Called to Influence: Living Fully for Jesus
Summary
In a world captivated by social media influencers, each of us is called to be an influencer for Jesus, not to promote ourselves, but to point others to Him. God’s design is intentional—He places His people at the crossroads of life, just as He placed Israel at the intersection of ancient empires and continents, so that the world might know who He is. This calling is not reserved for a select few; it is for every believer, wherever God has placed us—our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and communities. Our influence begins with our walk with Jesus, as our lives reflect His light, but it must also be expressed in our words as we share the good news of the gospel.
The story of Bethany and Grace illustrates how God uses ordinary relationships and faithful presence to draw people to Himself. Through prayer, genuine care, and the clear sharing of the gospel, lives are transformed. The gospel itself is simple yet profound: God created us for relationship, our sin separates us, good deeds cannot remove sin, Jesus paid the price, everyone who trusts in Him has eternal life, and life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever. Each of us is challenged to identify someone in our lives who needs Jesus and to intentionally pray, care, and share with them.
Yet, influence for God requires full devotion. The history of Israel serves as a warning: when God’s people only partially obey, leaving areas of compromise, it leads to ongoing struggles and spiritual defeat. The Israelites’ failure to fully drive out the Philistines resulted in generations of oppression and cultural compromise. Like the story of the nail in the house, even a small area left unsurrendered can become a foothold for the enemy. God calls us to wholehearted devotion in every area—our time, talents, relationships, and daily choices.
Compromise with the surrounding culture leads to a loss of spiritual power, as seen in the life of Samson. Though set apart for God, Samson’s repeated compromises with Philistine culture ultimately led to his downfall. The call is to live distinctly, not blending in with the world, but reflecting God’s values in every aspect of life. If we find ourselves compromised or distant from God, the way back is always open through repentance—a single step of turning back to Him. God has placed each of us at a crossroad, inviting us to live fully for Him and to influence others toward His truth.
Key Takeaways
- God Intentionally Places Us for Influence
Just as Israel was strategically located at the crossroads of ancient civilizations, God has placed each of us exactly where we are for a purpose. Our neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools are not random; they are our mission fields. Recognizing this divine placement calls us to be attentive and intentional in pointing those around us to God. [03:58]
- Influence Flows from Both Walk and Words
Our lives must reflect the light of Christ through both our actions and our words. While living differently draws attention to God, the gospel must also be clearly spoken—faith comes by hearing. Prayer, care, and sharing the gospel are inseparable practices for effective witness, preparing hearts and inviting others into relationship with Jesus. [08:03]
- Partial Obedience Leads to Lingering Struggles
The Israelites’ failure to fully obey God by leaving the Philistines in the land resulted in generations of oppression and spiritual compromise. In our own lives, leaving even a small area unsurrendered to God can become a source of ongoing struggle. Full devotion in every area is essential for lasting spiritual victory and influence. [17:00]
- Compromise with Culture Diminishes Spiritual Power
Samson’s life demonstrates that blending in with the surrounding culture leads to a loss of effectiveness and spiritual strength. God calls His people to be set apart, living by His values rather than those of the world. True influence comes from distinctiveness, not conformity, and requires ongoing self-examination and surrender. [22:40]
- Repentance Restores and Refreshes
Even when we have compromised or feel distant from God, the way back is always open. Repentance—turning from sin and returning to God—brings forgiveness and spiritual renewal. No matter how far we feel, it only takes one step back to experience God’s refreshing presence and to be restored to our calling. [25:06]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - The Power of Influence in Today’s World
[01:38] - Why God Chose Israel’s Location
[02:51] - Israel at the Crossroads of Continents
[03:58] - Our Calling to Influence Where We Are
[04:24] - Practical Ways to Engage Neighbors and Coworkers
[05:26] - God’s Sovereignty in Our Placement
[07:15] - How to Point People to God: Walk and Words
[08:03] - The Prayer, Care, Share Model
[10:09] - Memorizing and Sharing the Gospel
[12:10] - Responding to God’s Call Today
[12:49] - Israel’s Incomplete Obedience in the Promised Land
[15:13] - The Cycle of Judges and Lingering Enemies
[17:00] - The Consequences of Compromise: The Philistines
[18:58] - The Allure and Danger of Philistine Culture
[20:38] - The Nail in the House: Surrendering All to God
[22:40] - Samson: Compromise and Loss of Power
[25:06] - Repentance and Restoration
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 17:26-27
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”
- Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
- Judges 13:1-5
“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, so the Lord delivered them into the hands of the Philistines for forty years. A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was childless, unable to give birth. The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, ‘You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.’”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Acts 17:26-27, what does it say about why God determines where and when people live?
