Tri-Annual Singing!
February 21, 2026
7:00pm - 8:30pm
Category: Influence
Subject: Influence
Leaven in the Lump
In Galatians 5:9 Paul expressed a simple truth that reveals a very significant spiritual application. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
It brings to mind the time Debbie and I purchased a bread making machine. It made great tasting bread so easy to make, I decided to try it a time or two myself. I remember opening the refrigerator to get a small amount of leaven as prescribed by the recipe I was using, dropping the pittance into a full loaf of bread, and waiting for the change. The cover was clear glass, and with a small amount of time the rising of the bread was evident. Any baker (and most others of us) recognize the lesson Paul was sharing with the Galatians.
Leaven corrupts, it changes the nature. If leaven is used to illustrated evil influences, then we understand the Holy Spirit to say that evil influences will corrupt us. It can corrupt all of us! Paul uses that truth to note the leavening influence of the Judaizing teachers who had come into the region of Galatia. Their corrupting influence led him to write, “I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel…” (1:6).
We too must be aware of the leavening influence of sin. Consider Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’” Wise words!
(1 of 13) Iron Sharpening Iron
As we begin our new class this morning, I will start writing an article on each lesson to serve as a supplement to what we cover in the class.
The text of Proverbs 27:17 states, “As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.” This is the reading of the NKJ translation. The RSV puts it this way, “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” The Amplified Bible (a translation and commentary in one) gets the general idea correct here in stating the obvious, “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].” Continue reading “(1 of 13) Iron Sharpening Iron”
An Epistle of Christ
In 2 Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul discussed his reputation toward the Corinthians. They knew him well, having received letters and strong teaching from him in the past. So, he did not need to introduce himself to them in an attempt by reputation to make his letters more influential to their faith. First, he stated in verse one to have no need to “commend” himself to them. They knew his authority and the truthfulness of his words to them. Continue reading “An Epistle of Christ”
The Light of the World
In our recent lesson on handling the gospel of Christ, we noted the need to live worthy of that will revealed to us by our God — a perfect and complete will that elevates those who obey. A worthy life takes knowledge and diligence on our part. Such a life lived is exemplary, and obviously so, not only to brethren, but also to the world. A Christian who seeks to live worthy of the gospel will serve as a wonderful influence to others.
This truth was in mind when I recently came across a sermon outline prepared by Joe Price a couple of years ago. Roughly following that outline, I want to share with you some thoughts about how we as Christians can be good influences to others. Continue reading “The Light of the World”
Who Are Your Friends?
In 2 Chronicles 20:31-37 we have a short chronicle of the reign of Jehoshaphat in Judah. There are a few interesting tidbits we can glean from the account. First, while there are things that Jehoshaphat failed to do “the high places were not taken away” (33), in all Jehoshaphat did “what was right in the sight of the Lord” (32). This was a continuation of the good that his father Asa accomplished in his 45 years reigning on the throne (16:13), and greatly contrasted with the idolatrous conditions in Israel, under kings Baasha, Ahab (related to Jehoshaphat by marriage), and Ahaziah, who all “acted very wickedly” (20:35).
Despite all of the good that Jehoshaphat did in his reign, he was punished by God because of the company he kept late in life. We are told that he allied himself with wicked king Ahaziah of Israel, “to make ships to go to Tarshish” (20:36). This economic choice to ally with the wicked king brought a prophecy against him. “But Eliezer the son of Dodavah of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, ‘Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has destroyed your works.’ Then the ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish” (20:37). Continue reading “Who Are Your Friends?”
How the World Identifies Me
Christians in our world are often identified as hateful and prejudiced. But, false accusation were raised to Christians in the first century. And even to Jesus Himself.
Sermon: How Can Christians Stand Out from the World?
Christians should stand out, and be considered peculiar to the world. How can we obtain such a reputation? Speaker: Ian Tilley
Foul Odors and Ruined Reputations
“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; so does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).
Odor is something to which we all can relate. All of us have some smell that is extremely unpleasant. Some are universal. Some perhaps personal. But, the idea of something that smells bad serves as a very good, visceral illustration of a damaged reputation.
