Everyday Leadership: Embracing Influence Through Discipleship

Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. As we transition into the fall season, many of us are experiencing changes, whether it's kids going back to school or the shift in weather. These transitions remind us of the importance of taking intentional time to rest and reflect, like my family's Sabbath Saturdays. During these moments, we often find ourselves grieving the past while also looking forward to the future. This duality of mourning and anticipation is a natural part of life and spiritual growth.

Today, we are beginning a new series called "Everyday Leadership," focusing on the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus. These letters from Paul to the next generation of church leaders emphasize the importance of discipleship and influence. Discipleship is not just a spiritual term; it's about leadership and influence, which every one of us possesses in some capacity. Whether we realize it or not, we all have the ability to impact those around us.

Paul's advice to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:12-16 is particularly relevant. He encourages Timothy to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. This is a call to all of us to use our influence wisely and faithfully. Influence is not just about having a title or a large following; it's about who we are and how we live our lives. Our actions, attitudes, and words have the power to shape others, whether we are aware of it or not.

In today's world, many young people aspire to be influencers, especially on social media. However, true influence goes beyond online presence. It's about being a faithful follower of Jesus and letting His character shine through us. Who we follow is more important than who follows us. Our influence is not something we choose; it's a call from God. We are ambassadors for Christ, and our lives should reflect His love and truth.

As we move forward, let's focus on being faithful leaders by following Jesus closely. Let's use our influence to disciple others, whether in our families, workplaces, or communities. Remember, you have influence, and God has called you to use it for His glory.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Rest and Reflection: In our busy lives, it's crucial to schedule intentional times of rest and reflection. These moments allow us to grieve the past and anticipate the future, helping us to grow spiritually and emotionally. Taking a Sabbath, like my family does on Saturdays, can be a powerful way to reconnect with God and each other. [33:35]

2. Discipleship as Everyday Leadership: Discipleship is not just a spiritual term but a form of leadership and influence. Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus emphasize the need to raise up the next generation of leaders. This involves equipping, preparing, and empowering others, making discipleship a practical and essential part of our Christian walk. [36:42]

3. Influence is About Who You Are: True influence is not about titles or the number of followers you have; it's about who you are and how you live your life. Paul’s advice to Timothy to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity is a call to all of us to use our influence wisely and faithfully. [40:58]

4. Following Jesus is Key to Effective Leadership: Who you follow is more important than who follows you. Jesus knows the way to life and fulfillment, and by following Him, we become effective leaders. Our influence should reflect His love and truth, making us ambassadors for Christ. [52:05]

5. Influence is a Call, Not a Choice: Leadership and influence are not things we choose; they are calls from God. Whether we want it or not, we have influence, and we are called to use it for God's glory. This call is the most valuable thing we have, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. [01:06:02]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [33:35] - Importance of Rest and Reflection
3. [34:32] - Grieving the Past, Embracing the Future
4. [35:19] - Psalm 103 and God's Faithfulness
5. [35:53] - Everyday Leadership Series Introduction
6. [36:42] - Discipleship as Leadership
7. [37:40] - Influence and Leadership
8. [38:27] - Gen Z and the Desire to Influence
9. [39:26] - Influence is About Who You Are
10. [40:13] - The Power of Influence
11. [40:58] - Paul's Advice to Timothy
12. [41:54] - Spiritual Gifts and Influence
13. [42:44] - The Importance of Progress
14. [43:13] - Persisting in Leadership
15. [44:39] - Influence is a Call, Not a Choice
16. [46:09] - God's Plans and Our Influence
17. [47:55] - Practical Steps for Leading Where You Are
18. [49:19] - The Afterword Podcast Introduction
19. [50:44] - Who You Follow Matters
20. [52:05] - Following Jesus for Effective Leadership
21. [53:34] - Leadership is Not About You
22. [55:03] - New Creation in Christ
23. [56:50] - Reality TV and Influence
24. [58:39] - The Attractiveness of Jesus in Us
25. [01:00:06] - Jesus in Us is Attractive
26. [01:01:36] - Reproducing Jesus, Not Ourselves
27. [01:03:03] - The Jesus Filter
28. [01:04:20] - Influence Isn't Up to You
29. [01:06:02] - Leadership is a Call
30. [01:07:43] - The Ministry We Receive
31. [01:09:15] - Leading Where You Are
32. [01:10:34] - Practical Steps for Leading
33. [01:12:06] - Influencing Different People
34. [01:13:39] - Discipling the Next Generation
35. [01:15:09] - Closing Prayer and Ministry Time

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1 Timothy 4:12-16 (ESV)
> Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

