3|4 Rooted & Ready - Influential

family Palestinian - Jad birthday 9 years old - Reina, Irene and Samia

The sermon is part of a series titled "rooted and ready ," which focuses on understanding Christian identity through four key qualities: Invited, Invaluable, Influential, invested.

Israel Perdonsin

3|4 Rooted & Ready - Influential

Your Everyday Impact for God’s Glory

"I'm Influential: Your Everyday Impact for God's Glory"

Introduction

Good morning, church! Today, we’re diving into a powerful truth that can reshape how you see your everyday life.

The world has a narrow view of what it means to be an "influencer," often linking it to social media, fame or public recognition.

But God's definition of influence goes much deeper.

It's about the small, seemingly insignificant moments that can change lives and further His kingdom.

Whether you realize it or not, you are an influencer, and today we’re going to explore how you can embrace this calling.

Point 1: Influence Starts with Who You Are, Not What You Do

Supporting Scripture:

Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.' Matthew 5:13-16

Illustration:

Think about salt—something so ordinary, yet essential.

Salt adds flavor, preserves, and purifies.

Similarly, your influence begins with your identity in Christ.

Just by being who you are—salt and light—you can impact those around you. You don’t need a platform; you just need to shine where you are.

Illustration:

As we think about influence, it's easy to feel like we're not qualified or that our roles are too small to make an impact.

But influence isn't about having a high position—it's about who you are and how you live your life.

John C. Maxwell says, “Leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less.”

This tells us that every one of us is a leader because we all have influence, whether it’s over our family, friends, or coworkers.

Influence isn’t reserved for people with titles; it’s simply about how we live and interact with those around us.

Connection to the Sermon:

You may not see yourself as a leader, but God has placed you in a position of influence just by calling you His own.

As salt and light, you carry the power to make a difference, no matter where you are. It’s not about what you do or what position you hold—it’s about who you are in Christ.

Additional Illustrations:

The Lamp on a Stand (Matthew 5:15):

V15 'No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 'Matthew 5:15

Imagine a dark room with a single candle. The light from the candle isn’t loud or overbearing, but it pushes back the darkness effortlessly.

Your influence works the same way. Simply being present as a follower of Christ brings light into dark situations.

The Unseen Fragrance (2 Corinthians 2:14-15):

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume. And who is adequate for such a task as this? ' 2 Corinthians 2:14-16

Like a pleasant fragrance that fills the room, your Christ-like nature affects everyone you come into contact with, even if you don’t realize it. You may not always see how you influence others, but your faith, kindness, and love are like a sweet aroma that spreads beyond you.

Bible Examples:

David as a Shepherd:

Before David was known as a king or a warrior, he was simply a shepherd. His integrity, faithfulness, and heart after God were what made him valuable, long before his acts as king defined his reign (1 Samuel 16:7).

Mary, the Mother of Jesus:

Mary was a young, unknown woman in Nazareth. She wasn’t famous or influential by the world’s standards, but her simple "yes" to God shaped history (Luke 1:38).

Point 2: Influence Comes Through Everyday Actions

Supporting Scripture: John 4:39 -

'Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” ' John 4:39

Illustration:

The Samaritan woman at the well had a troubled past, yet her encounter with Jesus transformed her into an immediate influencer.

Her testimony brought many to Christ, proving that your past does not disqualify you from being an influencer. It’s your present actions, empowered by your experience with Jesus, that can draw others to Him.

The Samaritan woman’s influence didn’t come from her status, education, or perfection. Her simple testimony led many to Christ.

Maxwell says, “The best way to make a difference in the world is to start by making a difference in your own life.”

This reminds us that influence begins with the small, everyday actions we take. When we share our story, show kindness, or offer help, we are making a difference that can ripple through our communities.

The Domino Effect:

Picture a line of dominoes. All it takes is one small push for the whole row to fall. In the same way, your everyday actions can set off a chain reaction.

Something as simple as a smile or a helping hand could influence someone, who then influences others.

Bible Examples:

Dorcas (Tabitha):

In Acts 9:36-42, Dorcas was known for her good deeds and acts of charity. When she passed away, her community was so impacted by her kindness that they begged Peter to raise her from the dead. Dorcas influenced her town not by grand gestures, but through her everyday generosity.

The Boy with Five Loaves and Two Fish:

In John 6:9, a young boy offered his small lunch to Jesus, which ended up feeding over 5,000 people. His seemingly insignificant contribution was magnified in God’s hands.

Quote: "You don’t have to have it all together to have influence. You just have to know who Jesus is and care about the people around you." —Craig Groeschel

Point 3: Influence Isn’t Always Visible, But It’s Always Powerful

Supporting Scripture:

Galatians 6:9 - "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

Illustration: Influence often works like seeds planted in a field.

You may not see immediate results, but that doesn’t mean your efforts aren’t making a difference.

Just as farmers trust the process of growth, we must trust that God is using our words, actions, and presence to nurture faith in others, even when we can’t see the full outcome.