As the wise man notes, it doesn’t take much to cause the stink. We know this to be true. Consider our politicians. Newspaper reports that Edmund Muskie broke down and cried during a speech in 1972 led to his campaign defeat, as voters took it as instability. Politicians Gary Hart (1987), Gary Condit (2002), John Edwards (2008), John Ensign (2009), are examples from long list of men who have lost their campaigns or offices as a result of sexual immorality. When marijuana was an issue, almost every candidate denied smoking. Bill Clinton wasn’t able to deny it, so he decided to say he “didn’t inhale.” We could go on and on.
Some might say that it isn’t fair for “a little folly” to ruin the reputation of one “respected for wisdom and honor.” But, that’s the way it is in our world. Know this, that the world looks at your life as a Christian, and is sniffing for that foul odor that a little folly brings. Remember Christ’s words, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden … Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14,16).
Stinking Perfume
“Dead flies putrefy the perfumer’s ointment, and cause it to give off a foul odor; So does a little folly to one respected for wisdom and honor” (Ecclesiastes 10:1).
No, this article is not about perfume. But, the writer of Ecclesiastes refers to perfume that stinks to make a point. Why does the perfumer’s ointment stink? Because it has been corrupted by dead flies. Not a pretty picture, is it?
The lesson is about leadership. Consider the reference to “one respected for wisdom and honor.” We want our leaders to be respectable. We desire them to show integrity, honor, and honesty in their personal lives and character. A lack of such integrity leaves a stench in our nostrils. Continue reading “Stinking Perfume”
Sermon: Providing Honorable Things
This lesson is a discussion of Paul’s efforts to act in a transparent and honorable way in conducting the Corinthians gift to Judea (2 Cor. 8:21). Applications can be made in the area of Christian influence.
Glorifying God’s Word
There is an interesting phrase from the pen of the apostle Paul, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you” (2 Thessalonians 3:1). The phrase is, “that the word of the Lord may…be glorified.” Paul was asking that these faithful brethren petition God on his behalf. It was his desire that through his efforts, the word of the Lord would spread swiftly. That is, that many would hear and repeat it. Also, that it would be glorified. By this Paul meant, as noted by Thayer, that through his efforts the value of the word of God would become evident or made manifest.
A similar statement is made by the Lord regarding our influence. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). We extol the greatness and righteousness of God whenever we live in accord with His will. Men see it, and “glorify” Him.
Good Testimony Among Those Who Are Outside
1 Timothy 3:7 states that in order to be qualified to serve as an elder, a man “must have a good testimony among those who are outside.” Unlike some of the other qualifications, there is a reason stated for this qualification, “lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
This qualification is straightforward. “Must” is an imperative. It is absolutely necessary because of the importance and nature of the position of elder. “Good” means pleasing, commendable. “Report” in the context of this verse is described by Thayer, “In an ethical sense, of testimony concerning one’s character.” “Are without” has reference to “those who do not belong to the Christian church” (Thayer).
This does not mean that false accusations will not be made by those antagonistic to the church (even Jesus suffered the same). It does mean that any true accusations that would sully a man’s reputation in the world would disqualify a man, lest he bring reproach to the people of God. He must not be worthy of blame! “Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12).
If he lacks character, Satan will snare an elder. He will use the man for his own purposes, and hinder truth.
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What Kind of Life?
What kind of life do you aspire to live? What a question! Can you imagine the answers you would get if you took a survey of Americans. We are a nation that worships at the idols of fame, prosperity, and even infamy. Americans typically want thrills, adventure and noise! How many times have you heard that? If you go to professional sporting events, it is ubiquitous, “Let’s make some noise.” “Let’s party!” “Let’s boogie!” (Yes, I know that last one dates me).
While reading this past week, I came across an interesting passage in 1 Thessalonians that I am sure you find familiar. Paul wrote:
The Patternists: Walk in Wisdom
“Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).
According to these words from Paul, (representative of many other passages that affirm the same), Christians have responsibilities regarding how we interact with those outside the body of Christ. Elsewhere Paul wrote, “that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). In our passage in Colossians, this passage instructs us in our speech.
Sermon: A Lesson About Influence
Speaker: Ian Tilley
The text of 2 Chronicles 33, discussing the life and reign of Manasseh, is used to teach two very important points about influence. 1) The effect of others and their influence upon us. 2) The importance of our good influence upon others.
