Living Under the Influence of Christ's Word

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the concept of influence, particularly focusing on Jesus Christ as the supreme influencer. In a world where many voices claim to hold the truth, it is crucial to discern and delight in the Word of God, which serves as a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We began by examining the idea of influence, both in a worldly sense and through the lens of faith. Influence, as defined by Google, is the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. This definition was illustrated through a clip of Chadwick Boseman acknowledging the profound impact Denzel Washington had on his life, drawing a parallel to how we should recognize and celebrate the influence of Jesus in our lives.

We delved into Psalm 119:105-112, emphasizing the importance of God's Word as our guide. The scripture reminds us that God's Word provides direction, guidance, and illumination in our lives. It is a source of life, especially in times of affliction and danger. We are called to approach God's Word not as a set of rules but as a relational journey with the Holy Spirit, seeking to understand and embody the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The message also highlighted the transition from living under our own influence to living under the influence of Christ. This transformation involves surrendering our will to God's will, much like Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. By doing so, we align ourselves with God's purpose and experience the joy and heritage of His decrees. The call to action is clear: to live in relationship with God, allowing His Word to shape our lives and influence others for His kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

1. The True Source of Influence: In a world filled with competing truths, Jesus Christ stands as the supreme influencer. His Word is the ultimate guide, providing clarity and direction in our lives. By delighting in His Word, we align ourselves with His truth and purpose. [09:11]

2. The Journey of Transformation: Moving from self-reliance to reliance on Christ is a journey. It involves recognizing our own limitations and surrendering to God's will. This transformation is marked by a shift from living for ourselves to living for God's glory. [14:35]

3. The Power of Relationship: Our approach to God's Word should be relational, not just rule-based. By engaging with the Holy Spirit and seeking a deeper understanding of God's character, we experience a transformative relationship that impacts our lives and those around us. [20:07]

4. Enduring Through Affliction: In times of affliction and danger, God's Word provides life and sustenance. By holding onto His promises and seeking His guidance, we find strength and resolve to navigate life's challenges. [26:45]

5. Living Under Christ's Influence: Jesus' example in the Garden of Gethsemane teaches us the importance of surrendering our will to God's. By doing so, we live under His influence, empowered to make Him known and impact others for His kingdom. [51:01]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:00] - Introduction to Influence
- [05:30] - Chadwick Boseman and Denzel Washington
- [09:11] - The True Source of Influence
- [12:00] - Psalm 119:105-112
- [14:35] - Journey of Transformation
- [17:00] - Relational Approach to God's Word
- [20:07] - Understanding God's Word
- [23:00] - Enduring Through Affliction
- [26:45] - Life's Challenges and God's Guidance
- [30:00] - The Power of Free Will
- [33:00] - Joy in Obedience
- [37:39] - Heritage and Joy in God's Decrees
- [40:17] - Jesus' Example in Gethsemane
- [45:06] - Living Under Christ's Influence
- [51:01] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 119:105-112

Observation Questions:
1. How does Psalm 119:105 describe the role of God's Word in our lives? What imagery is used to convey this message?
2. In the sermon, how did the speaker illustrate the concept of influence using Chadwick Boseman and Denzel Washington? [09:11]
3. What transformation does the speaker describe when moving from self-reliance to reliance on Christ? [14:35]
4. How does the speaker relate personal affliction to the guidance provided by God's Word? [26:45]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Jesus Christ to be the "supreme influencer" in the context of the sermon? How does this influence compare to worldly influence? [09:11]
2. How does the speaker suggest we should approach God's Word, and what is the significance of a relational approach rather than a rule-based one? [20:07]
3. In what ways does the speaker suggest that enduring through affliction can strengthen one's faith and reliance on God's Word? [26:45]
4. How does the example of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane illustrate the importance of surrendering to God's will? [51:01]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt influenced by worldly voices. How did you discern the truth, and how can you ensure that Jesus remains your supreme influencer? [09:11]
2. Consider your current journey of transformation. What steps can you take to move from self-reliance to deeper reliance on Christ? [14:35]
3. How can you cultivate a more relational approach to reading and understanding God's Word in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to engage with the Holy Spirit during your study time? [20:07]
4. Think of a recent challenge or affliction you faced. How did you rely on God's Word for guidance, and what promises can you hold onto for future challenges? [26:45]
5. In what areas of your life do you need to surrender your will to God's will, following Jesus' example in the Garden of Gethsemane? How can you practically make this surrender a reality? [51:01]
6. Identify a person in your life who could benefit from the influence of Christ through you. What specific actions can you take this week to be a positive influence in their life?
7. Reflect on the joy and heritage found in God's decrees. How can you incorporate this joy into your daily routine, especially during difficult times? [37:39]

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus as the Supreme Influencer
In a world filled with competing voices and claims of truth, Jesus Christ stands as the supreme influencer. His Word is the ultimate guide, providing clarity and direction in our lives. By delighting in His Word, we align ourselves with His truth and purpose. The influence of Jesus is not just about following a set of rules but about engaging in a transformative relationship that shapes our character and decisions. Just as Chadwick Boseman acknowledged the profound impact Denzel Washington had on his life, we are called to recognize and celebrate the influence of Jesus in our lives. [09:11]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: Who or what influences your decisions the most today? How can you intentionally allow Jesus' teachings to guide your choices?