Additional Illustrations:

The Chinese bamboo tree grows underground for years without any visible growth. But after five years, it shoots up several feet almost overnight.

Your influence might feel hidden at times, like the bamboo tree’s roots.

However, God is growing something powerful beneath the surface. In due time, your impact will be visible.

Seeds of Faith: A farmer plants seeds and waits patiently for the harvest. He doesn’t see the immediate result of his work, but he trusts the process. In the same way, your influence may be invisible at first, but every seed of love, kindness, and faith you plant will bear fruit in God’s timing

James 5:7. 7 Dear brothers and sisters, be patient as you wait for the Lord’s return. Consider the farmers who patiently wait for the rains in the fall and in the spring. They eagerly look for the valuable harvest to ripen.

Bible Examples:

Paul’s Ministry in Corinth: In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, Paul writes about how he planted the seeds of faith, and Apollos watered them, but God made them grow.

This shows that influence is often shared among many people over time, and while we may not always see the harvest, God is always at work.

Moses and Jethro: In Exodus 18, Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, gave Moses wise advice on how to delegate leadership. Moses took that advice, and it transformed the way Israel was governed. Jethro’s influence wasn’t flashy or public, but his words changed the course of an entire nation.

Quote: "Influence isn’t always obvious. Influence isn’t always instant. Just because you don’t see a harvest doesn’t mean that your seed didn’t take root." —Craig Groeschel

Conclusion with Key Points

In conclusion, remember that your influence is rooted in who you are as a follower of Christ.

It’s expressed in everyday actions that reflect God’s love, and it often works behind the scenes, unseen but powerful.

You don’t need a stage, a following, or a perfect life to be an influencer for God.

You just need to be willing to let your light shine wherever you are.

Conclusion with Call to Action for Each Main Point

Reflect on Who You Are in Christ: This week, remind yourself daily that your influence comes from your identity in Christ. You don’t need a big platform to make a difference. Start by being who God created you to be—salt and light.

Look for Opportunities in Everyday Moments: Pay attention to the small moments where you can show kindness or offer encouragement. Whether it’s a kind word to a co-worker, a smile to a stranger, or simply being present for someone in need, your influence grows in these daily acts of love.

Trust God with the Results: Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate fruit from your efforts. Just as a seed takes time to grow, so does the influence you have on others. Trust God to bring the harvest in His time.

Practical Applications

Daily Prayer: Start each day by asking God to use you as an influencer. Pray for opportunities to be salt and light to those around you.

Acts of Kindness: This week, commit to one small act of kindness each day. Whether it’s a word of encouragement, a thoughtful gesture, or simply listening to someone in need, let God work through you to influence others.

Share Your Story: Reflect on your own journey with Christ and find opportunities to share your testimony with someone who needs to hear it. Like the Samaritan woman, your story can be a powerful tool in bringing others closer to Jesus.

Let’s close in prayer: Father, thank You for the influence You’ve given each of us. Help us to recognize and embrace this calling, using our words, actions, and lives to draw others to You. Give us the courage to be salt and light in a world that needs Your love. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Talk It Over (TIO) Guide

Quick Summary of the Sermon:

This sermon focused on the theme "Influential," part of the "Rooted and ready" series. It explored how every believer is called to be an influencer for God’s glory. Influence isn't about having a large platform or social media following; it's about making a difference in the lives of those around us through small acts of love, kindness, and faith. The story of the Samaritan woman in John 4 was used to illustrate how even those with a troubled past can become powerful influencers when touched by Jesus.

Key Verses:

Main Verse: Matthew 5:14 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden."

Matthew 5:13 (Salt of the Earth)

John 4:13-14 (Living Water)

John 4:39 (Many Samaritans believed)

Conversation Starters and Questions

Level 1: Start Talking (Spark Conversation)

Have you ever been influenced by someone in an unexpected way? Who was it, and what did they do?

What’s one small act of kindness you received this week that made your day a little better?

Do you think of yourself as an influencer? Why or why not?

Level 2: Start Thinking (Deepen the Thought)

What does it mean to you to be the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" as Jesus described?

How does our culture’s definition of an influencer differ from the biblical view presented in the sermon?

Why do you think Jesus chose the Samaritan woman, someone with a troubled past, to influence her entire village?

Level 3: Start Sharing (Open Hearts, Share Stories)

Share a time when someone’s words or actions had a significant impact on your faith journey. How did it influence you?

Have you ever had the opportunity to influence someone toward Christ, even in a small way? What was the experience like?

Can you relate to the Samaritan woman’s story? How has God used your past to influence others?

Level 4: Start Doing (Commit to Act)

This week, think of one person in your life who might need encouragement. Reach out to them with a kind word, prayer, or small gesture of love.

Consider how you can let your "light shine" in your everyday interactions. Make a plan to be more intentional in showing God’s love to those around you.

Reflect on how you can be a positive influence in your community, workplace, or online. Commit to one action that aligns with this goal and share your plan with the group next week.