Better Relationally: Influencing Others for God's Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: Influence is God's Plan for His People

God has uniquely designed each follower of Jesus to be an influencer in the world, not by social media metrics or popularity, but by living out their identity in Christ and proclaiming His excellencies to those around them. Every relationship you have—whether with family, coworkers, neighbors, or even the barista at your favorite coffee shop—is an opportunity to point others to the truth of who God is and why He created us. As a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God’s own possession, you are called to declare the goodness of the One who brought you out of darkness into His marvelous light. This is not about having a platform, but about faithfully showing and telling the story of God’s grace in your life, so that others may see and hear of His greatness. [13:38]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: Who in your daily life is God prompting you to intentionally share His goodness with this week—either through your actions or your words?

Day 2: True Influence Requires Both Showing and Telling

Being an influencer for Christ means living in such a way that your life visibly reflects Jesus, while also being willing to speak about the hope you have in Him. If you only tell others about Jesus without showing His love and transformation in your actions, your words may ring hollow. Conversely, if you only show Christlike character but never explain the reason for your hope, people may never know the source of your difference. God calls you to both show and tell—demonstrating the gospel through your life and declaring it with your words—so that the people in your relationships can encounter the fullness of His truth and love. [16:48]

Matthew 5:16 (ESV)
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can both show and tell someone about Jesus in your sphere of influence today?

Day 3: Influence Starts with Integrity

Lasting influence for God’s kingdom is built on the foundation of integrity—living with purity and honor both in private and in public. The world instinctively knows not to trust those whose lives lack integrity, and the same is true for followers of Jesus. Privately, you are called to resist sinful passions that wage war against your soul, remembering that you belong to God and are set apart for Him. Publicly, your conduct should be honorable so that even those who oppose you will see your good deeds and ultimately give glory to God. Integrity is not about perfection, but about a consistent, Spirit-empowered pursuit of holiness that points others to the transforming power of the gospel. [23:18]

1 Peter 2:11-12 (ESV)
"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation."

Reflection: Is there an area of your private or public life where you need to realign your actions with God’s call to integrity? What step can you take today to pursue purity or honor?

Day 4: Influence is Sustained Through Honor

God calls His people to sustain their influence by honoring everyone, including those in authority—even when it is difficult or when leaders are unworthy by human standards. This honor is not based on the merit of the person, but on the sovereignty of God who is over all things. By submitting to every human institution for the Lord’s sake and living as servants of God, you demonstrate a confidence that is rooted in God’s ultimate authority, not in earthly circumstances. Honoring others, loving fellow believers, fearing God, and even honoring those you disagree with, silences critics and points the world to the hope and freedom found in Christ. [34:32]

1 Peter 2:13-17 (ESV)
"Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor."

Reflection: Who is one person—perhaps a leader, coworker, or family member—you find it difficult to honor? How can you choose to honor them this week as an act of trust in God’s sovereignty?

Day 5: Authentic Relationships and Christlike Leadership

God’s call to influence is lived out in authentic relationships, where you are present, interested, and sympathetic toward others, modeling a Christlike lifestyle and communicating with genuine care. Leadership is not about titles or positions, but about the impact you have as you serve, listen, and encourage those God has placed in your life. As you grow in relational health and lead yourself well, you are equipped to lead others—at home, at work, at church, or in your community—pointing them to the excellencies of Christ. This kind of influence makes the world better as others encounter the transforming love and truth of Jesus through you. [36:45]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."

Reflection: In which relationship can you be more present and Christlike this week—perhaps by listening more deeply, serving sacrificially, or encouraging intentionally? What specific action will you take?

Sermon Summary

Over the past six weeks, we have explored what it means to follow Jesus in a way that is truly “better” in every area of life—missionally, emotionally, collaboratively, intellectually, physically, and now, relationally. God has entrusted each of us with a unique set of relationships, from family and friends to coworkers and even the barista at our favorite coffee shop. In each of these, we are called not just to exist, but to influence—to be a blessing, to point others toward the truth of who God is, and to reflect His character in both word and deed.

True influence, as God defines it, is not about social media followers or public acclaim. It is about living out our identity as God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and His treasured possession. This identity is not given for our own sake, but so that we might “proclaim the excellencies of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Our lives are meant to be a living “show and tell”—demonstrating God’s goodness through our actions and sharing the hope we have in Christ with our words.

But influence is only as strong as its foundation, and that foundation is integrity. Both privately and publicly, we are called to resist sinful passions and to live honorably, so that our conduct points others to God’s glory. The world is quick to unfollow those who lack integrity, and the same is true in God’s kingdom. Our private purity and public honor are essential if we are to have a lasting, Christlike impact.