Day 2: The Journey from Self-Reliance to Christ-Reliance
Moving from self-reliance to reliance on Christ is a journey that involves recognizing our own limitations and surrendering to God's will. This transformation is marked by a shift from living for ourselves to living for God's glory. It is a process of letting go of our own desires and aligning ourselves with God's purpose, much like Jesus did in the Garden of Gethsemane. By surrendering our will to God's, we experience the joy and heritage of His decrees, living under His influence and empowered to impact others for His kingdom. [14:35]

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 3: Engaging with God's Word Relationally
Our approach to God's Word should be relational, not just rule-based. By engaging with the Holy Spirit and seeking a deeper understanding of God's character, we experience a transformative relationship that impacts our lives and those around us. This relational journey with God's Word is about seeking to understand and embody the teachings of Jesus Christ, allowing His Word to shape our lives and influence others for His kingdom. [20:07]

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God." (Colossians 3:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you make your study of the Bible more relational and less about checking off a list? What steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit into your daily reading?


Day 4: Finding Strength in God's Word During Affliction
In times of affliction and danger, God's Word provides life and sustenance. By holding onto His promises and seeking His guidance, we find strength and resolve to navigate life's challenges. The scripture reminds us that God's Word is a source of life, especially in times of difficulty, offering direction, guidance, and illumination. It is through this reliance on God's Word that we endure and find hope amidst trials. [26:45]

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." (James 1:12, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you actively seek God's guidance and promises in His Word to find strength and hope in this situation?


Day 5: Living Under Christ's Influence
Jesus' example in the Garden of Gethsemane teaches us the importance of surrendering our will to God's. By doing so, we live under His influence, empowered to make Him known and impact others for His kingdom. This call to action is about living in relationship with God, allowing His Word to shape our lives and influence others. It is a journey of transformation, moving from self-reliance to reliance on Christ, and experiencing the joy and heritage of His decrees. [51:01]

"And he said to them, 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' Immediately they left their nets and followed him." (Matthew 4:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What does living under Christ's influence look like in your daily life? How can you be intentional about making Jesus known to those around you today?

Quotes

We delight in His Word because Jesus Christ is the supreme influencer, right? He's the only king. He's the only way. He's the only truth. And there's a lot of people that are tweeting their truth. There's a lot of people that are posting their truth. There's a lot of people that are proclaiming their ideologies and their way of thinking. [00:01:00] (21 seconds)


I am severely afflicted. I am experiencing in the midst of trying to hold on to this promise, in the midst of trying to let your word be my guiding light, right? Not somebody else's opinion, right? Not what somebody else thinks. Not what somebody else thinks of me, right? [00:25:03] (18 seconds)


But you want to get to the point. Like, what I know, I know for sure what God celebrates is when you freely choose him, just like he freely chose you. So you can surrender and you offer up them praises. It's out of this place of choice. It's out of this place of I know you. [00:28:52] (19 seconds)


My life is constantly in danger, yet I do not forget your instruction. I mean, COVID pandemic, change in administration, losing a cousin, losing family, career change, broken hearts experienced at work, someone disappointed you, someone let you down, someone you really trusted. [00:30:04] (40 seconds)


I have your decrees as a heritage forever. Indeed, they are the joy of my heart. I like this part because joy comes in and I don't know about y'all, but when you're obedient to God and you're walking with him, you're walking with him through life, you're going. [00:36:40] (17 seconds)


I have the ability to see, because you gave me the ability to see those things as a blessing. As my way through, as the key to the door that I need to unlock. I have your decrees. Oh, by the way, it's a heritage. It's, it's an inheritance. Father God, you are an inheritance for me. [00:37:47] (23 seconds)


Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Hebrews 13, eight, right? Like you go, I got you. I got you. You are here with me. I have your decrees as a heritage forever. And indeed they are the joy of my heart. They are the joy of my heart. [00:38:24] (16 seconds)


The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets. He came to fulfill the law, not to abolish it. He came to be it since we could not. He came to accomplish that work since we could not. [00:39:54] (22 seconds)


We get to live this way because of something that our God did. We get to live this way because of something that got done. We get to live this way because of the author and finisher of our faith. I want to switch it. [00:48:29] (13 seconds)


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Transcript
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