

III.  Impact of Good Behavior.

A.    Because of you…some may be believers today!

1.    Christians expected to go out and try to find others and tell them about the gospel.  Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; 2 Tim. 2:2

2.    A wonderful feeling of joy will encompass the one who helped lead a friend/family member to the Lord.

3.    Not always conscious of the positive impact we can have.  Think of Lazarus in Jhn. 12:10-11.  This should give us hope!  We may have done more good than we think!

B.    Because of you…some may be obedient!

1.    Peter taught this in 1 Peter 3:1-2

2.    seen this in lives of many people who had unbelieving spouse/friends.

a.    what is the main influencing factor?  Note v. 2.

b.    I respect every person here who is faithful & has a unbelieving spouse.  Never give up.  Never.

3.    We can't afford to be careless in conduct.  We can't afford not to worry about what we do.  Someone/somewhere is watching.

a.    slack off…someone notice.  Don't always notice until you mess up.

C.   Because of you…some may be greatly encouraged & rejoice.

1.    Again it is possible that we may or may not know about the good things we accomplish because we obey God.

a.    Acts 28:15 - Paul on long voyage to Rome.

1.    ship wrecked, spent 3 mths on Malta.  With people who didn't believe in God.

b.    notice:  Paul greatly encouraged by seeing them!  They weren't aware that they had made a difference.

2.  May encourage others greatly by the little things we do.  Don't think of them being insignificant.  Note words of Christ in Mt. 10:40-42.

a.    often, I'm greatly encouraged by little things brethren do for me.  I know they care by these things.

b.    What an privilege it is to talk w/brethren have fellowship w/them!

3.  Philemon 7 - Paul rejoiced over what he heard about how Philemon helped the saints.

a.    Philemon may have wondered if he was doing any good with his help.

b.    Look at who was helped indirectly by his actions!  What we do does have an impact upon others!

D.   Because of you…others may be zealous in the Lord

1.    2 Cor. 9:2 - Corinthian brethren had inspired others to work hard for the Lord!

a.    in this case - help for needy saints in Judea.  They had been ready to help for over a year!

2.    Do we inspire others or do we discourage them from even trying?

3.    I love to be around zealous, happy people, who believe in what they are doing.

a.    fires me up.  I'm inspired and get out and work hard!

4.    because of us, some may glorify God and serve Him.  Back to Mt. 5:13-16.

 

IV.  Conclusion.

A.     Remember, we are to constantly try to bring forth good results for the Lord.  One of the keys to success is to have a proper attitude and live life right before God.

1.    as we have seen today, proper behavior can influence others to do good.  This is what Peter wanted in our text.

2.    There is a poem by Curtis Flatt I would like to share w/you as we talk about the importance of our influence:

3.    Lives of great men all remind us, we can make our lives sublime.  And, departing, leave behind us, footprints on the sands of time.  Footprints, that perhaps another, sailing o'er life's solemn main, a forlorn-shipwrecked brother, seeing! May take heart again.

B.     How is your influence upon others?

1.    Are you bringing forth the negative results we talked about in the beginning of this lesson?

2.    Or, are you influencing others for good - building up your brethren in the Lord?

3.    Examine your life.

C.    Examine your life today by making corrections where necessary.

1.    not a Christian?  You need to be.

2.    Not faithful to the Lord?  You need to be.

D.  I N V I T A T I O N