Finally, influence is sustained through honor. Even when it is difficult—especially when it is difficult—we are called to honor everyone, including those in authority over us. This does not mean blind obedience, but rather a posture of respect and trust in God’s sovereignty, even when leaders fall short. Our honorable conduct, even in the face of opposition or injustice, silences critics and brings glory to God.

In all our relationships, we are called to be present, authentic, and Christlike—listening well, serving selflessly, and communicating with grace. Leadership is not about titles or positions, but about the influence we have as we point others to Jesus. As we embrace this call, we not only grow deeper in our own walk with Christ, but we help make the world around us better by sharing the excellencies of our great God.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s design for influence is rooted in our identity as His chosen people. We are not called to influence for our own sake, but to proclaim the excellencies of God to those around us. Every relationship is an opportunity to reflect God’s character and invite others into His marvelous light. [12:53]
2. Influence requires both showing and telling. Our actions should demonstrate the hope and transformation we have in Christ, but we must also be willing to speak about the source of our hope. A silent witness leaves people wondering, while a life without integrity undermines our words—both are needed for authentic influence. [16:07]
3. Integrity is the foundation of true influence. Private purity—resisting sinful passions when no one is watching—and public honor—living in a way that brings glory to God—are both essential. The world may not see our private battles, but God does, and our public conduct should leave no room for legitimate accusation. [19:53]
4. Honor sustains influence, especially in difficult circumstances. We are called to honor everyone, including those in authority, not because they are always worthy, but because God is sovereign. This posture of honor, even toward those we disagree with, demonstrates our trust in God and silences the ignorance of critics. [31:08]
5. Relational influence is about authentic presence and Christlike leadership. It means being genuinely interested in others, listening well, serving selflessly, and modeling the life of Jesus. Leadership is not about position, but about the impact we have as we point others to God’s truth and love in every sphere of life. [36:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:32] - Series Recap: Six Areas of “Better”
[02:26] - The Scope of Our Relationships
[03:43] - God’s Call to Influence
[05:20] - Prayer for Wisdom and Influence
[06:34] - Influence: God’s Plan for His People
[07:53] - Worldly vs. Kingdom Influence
[10:00] - 1 Peter: Identity and Hope
[12:53] - Proclaiming God’s Excellencies
[15:29] - Show and Tell: Living Out Our Faith
[17:37] - Influence Starts with Integrity
[19:53] - Private Purity and Public Honor
[22:44] - Living for God’s Glory
[27:05] - Influence Sustained Through Honor
[29:09] - Honoring Authorities, Even When It’s Hard
[34:04] - Silencing Critics with Good Deeds
[36:16] - Authentic Relationships and Christlike Leadership
[37:18] - Influence as Leadership
[39:20] - Embracing the Call to Influence
[39:48] - Closing and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Peter 2:9-17 (ESV) — 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
11 Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
12 Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
13 Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme
14 or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good.
15 For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.
16 Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
17 Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Observation Questions

According to 1 Peter 2:9, what are the four identities Peter gives to followers of Jesus, and what is the purpose of these identities? ([10:58])
In verse 12, what does Peter say is the result of keeping our conduct honorable among non-believers? ([22:58])
What two areas of life does the sermon highlight as places where integrity is essential for influence? ([19:53])
How does Peter instruct believers to relate to those in authority, even when those authorities are not godly? ([29:09])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Peter connect our identity as God’s people with the call to “proclaim the excellencies” of God? How does this shape the way we see our relationships? ([12:53])
The sermon says, “Influence is only as strong as its foundation, and that foundation is integrity.” Why is private purity just as important as public honor for a Christian’s influence? ([19:53])
Peter calls believers to honor everyone, including those in authority, even when it’s difficult. What does it look like to honor someone you disagree with, and why is this important for our witness? ([31:08])
The sermon talks about “show and tell”—demonstrating God’s goodness through actions and words. Why are both necessary for authentic influence? ([16:07])