2. In Matthew 5:16, what is the purpose of letting our light shine before others?
3. What specific instructions did the angel give Samson’s mother in Judges 13:1-5, and what was Samson’s calling?
4. In the sermon, what was the main reason given for why God placed Israel at the crossroads of ancient empires? [[01:38]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that God has “intentionally placed” each of us where we are? How might this change the way someone views their neighborhood, workplace, or school? [[05:26]]
2. Why is it important that our influence for Jesus comes from both our actions (“walk”) and our words? What could happen if we only focus on one and not the other? [[08:03]]
3. The Israelites’ partial obedience led to ongoing struggles with the Philistines. What are some modern examples of “partial obedience” in a believer’s life, and what are the possible consequences? [[17:00]]
4. Samson was set apart for God but compromised with the surrounding culture. What does this story teach about the dangers of blending in with the world instead of living distinctly for God? [[22:40]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged everyone to identify one person in their life who needs Jesus. Who is someone in your life that you sense God has “placed” you near for a reason? What is one step you can take this week to pray, care, or share with them? [[12:10]]
2. Think about your daily routines—at home, work, or school. How might you be more intentional about being a light for Jesus in those places? Is there a specific action you could take to get to know a neighbor or coworker better? [[04:24]]
3. The story of Bethany and Grace showed how God uses ordinary relationships to draw people to Himself. Can you share a time when someone’s care or invitation made a difference in your spiritual journey? How might you do the same for someone else? [[05:26]]
4. The Israelites’ failure to fully obey God led to long-term struggles. Is there an area of your life where you know you’re only “partially obeying” God? What would it look like to surrender that area fully to Him? [[20:38]]
5. The “nail in the house” story illustrated how even a small area left unsurrendered can become a foothold for the enemy. What is one “nail” in your life that you sense God is asking you to give up or surrender? [[20:38]]
6. Samson’s compromises with culture led to a loss of spiritual power. Are there ways you find yourself blending in with the world instead of living distinctly for God? What is one practical change you could make this week to reflect God’s values more clearly? [[22:40]]
7. The sermon ended with the reminder that repentance is always possible and brings refreshment. If you feel distant from God or aware of compromise, what would it look like for you to take a step of repentance this week? Who could you ask to pray with you or encourage you? [[25:06]]
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Devotional
Day 1: God Places Us at the Crossroads to Point Others to Him
God has intentionally placed each of us in specific neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and communities, not by accident but by divine design. Just as Israel was set at the crossroads of the ancient world to be a living testimony to God, so too are we called to be influencers for Jesus wherever we are. Our daily lives, relationships, and interactions are opportunities to reflect God’s love and truth, drawing others to seek Him. Consider how your presence in your current setting is part of God’s greater plan to reveal Himself to those around you. [03:58]
Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV)
Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Reflection: Who are the people in your immediate environment that God may be calling you to intentionally connect with and point toward Him this week?
Day 2: Our Walk and Our Words Both Point People to Jesus
Living as a light for Jesus involves both our actions and our words. When we walk closely with Jesus, our lives become noticeably different, prompting curiosity and drawing others to God. Yet, it’s not enough to simply live differently; we must also be willing to speak about our faith and share the good news of Jesus. God uses both our example and our testimony to reach others, so let your life and your lips work together to glorify Him. [08:03]
Matthew 5:16 (NIV 1984)
“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Reflection: In what specific way can you let your light shine through both your actions and your words to someone in your life today?
Day 3: Carry Out God’s Calling Completely, Not Partially
God calls us to fully obey Him in every area of our lives, not leaving any part unsurrendered. The Israelites’ failure to completely follow God’s instructions led to ongoing struggles and spiritual compromise. In the same way, when we leave even a small area of our lives uncommitted to God, it can become a foothold for trouble and hinder our effectiveness for Him. God desires wholehearted devotion, so examine your life for any “nails” you’ve left for the enemy and surrender them to Jesus. [20:38]
Joshua 13:1-3 (ESV)
Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and there remains yet very much land to possess. This is the land that yet remains: all the regions of the Philistines, and all those of the Geshurites (from the Shihor, which is east of Egypt, northward to the boundary of Ekron, it is counted as Canaanite; there are five rulers of the Philistines, those of Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Gath, and Ekron), and those of the Avvim.”
Reflection: Is there an area of your life you have not fully surrendered to God? What step can you take today to give Him complete control?
Day 4: Compromising with Culture Leads to Spiritual Weakness
When we allow ourselves to blend in with the culture around us instead of living set apart for God, we lose our spiritual power and effectiveness. Samson’s story is a warning that compromise—whether in our habits, relationships, or values—diminishes our witness and can lead to defeat. God calls us to be different, to stand out for Him, and to resist the pull of the world. If you find yourself compromising, remember that repentance is always one step away, and God is ready to restore you. [25:06]
Judges 13:2-5 (ESV)
There was a certain man of Zorah, of the tribe of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had no children. And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold, you are barren and have not borne children, but you shall conceive and bear a son. Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.”
Reflection: In what area of your life are you most tempted to compromise with the culture around you, and how can you take a stand for God’s values today?
Day 5: Prayer, Care, and Share—A Lifestyle of Gospel Influence
Influencing others for Jesus starts with prayer, continues with genuine care, and culminates in sharing the gospel. Jesus modeled this pattern, and we are called to follow in His steps by praying for those around us, meeting their needs with compassion, and clearly inviting them to trust in Christ. This simple yet powerful approach can transform lives and communities as we become intentional about reaching out. Who is God putting on your heart to pray for, care for, and share with this week? [10:09]
Romans 10:14-15 (ESV)
How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Reflection: Who is one person you can begin to pray for, care for, and share the gospel with this week? What is your first step?
Quotes
God determined the time set for them and the exact places where they should live. God determined that he wanted you to live in the Chicagoland area for this time. Even if maybe you don't like Illinois Chicago, God wants you here for his purposes and for this time. [00:05:26] (15 seconds)
We have to use words to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, don't we? Romans 10, verses 14 and 15 says, How then can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news. [00:07:59] (25 seconds)
When we don't completely fulfill the task that God gives us in our lives, it's going to cause problems. It doesn't do any good to be committed in all these areas of our life, but then have one area of our life where we just aren't committed to God. [00:20:04] (15 seconds)
God is calling us to be fully devoted in all areas of our lives to Him. What are those areas? We need to be fully devoted to Him with our time and our talents and our treasures. We need to be fully devoted to Him in our marriages and with our kids, with our jobs, and in the free time that we have. [00:20:19] (19 seconds)
Are there ways that you are compromising with culture around you? Does your life look any different from the people around you? Does it look different in the videos you watch, the music or podcast you listen to, does it look different in the way you talk or think or in the way you live your life? Are you compromising with culture? [00:26:43] (21 seconds)
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