The Power of Influence
Notes
Transcript
Who is your favorite social media influencer and why?
What comes to mind when you hear the word “influencer”?
Even if we’re not a social media influencer, we all have influence, whether we realize it or not.
No matter who you are, you can either be a negative or positive influence in someone’s life.
For believers, our influence becomes that much more important since we are to be a light to the world, showcasing the love of Christ.
Let’s Check out this video that shows how Daniel was influential.
Remember last week, Daniel and his friends taken into captivity to serve as the elite in the king’s house.
They showed that they could follow their God and still succeed - food rules
God made them the smartest and the best and wisest
This week I challenge you to Read Daniel 2 at home. It’s a pretty amazing story!
So we start to read in Daniel 2 that the king has a nightmare and he wants his wise men to tell him what it means… and even what the dream was with no hints....
5 The king replied to the astrologers, “This is what I have firmly decided: If you do not tell me what my dream was and interpret it, I will have you cut into pieces and your houses turned into piles of rubble.
Of course all of the astrologers, magicians, and sorcerers couldn’t do it. They say only a god can do it.
btw, Daniel and his friends were MIA that morning
So the king gets so mad, he orders all wise men in his kingdom to be executed
Pretty reasonable guy, right. How would you like to work for him? or have him as your math teacher? coach???
So some men go to fetch Daniel and his friends to execute them
So what does Daniel do???
Hide under a rock?
Disguise himself?
What do you do when fire is coming your way? STOP.DROP.Roll/PRAY
No, he asks the officer that has come to fetch him and kill him what is going on and then has the boldness to go to the king and speak to him face to face!!!
Again, remember, they are all up for execution.
16 At this, Daniel went in to the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.
So he goes home, grabs his friends and they … pray - Stop.drop.roll/pray
And then it gets real crazy
God tells him what the dream was, and what it meant!!!
So what does he do? Now remember all these guys are up for execution!
1st thing - praised God!!!! (vs 20-23)
Then he goes to the king and tells him the dream, what it means and most importantly, who revealed it all
27 Daniel replied, “No wise man, enchanter, magician or diviner can explain to the king the mystery he has asked about, 28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come. Your dream and the visions that passed through your mind as you were lying in bed are these:
The result:
King Nebuchadnezzar says, Daniel 2:47
47 The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.”
He stopped the executions
He made Daniel even more elite and powerful, given money, gifts, power
of course Daniel put in a word for his friends - cuz he is a good friend - and they were given more power as well
It made the king see God and believe in Him
Daniel’s actions show us that it’s possible to remain faithful under pressure
And it’s not like Daniel wanted to be a slave in a foreign county - this was the hand that he was given - more correctly - this is exactly where God put him!
God puts us in times, places & position to serve His purpose
Where has God put you today???
Group Questions
We all have influence, no matter who we are - whether we’re influencing the people in our home, at school, or on social media. Everything we say and do can have an impact on the life of another person. How would you describe your influence? In what ways does having influence inspire, or maybe even worry, you?
Sadie pointed out that Daniel and his friends received positions of influence, not as a reward for godly obedience but to demonstrate the power of God to Babylon. How can you use your influence to demonstrate God’s power where you are right now?
STOP.DROP.ROLL/PRAY: What are some situations in life that prompt you to pray and seek God immediately? Why do these situations prompt you to seek God, rather than anyone else?
In what ways has it been easy or difficult for you to go to God with your issues 1st, as opposed to your friends, family or phone?