Application Questions

Think about the different relationships God has entrusted to you (family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, even the barista at your coffee shop). Who is one person you sense God is calling you to influence for Him? What is one step you could take this week to be a blessing or point them toward Jesus? ([03:43])
The sermon challenges us to “show and tell” our faith. Is there an area of your life where you tend to show Christ’s love but rarely speak about your faith, or vice versa? What would it look like to bring both together in that relationship? ([16:07])
Private purity is described as resisting sinful passions when no one is watching. Is there a private struggle you need to bring into the light or ask for prayer about? What is one practical way you can pursue integrity this week? ([19:53])
Public honor means living in a way that brings glory to God, even when others are watching. Are there situations at work, school, or home where your conduct could better reflect Christ? What specific change could you make? ([22:58])
Honoring those in authority can be especially hard when we disagree with them. Is there a leader (at work, in government, or elsewhere) you struggle to honor? What would it look like to show respect and trust God’s sovereignty in that situation? ([31:08])
The sermon says, “Leadership is not about titles or positions, but about the influence we have as we point others to Jesus.” Where do you have influence right now, even if you don’t have an official title? How can you use that influence to reflect Christ this week? ([36:16])
In your relationships, are you present, authentic, and Christlike—listening well, serving selflessly, and communicating with grace? Which of these comes most naturally to you, and which is hardest? What is one way you can grow in the area that’s most challenging? ([36:16])

Sermon Clips

``God has chosen you out in particular. Then he says that we are a royal priesthood. For many years, the people that wanted to interact with God, they would have to go to a priest. Who could then represent them before God. But now, because we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, we're able to go directly to God himself, to Jesus, praying to the Father in Jesus' name. We are now able to have direct access to God. [00:11:16] (33 seconds) #RoyalPriesthoodAccess

We are a royal priesthood. The third one says this, that we are a holy nation, a people set apart from the world. To belong to God. Now, one thing that I love about our church is that as you look around, you can see people from all different parts of the world, all coming together. And so when we celebrate the fact that we're a holy nation, we're not talking about we're just one ethnic kind. No, we are God's holy, heavenly nation coming together for his purposes to experience family and unity as it truly should be. That we might give glory to God forever. Amen? [00:11:50] (40 seconds) #HolyNationUnity

If you tell. Without show. Without showing. People may say, that guy. He's a hypocrite. If you show. Without telling. People will always wonder. I knew something was different about her. But I never found out what it was. We're each called to both show and to tell. [00:16:32] (19 seconds) #IntegrityFoundation

Influence is God's plan for His people. But there's something else you need to know about influence. Because influence has a very important foundation. A foundation that God Himself has called us to. The second biblical fact about true influence is that influence starts with integrity. Influence starts with integrity. [00:17:22] (28 seconds) #ResistPrivateTemptations

The Bible tells us that the reason we honor God with our public content, our public conduct, let's get that right, the reason we honor God with that is to give God glory. You and I were designed to give God glory. The way that your faith is shaped, the passions in your heart and desires that you have that are honoring to God, we're designed to give God glory. [00:22:24] (31 seconds) #TransformingGospelLife

How is your private purity looking? Would you be embarrassed if your browsing history was exposed to the people of your life? Would you be embarrassed if people knew what it was that goes through your mind when that attractive or interesting person walks past you sometime in your life? The fact is, not everyone else knows what's going on in your heart, but God knows. God knows what's going on in your heart. And he died that you might be purified, that we all, as his church, might be his pure bride. So let's walk in purity in those private contexts. And I urge you, along with Peter, abstain from the passions of the flesh. They're waging war against your soul. [00:24:10] (56 seconds) #SovereignHonor

The greatest apologetic of the gospel, the greatest way to show that the gospel is true, is a life that reflects its transforming power. When the people around you who are not yet saved look at you, they should be able to see the gospel is true because that person is not who they used to be. That's the call for each one of us. [00:26:07] (29 seconds) #AuthenticChristlikeRelationships

The influence that we have in our world, in the lives of the people around us, is something that is sustained through honor. Back in John chapter 18, back with a disciple level Peter, where he was still trying to figure things out. Jesus came to be arrested. There in the garden of Gethsemane. And as the high priest showed up, there was a whole bunch of people, there were weapons. And Peter in that moment decided that the way he was going to act was to pull out a sword and strike at the servant of the high priest. Now I'm not sure if he was aiming for the guy's ear, but that's all that he got, okay? This guy's ear got cut off. And Jesus had in that moment a rebuke for Peter. Because Peter, I believe, had forgotten in that moment that even at the time when Jesus was being arrested and taken away to his crucifixion, Jesus was demonstrating sovereign power over every goings on, the whole universe over. Jesus reassured Peter in that moment that he is to be living in a different way. [00:27:11] (79 seconds) #LeadershipThroughInfluence

And as we embrace that call to influence others, to share the gospel, to share the excellencies of Him who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light, not only will we grow better in the sense of a more deep following of Jesus, as our Lord and Savior, but the world around us will become better as well, as others encounter the excellencies of our great God. So may each one of us seek to be better relationally, walking as God's called us to, to influence others with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen. [00:39:11] (39 seconds)

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