Influencers by Pastor Steve Lombardo (1 Peter 2:9 - 17)

In a world saturated with influencers and voices vying for our attention, it’s easy to underestimate the power of our own influence as followers of Christ. Yet, God has uniquely called each of us to be a force for His kingdom, not by withdrawing from the world, but by living out our faith in the midst of it. Throughout history, some believers have chosen seclusion, seeking holiness through isolation. While their devotion is admirable, Scripture calls us to a different path: to be present in the world, shining as lights and making a difference in the lives God has placed around us.

Our influence begins with our identity. As Peter writes, we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation—God’s own possession. This identity isn’t based on ethnicity, background, or status, but on our relationship with Jesus Christ. Just as Israel was called to be a light to the nations, we are now entrusted with proclaiming the excellencies of the One who called us out of darkness. Our very presence should be a fragrance of Christ, drawing others to Him by the way we live and love.

But influence is not just about who we are; it’s about how we live. Integrity is essential. In a world where compromise is common and hypocrisy is a frequent accusation, we are called to live honorably, abstaining from the passions of the flesh. Our conduct should be so upright that even those who oppose us have nothing to accuse us of. Integrity preserves our witness and protects us from manipulation and loss of credibility.

Influence also flows through our interactions—with authorities, fellow believers, and those outside the faith. We are to respect and submit to governing authorities, living as good citizens and honoring the laws of the land. Within the church, we are called to love the brotherhood, initiating relationships and showing genuine care for one another. And with everyone we meet, we are to honor them—not by endorsing every action, but by recognizing their value as image-bearers of God.

Practically, this means honoring others with our words, actions, and attitudes. We speak truth with grace, serve without expecting anything in return, and view every person as someone deeply loved by God. Our influence is not measured by followers or fame, but by faithfulness in the relationships and opportunities God has given us. In every interaction, we have the chance to reflect Christ and point others to His glory.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Influence Begins with Identity in Christ True influence flows from knowing who we are in Christ—a chosen people, a royal priesthood, and God’s treasured possession. This identity is not earned or based on our background, but is a gift rooted in God’s mercy and calling. When we embrace this, our lives naturally proclaim the goodness of God to those around us, making us living testimonies of His grace. [11:49]
• 2. Integrity is the Foundation of Lasting Influence Our ability to impact others is directly tied to our integrity. When we abstain from the passions of the flesh and live honorably, we silence accusations and build trust, even among those who may not share our faith. Integrity is not about perfection, but about consistent, authentic living that reflects Christ’s character in both public and private life. [20:22]
• 3. Influence is Exercised Through Respect for Authority God calls us to honor and submit to the authorities He has placed over us, not as blind followers, but as witnesses to His order and justice. Disregarding authority not only damages our witness but can lead to the loss of influence and credibility, as seen in the tragic downfalls of leaders who failed in this area. Living as good citizens is a practical way to honor God and preserve our testimony. [24:14]
• 4. Love for the Church Demonstrates the Reality of the Gospel Loving the brotherhood is not optional; it is a mark of genuine faith. Initiating relationships, showing kindness, and engaging with fellow believers displays the unity and love that Jesus prayed for. When the world sees Christians loving one another, it becomes a powerful apologetic for the truth of the gospel. [26:28]
• 5. Honoring Everyone Reflects God’s Heart for All People Every person we encounter is made in the image of God and worthy of respect, regardless of their beliefs or actions. Honoring others means valuing them with our words, actions, and attitudes—speaking truth with grace, serving selflessly, and seeing each soul as precious to God. This posture opens doors for influence and reflects the inclusive love of Christ. [28:11]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:59] - The Power of Modern Influencers
• [03:23] - How Influence Shapes Us
• [04:33] - Called to Influence, Not Seclusion
• [05:11] - A Brief History of Christian Isolation
• [07:51] - The Biblical Call to Engage the World
• [08:14] - Our Identity as God’s People
• [10:40] - Old Testament Roots, New Testament Fulfillment
• [12:30] - Israel, the Church, and God’s People Today
• [15:03] - The Mission: Proclaiming God’s Excellencies
• [16:26] - The Fragrance of Christ
• [18:54] - Influence Through Integrity
• [23:43] - Influence in Our Interactions
• [24:14] - Respecting Authority and Preserving Witness
• [26:28] - Loving the Brotherhood
• [27:32] - Honoring Everyone in Daily Life
• [28:38] - Practical Ways to Honor Others
• [31:32] - Seeing People as God Sees Them

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

1. According to 1 Peter 2:9, what titles and roles does Peter use to describe believers, and what is their purpose?
2. In verses 11-12, what does Peter urge believers to do regarding the "passions of the flesh," and what is the intended result of honorable conduct among non-believers?
3. What instructions does Peter give about how Christians should relate to governing authorities in verses 13-15?
4. In verse 17, Peter gives four short commands. What are they, and who is each one directed toward?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon said our influence starts with our identity in Christ, not our background or status. Why is it important for Christians to see themselves as "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation"? How might this change the way someone lives day to day? [[11:49]]
2. The pastor talked about integrity as the foundation of influence. Why does living with integrity matter so much for our witness, especially in a world that often expects Christians to be hypocrites? [[20:22]]
3. The sermon mentioned honoring authorities and being good citizens. What are some reasons Peter gives for this, and how does it affect our influence and credibility as followers of Jesus? [[24:14]]
4. The command to "honor everyone" was explained as valuing people as image-bearers of God, not necessarily agreeing with them. What are some challenges and opportunities that come with this command in our everyday interactions? [[28:11]]

Application Questions

1. The sermon contrasted withdrawing from the world with being present and influential in it. Are there areas of your life where you tend to withdraw from non-believers or avoid relationships outside the church? What is one step you could take to be more present and engaged for Christ’s sake? [[04:33]]
2. The pastor said our influence begins with our identity in Christ, not our job, background, or popularity. Is there an area of your life where you struggle to believe your identity as God’s chosen and treasured possession? How does this affect your confidence to influence others? [[11:49]]
3. Integrity was described as living in such a way that even those who oppose us have nothing to accuse us of. Think of a recent situation where your integrity was tested. How did you respond, and what would you do differently next time to protect your witness? [[20:22]]
4. The sermon gave examples of leaders who lost their influence because they failed to respect authority or live honorably. Are there any “small” compromises in your life that could damage your influence if left unchecked? What practical step can you take this week to address them? [[24:14]]
5. “Love the brotherhood” means initiating relationships and showing genuine care for other believers. Is there someone in your church or small group you could reach out to this week to encourage or support? What would that look like? [[26:28]]
6. Honoring everyone was described as valuing people with our words, actions, and attitudes. Think of a person you interact with regularly (at work, school, store, etc.) who is hard for you to honor. What is one specific way you could show them respect or kindness this week? [[28:11]]
7. The pastor said our influence is not measured by followers or fame, but by faithfulness in the relationships and opportunities God has given us. What is one relationship or opportunity God has placed in your life right now where you want to be more intentional about reflecting Christ? [[31:32]]