Influence

Two weeks back we started a sermon series from Romans covering chapters 6-8. This is indeed a heavy theological section and the main point throughout these chapters is sanctification. Remember, sanctification is strictly focused on the power of sin in the believers life. When Paul states in Romans 6 that sin is dead, he is talking about the power of sin. Obviously we have sin in our livers and unfortunately at times that becomes easy to identify. So, why are we spending three months working through this issue of sanctification?

One of the reasons we are staying lazier focused on the issue of sanctification is because of the reality of influence. We are all influencers! I remember praying for Ashlynn my middle daughter when she was a young child. Early on we recognized the tremendous potential of her influence on others. I was motivated to pray because I realized that she was going to influence people. I truly believed that she would either influence people toward Christ or Satan. The reality is we all carry that same potential.

In fact, this basic truth is taught throughout scripture. The Bible teaches that a believing wife “sanctifies” those around her (1 Corinthians 7:14); evil behavior corrupts those around it (1 Corinthians 15:33); and, careful application of truth in one’s life impacts those who observe (1 Timothy 4:14-16). It has been said that we will either influence people toward righteousness or wickedness, but we will definitely influence others. Our concern as Christians is that our lives point people toward Christ - not away from Him!

This is the practical application of sanctification. As we grow in the likeness of Christ we influence others toward His Kingdom. Here are two expressions of growing in sanctification that I want to encourage you to consider as we continue working through Romans 6-8.
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1. Resist the Devil. It is essential to understand that Satan has a simple strategy. His purpose is to draw our attention away from God to other things. He desires to drive wedges between us and God - most commonly he uses sin, doubt, and distraction to inflict guilt and shame. The power we have over sin is realized as we draw near to Him. He is our authority as resist the Devil.
   
   
2. Trust in the Power of God’s Spirit. As we walk in the Spirit, yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to walk in a manner worthy of our calling. Ultimately, all the good inclinations or preferences or desires that we have are given by the Holy Spirit. Apart from the Spirit we are mere flesh. Paul will state in Romans 7:18, “I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing.” Apart from the gracious influences of the Holy Spirit, none of our inclinations or desires is holy or good. Take a deep plunge into the grace of sanctification and make certain for the glory of God that you do not waste your influence! I hope to see you Sunday as we study Romans 6:15-19.

Pastor Billy