#### Observation Questions
1. What are the five areas in which Paul encourages Timothy to set an example? ([40:58])
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of taking intentional time to rest and reflect, such as a Sabbath? ([33:35])
3. How does the sermon describe the concept of influence in relation to who we are versus what we do? ([39:26])
4. What does Paul mean by "exhortation" in 1 Timothy 4:13, and how was it explained in the sermon? ([40:58])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul emphasize the importance of setting an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity? How does this relate to the idea of influence discussed in the sermon? ([40:58])
2. How does the concept of mourning the past and anticipating the future, as mentioned in the sermon, contribute to our spiritual growth? ([34:32])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that true influence is about who we follow rather than who follows us? ([50:44])
4. How does the sermon explain the idea that influence is a call from God and not a choice? What implications does this have for our daily lives? ([01:06:02])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life. How can you intentionally set aside time for rest and reflection, similar to the Sabbath practice mentioned in the sermon? ([33:35])
2. Think about the areas of speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. Which area do you feel needs the most improvement in your life, and what specific steps can you take to set a better example? ([40:58])
3. Identify a situation where you have influence, whether in your family, workplace, or community. How can you use this influence to reflect Jesus' love and truth more effectively? ([52:05])
4. The sermon mentioned that influence is not about having a title or a large following. How can you shift your focus from seeking recognition to being a faithful follower of Jesus in your daily interactions? ([50:44])
5. Consider the idea that influence is a call from God. How does this perspective change the way you view your responsibilities and opportunities to lead others? ([01:06:02])
6. The sermon highlighted the importance of following Jesus closely to become effective leaders. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your relationship with Jesus? ([52:05])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by your responsibilities. How can you remind yourself that your influence and leadership are calls from God, even when it feels uncomfortable or inconvenient? ([01:06:02])

Devotional

Day 1: The Necessity of Rest and Reflection
Description: In the midst of our busy lives, it is essential to intentionally schedule times of rest and reflection. These moments allow us to process our past experiences, grieve what we have lost, and look forward to the future with hope. Taking a Sabbath, as some families do on Saturdays, can be a powerful way to reconnect with God and each other. This practice not only rejuvenates us physically but also nurtures our spiritual and emotional well-being. [33:35]

In a world that constantly demands our attention and energy, setting aside time for rest and reflection is a countercultural act of faith. It acknowledges our limitations and our need for God's presence in our lives. By intentionally pausing, we create space to hear God's voice, gain perspective, and align our hearts with His purposes. This practice helps us to grow spiritually and emotionally, enabling us to navigate life's transitions with grace and wisdom.

Exodus 31:15-17 (ESV): "Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed."

Reflection: Think about your weekly schedule. How can you intentionally set aside time for rest and reflection this week? What specific steps will you take to make this a regular practice in your life?

Day 2: Discipleship as Practical Leadership
Description: Discipleship is not just a spiritual term but a form of leadership and influence. Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus emphasize the need to raise up the next generation of leaders. This involves equipping, preparing, and empowering others, making discipleship a practical and essential part of our Christian walk. [36:42]

Discipleship is about more than just teaching; it is about modeling a Christ-centered life and investing in others so they can do the same. It requires intentionality and a commitment to walk alongside others, helping them grow in their faith and leadership abilities. By focusing on discipleship, we fulfill the Great Commission and ensure that the message of Jesus continues to spread and transform lives.

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV): "And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also."

Reflection: Who in your life can you intentionally invest in and disciple? What practical steps can you take this week to begin or continue this discipleship relationship?

Day 3: Influence Through Character
Description: True influence is not about titles or the number of followers you have; it's about who you are and how you live your life. Paul’s advice to Timothy to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity is a call to all of us to use our influence wisely and faithfully. [40:58]

Our actions, attitudes, and words have the power to shape others, whether we are aware of it or not. By living a life that reflects the character of Jesus, we can positively impact those around us. This kind of influence is authentic and lasting, as it is rooted in genuine love and integrity. It challenges us to examine our own lives and strive to be the kind of people who inspire and uplift others.

1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV): "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."

Reflection: Reflect on your daily interactions. How can you be more intentional about setting a positive example in your speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity? What specific changes can you make to better reflect the character of Jesus?

Day 4: Following Jesus for Effective Leadership
Description: Who you follow is more important than who follows you. Jesus knows the way to life and fulfillment, and by following Him, we become effective leaders. Our influence should reflect His love and truth, making us ambassadors for Christ. [52:05]

In a world that often values popularity and outward success, it is crucial to remember that true leadership comes from following Jesus closely. He is the ultimate example of servant leadership, and by emulating His life, we can lead others in a way that brings glory to God. Our primary focus should be on our relationship with Jesus, allowing His love and truth to shine through us and impact those around us.

John 15:5 (ESV): "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

Reflection: Consider your relationship with Jesus. How can you deepen your connection with Him this week? What specific practices or habits can you incorporate into your daily life to ensure you are following Him closely?

