Who, What Influences You?

Who, What Influences You?   2 Timothy 3.10-17

Influence ..

noun: influence.  the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something, or the effect itself.

This one’s for you, Marco … a little homework –  How would you answer the question—who influences you?    (besides your mate and immediate business associates)                                                                             What influences you?

Take a look at Paul’s writing to Timothy here in 2 Timothy 3—

Influence - you will notice two of them actually, what are they?

“But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.

But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”  2 Timothy 3.10-17

Influence – how do you use yours, Marco? 

How could you take the opportunity to use your influence for God?  Influence doesn’t come to us instantaneously; it increases gradually. Nor does influence develop by accident. Instead, it grows as we purposefully take action to earn the trust and win the respect of others.  John Maxwell 

 You know, Friends, “every man is a hero and an oracle to somebody, and to

        that person, whatever he says has enhanced value.” ralph waldo emerson

Friends around the world, join Marco in studying Paul’s words to Timothy about two great influences, and then ask yourself the probing questions: 

~who or what influences you?

  ~who do you influence?

     ~who might you influence for good, for God, if you purposed?

Influence.