The Five “W’s” of Influence
By Tom Moore
One of the best ways for anyone to fully grasp and appreciate a word, an idea, or an event is to use the five “W’s” of journalism: what, who, when, were, and why.
When Jesus said, “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 5:14-16), He was speaking of our influence. Influence is a very integral part of a Christian’s life, and this can be clearly seen by using this great tool of journalism.
The WHAT of influence. Influence is the power one has in affecting a person or an event. We through our actions and words WILL affect others to do this or that, to say this or that, or to think this or that. From a scriptural point of view, each Christian has the power to influence others to do good or evil. Whether we influence for good or evil depends on how we live. Influence is a powerful force we use to move others in one direction or another. Most often this powerful force is affecting others unknown to us. “Ye are the LIGHT [the “what”] of the world” (Mt. 5:14).
The WHO of influence. Who do we affect through our influence? The ones we have the most influence over are our immediate family. Our children watch us like a hawk, they watch our every move, and file in memory our every move. Children are great imitators of their parents – which show the powerful influence parents possess. Also, by what we do (or, fail to do) and say (or, fail to say) we affect the lives of our neighbors, kinfolk, fellow Christians, and most people we come in contact with on a daily basis. As adults we need to be keenly aware of all the little ones in our local congregations who may be looking to us for examples in Christian living. What kind of example are you providing them? “Ye are the light of the WORLD [the “who”]” (Mt. 4:14).
The WHEN of influence. When do we affect people through our influence? We may have an opportunity at almost any moment. Many times, if not most, we are influencing others without our knowledge. The “when” of influence may come at most any time – when we come in contact with someone, or even when someone hears of our actions. The possibility of influence is ever present. “Ye are the light of the world. A city SET ON A HILL CAN NOT BE HID [the “when”]” (Mt. 5:14).
The WHERE of influence. Where might we be influential? Anywhere! We may be influencing others in the work place, at home, at the ball game, in school, in the car, in the store, or in the worship assembly. Where ever we go our influence follows. “Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candle stick; and it giveth light unto ALL THE HOUSE [the“where”]” (Mt. 5:15).
The WHY of influence. Why is our influence so important? It is important because many will be saved or lost as a result of our influence. Jesus said, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea” (Mt. 18:6). It is easy to see why influence is vitally important. “There let you light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and GLORY YOUR FATHER [the “why”] which is in heaven” (Mt. 5:16).
Developing A Christ-Like Character
INTRODUCTION
The second epistle of Peter is certainly a touching letter
Written with an awareness that his death was imminent – 2 Peter 1:14
He Warned that false teachers would seek to lead them astray – 2 Peter 2:1-2
He hoped that they would be mindful of the commandments given to them by the apostles of Jesus Christ – 2 Peter 3:1-2
The final command this aged apostle leaves his readers is a charge to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pt. 3:18)
What does it mean to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ?
How can we be sure that we are growing in this “knowledge”?
With this lesson, we begin a series entitled “Growing In The Knowledge Of Jesus Christ”
We will define what Peter had in mind when he gave us his final charge
In this series we plan to encourage growth and development in this “knowledge” of Jesus
We are not left to wonder what Peter had in mind, for in 2 Peter 1:5-8 we learn…
DISCUSSION
WHAT IT MEANS TO GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS
The Development the Christian Graces
These “graces” are listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7 – Briefly defined…
1) Faith is “conviction, strong assurance”
2) Virtue is “moral excellence, goodness”
3) Knowledge is “correct insight”
4) Self-control is “self-discipline”
5) Patience or Perseverance is “bearing up under trials”
6) Godliness is “godly character out of devotion to God”
7) Brotherly kindness is “love toward brethren”
8) Love is “active goodwill toward others”
Now note carefully 2 Peter 1:8
1) We must “abound” in these eight graces
2) Only then can it be said that we are “growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ”
3) It is more than simply increasing our “intellectual” knowledge of Jesus!
4) Such knowledge has a place, but it is just one of the graces necessary
Peter is talking about growing in a fuller and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ!
1) Which comes by developing the “Christ-like” attributes listed in this passage
2) The more we grow in these “graces”, the more we really “know” Jesus (for He is the perfect personification of these “graces”)
That it involves more than intellectual knowledge is also evident from the Greek word used for knowledge in 2 Peter 1:2-3, 8
1) The word is epignosis (epignosis), meaning “to become thoroughly acquainted with, to know thoroughly, to know accurately, know well” (Thayer)
2) Such knowledge comes only as we demonstrate these “Christ-like graces” in our lives
In Conjunction With Each Other
Notice the word “supply” (or “add”) in 2 Peter 1:5
Before each grace mentioned, the word is implied
The word in Greek is epicorhgew {epi/chor/e/geo}
1) “Originally, to found and support a chorus, to lead a choir, to keep in tune”
2) “Then, to supply or provide”
3) This word suggests the idea of each grace working in harmony with the others to produce an overall effect
Notice also the preposition “in” (or “to”) in 2 Peter 1:5-7
1) This implies each grace is to temper and make perfect the grace that goes before it
2) To illustrate this point:
a) “to knowledge (add) self-control” – the grace of self-control enables one to apply properly the knowledge one has
b) “to self-control (add) patience or perseverance” – self-control in turn needs the quality of perseverance to be consistent day after day
Therefore each grace is necessary!
1) They must all be developed in conjunction with each other
2) We cannot be selective and just pick the ones we like and leave others behind ©
With All Diligence
Notice the repeated use of the word “diligence” – 2 Peter 1:5, 10
1) It means “earnestness, zeal, sometimes with haste”
2) To grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ requires much effort ©
We do not “accidentally” or “naturally” develop these graces!