Day 5: Influence as a Divine Calling
Description: Leadership and influence are not things we choose; they are calls from God. Whether we want it or not, we have influence, and we are called to use it for God's glory. This call is the most valuable thing we have, even when it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. [01:06:02]

Recognizing that our influence is a divine calling changes the way we approach our daily lives. It reminds us that we have a responsibility to use our influence for God's purposes, regardless of our personal preferences or circumstances. This perspective helps us to see every interaction and opportunity as a chance to reflect God's love and truth, making a lasting impact on those around us.

Ephesians 4:1 (ESV): "I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called."

Reflection: Reflect on the areas of your life where you have influence. How can you use your influence more intentionally for God's glory? What specific actions can you take this week to align your influence with God's calling?

Quotes

1. "As the season is changing, as we're transitioning, into this new thing, we have kind of a tradition. Every Saturday at our house, it's Sabbath. It's just like an intentional. I've discovered recently how much I need to schedule nothing. Pastor Mike, he was asking me, he's like, hey, Dave, what are you looking forward to? And I said, honestly, Mike, nothing. I want to do nothing. That's what I want to do. And so I was just reminded how important that is to have these moments where we just go, oh." [33:35] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We were actually grieving the past because it was good. It was good. But as we were doing that, God was bringing to mind. We read in the prayer room. We pray every Sunday morning on Sundays at 9 a.m. We pray for this service. We pray for all of you. And as we're in there, Psalm 103 came to mind. And it's just like, bless the Lord. Don't forget his benefits. He's good. He's forgiven. He's been faithful. He's loved." [35:19] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Influence is about who we are. You have influence. What you do with that, that's the question. Influence can be good. I'm sure that as we go back to our childhood school days, we can all think of bad influences, as well. They were the ones responsible for all your bad decisions. Remember that? Maybe many people would say that it was actually you that was the bad influence in many different ways. We all have it. We all want it." [40:13] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Church, I want you to know, if you are following Jesus, there's something called spiritual gifts, and they're given to us along with your influence by Jesus. He says, Don't neglect it. It's not just, you know, oh, comparing it, oh, I don't have that one or this one or I'm not there yet. I'm still new. I don't really want to. Don't neglect the gift that you have, which was given to you by prophecy. When the council of elders laid their hands on you, practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress." [41:54] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The way that you follow Jesus influences other people. It's not just about I know in our western American busy individualistic culture we even come to church we say it's all about me I need help I need discipleship I need mentoring I it's my relationship with God that's true but as we pay attention to these things it is so that we would influence influence is a desire that's in every single one of us influence is something that every single one of us have an influential is something that all of us are you have influence." [43:13] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Who you follow is more important than who follows you. Every person it seems, myself included at times although I'm not really on the social medias, I don't like to do that that's not really my thing, but I've been considering this and we may take some steps here I'll let you know I'll give about something that's coming up immediately after this service I am going to be interviewing the guy that discipled me his name is Jordan Ogden he came here from Texas he started a church in Ann Arbor I met him through the Holy Spirit he discipled me and their family had such great influence on ours." [47:55] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Influence has nothing to do with desire. In the age of algorithms that select what you will see, that select what is interesting for you, in the age of the viral moment, where sometimes at your very, very worst, that is captured and put on. We're all to see. Influence has nothing to do with desire, whether you want it or whether you don't. Elections. We have an election season coming up. There's plenty of people that desire leadership, that desire influence, and yet influence has nothing to do with desire. Some want it, but don't have it. Others never asked for it, and yet they have it." [01:04:20] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "You are called to lead, to influence, to disciple, to love. It's not a choice. It's a call. It's not if, but where. So I want to encourage you today. Lead where you're called. As the band comes up, I just want to share a few practical things, because I'm out of time. This would be the kind of thing that maybe you'll hear now on the podcast. All right? So leading where you are is about finding your niche and engaging your audience. Nobody's going to reach everybody. Nobody's for everybody anymore. Okay? I don't know that anybody ever really was." [01:09:15] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Your neighbors, perhaps you can lead where you're called. And again, the people closest to you, your family, your co-workers, your friends circle, okay? Here's number two. The nations. Every nation. This is people different from you. Do you know any? Do you know anyone different from you? And sometimes when we'll talk about this, Acts 1-8, you'll be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the ends of the earth. Matthew 28, go and make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey. We're like, that's just a geographical thing." [01:10:34] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Older men, there's instructions for you in here. Teach, lead, train up the younger men. Older women, teach, train, train up the younger women. And there's actually some things in here about doing so at home. And I would submit to you this. This is not a woman, get in your place kind of scripture. Dive into it. Here's what it is. It is giving value to every single place where you may be called. If your place is in the home, lead well. It is valuable. It is, seen by God. You've been called by God to step into that. Use your leadership and your influence well." [01:13:39] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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