Shaping Influences.

Shaping Influences. 2 Timothy 3.10-17

Reality: we cannot live in this world and not be subject to the influences that press in around us—media, relationships, surrounding culture . . . similarly, we cannot live in this world and be in relationship with people without being some kind of influence on others.

noun: influence. the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself. Two shaping influences point young Timothy in the right direction—looking at this passage, what are they?

“But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3.10-15, NLT

16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Paul encourages Timothy to stay strong—no matter his circumstance or opposition—through two great shaping influences: 1. Paul’s life and example – verses 10-15 2. The Word of God – verses 16-17

May I submit to you that these same shaping influences should be our guides as well: godly people (like Paul) and God’s word. Now clearly we do not see Paul in the flesh as Timothy knew him, but we can learn from his courageous life, which we surely have been, through our study of Acts and all of the letters Paul wrote—2 Timothy being his final writing.

1. We can choose to position ourselves to be around godly people like Paul. (At the same time, I do not believe it is scriptural to surround ourselves entirely with Christians . . . after all, how can we be salt or light, like Jesus talked about, if everyone with whom we work and play believes like we do . . .?)

It is well known we are influenced by those with whom we spend time. It makes a big difference when we are with: ~people who want to live life for Christ, boldly, and seek to follow him in daily life [you see, a lot of us pay lip service about being Christians, but don’t do much about it] It impacts us positively when we choose to be with: ~people who love others well ~people who know their purpose and are living it! ~people who know the secret of being content ~people who speak life and encouragement, rather than criticism, slander, gossip, constant negative spew ~people who have godly priorities rather than those who are regularly tossed to and fro by the world’s priorities

Influence – whose influence impacts you?

2. “Since you were a child you have known the Holy Scriptures which are able to make you wise. And that wisdom leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus,” Paul reminded Timothy in verse 15. “All scripture is inspired by God – [aye, it is God-breathed] - and is useful for teaching the faith and correcting error, for re-setting the direction of a man’s life and training him in good living.”1

I can think of no greater shaping influence for our lives than the written Word of God; it is the God-breathed wisdom and words of God himself. How did we get the scriptures anyway? Take a look at 2 Peter 1.21, Raquel … ‘the answer? ___________________________________________ What did David say about the value of the Word of God in his life? Psalm 119. 11_______________________________________________

Stop and consider: what positive shaping influences do you intentionally choose to be around?__________________________________________________________
Shaping influences ~ remember when Paul wrote this “Do not be shaped by this world; instead be changed within by a new way of thinking”?2 How I love the Phillips’ translation: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-mould your minds from within.” Shaping influences . . . be prudent about yours.

Christine

1 – 2 Timothy 3.16, j.b. Phillips ; 2 – Romans 12.2, NCV