If we are not careful, we may be like the teacher in the following illustration: In his book Folk Psalms of Faith, Ray Stedman tells a story of a woman who had been a school teacher for 25 years. When she heard about a job that would mean a promotion, she applied for the position. However, someone who had been teaching for only one year was hired instead. She went to the principal and asked why. The principal responded, “I’m sorry, but you haven’t had 25 years of experience as you claim; you’ve had only one year’s experience 25 times.” During that whole time the teacher had not improved.
We may have been Christians for a number of years; but unless…
1) We “add” to our faith these Christ-like qualities with all “diligence”
2) We are simply repeating the first year over and over again!
Is the effort worth it? In the context of this passage (2 Peter 1:2-11) Peter provides five reasons why we should “give all diligence” to grow in this knowledge of Jesus Christ ©
REASONS TO GROW IN THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS
Grace and Peace Are Multiplied
Grace and peace are common forms of greeting in the New Testament
1) Grace – a greeting which requests God’s unmerited favor upon the person addressed
2) Peace – a greeting requesting the natural result of God’s favor
Note that these two blessings are “multiplied” in the knowledge of Jesus Christ – 2 Peter 1:2
1) All men experience God’s favor and its result to some degree – Matthew 5:45
2) But only in Christ can one enjoy the “fullness” of God’s favor and peace
a) Ephesians 1:3
b) Philippians 4:6-7
If you desire God’s grace and peace to be “multiplied” in your life, it is through the knowledge (epignosis) of Jesus Christ; i.e., as you become more like Him! ©
All Things Pertaining to Life and Godliness Provided
We note that God provides all things pertaining to life and godliness through the knowledge (epignosis) of Him who called us to glory and virtue – 2 Peter 1:3
1) Life in this context refers to our spiritual life and well-being
2) Godliness refers to the pious conduct which comes out of devotion to God
Only as we grow in this knowledge do we enjoy the true, full life available by God’s divine power!
1) Which includes “exceedingly great and precious promises” (2 Pt. 1:4a)
2) Which enables us to be “partakers of the divine nature” (2 Pt. 1:4b)
3) Which can free us from the “corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Pt. 1:4c)
If we desire to have all that God offers related to life and godliness, it comes as we develop the Christ-like character!
Spiritual “Myopia” and “Amnesia” are Avoided
Our religion is shortsighted if we are not growing in the knowledge of Jesus! – 2 Peter 1:9a
1) For what is the ultimate objective of being a Christian?
2) Is it not to become like Christ?
a) Romans 8:29
b) Colossians 3:9-11
As we have seen, this is what it really means to grow in the knowledge of Christ
1) Failure to do so grow indicates we have forgotten why we were redeemed by the blood of Christ in the first place! – 2 Peter 1:9b
2) We are forgiven by the blood of Jesus, yes…
3) But the forgiven must become what He wants us to be – like His Son!
Unless we want to be guilty of forgetfulness and shortsightedness, we need to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ!
We Will Never Stumble
Peter says “if you do these things you will never stumble” (2 Pt. 1:10)
1) If you are diligent to make your calling and election sure
2) If you add to your faith virtue, etc.
3) If you abound in these eight graces
This does not mean we will never sin – 1 John 1:8, 10
1) The word “stumble” in Greek means “to fall into misery, become wretched; cf. the loss of salvation” (Thayer)
2) We will never stumble so as to fall short of our ultimate salvation!
But this assurance is true only if we are “giving all diligence” to grow in the knowledge of Christ and thereby “making our calling and election sure“ ©
An Abundant Entrance Into The Everlasting Kingdom
This “everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pt. 1:11) …
1) Is the “heavenly kingdom” referred to by Paul in 2 Timothy 4:18
2) In other words, the ultimate destiny of the redeemed!
What is meant by the idea of an “abundant entrance“?
1) “You may be able to enter, not as having escaped from a shipwreck, or from fire, but as it were in triumph.”
2) By possessing the eight graces, we will be able to live victoriously in this life and to joyously anticipate what lies ahead – 2 Timothy 4:6-8 ©
CONCLUSION
Are these not sufficient reasons to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ? For through such knowledge…
Grace and peace are multiplied
All things pertaining to life and godliness are provided
Spiritual myopia and amnesia are avoided
We will never stumble
An abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom will be ours!
Such knowledge requires…
The development of eight graces
In conjunction with each other
With all diligence
I trust you will agree that a careful study of these eight “graces” which lead to “Developing A Christ-Like Character” is worth the effort!
The Psalmist declared, “Be merciful unto me, O God, be merciful unto me; for my soul taketh refuge in thee: Yea, in the shadow of thy wings will I take refuge, Until these calamities be overpast. My soul is among lions; I lie among them that are set on fire, Even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword” (Psa. 57:1, 4). With these words, David describes himself in a state of great adversity. The occasion that prompted this psalm was the desire of King Saul to kill David. Saul was jealous of David and wanted him terminated. David spent much of his early life fleeing from the wrath of Saul.
How did David cope with all this adversity? Was it through complaining, feeling sorry for himself, or having the “woe is me” syndrome? No! Amazingly, David overcame adversity by putting his trust in God, and by “Praising God!” David proclaims, “They have prepared a net for my steps; My soul is bowed down: They have digged a pit before me; They are fallen into the midst thereof themselves” (Psa. 57:5-6).
What was David’s reaction to all of his troubles? Was it a voice of complaint? No! He praised God! “Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let thy glory be above all the earth. My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing, yea, I will sing praise. I will give thanks unto thee, O, Lord, among the peoples: I will sing praises unto thee among the nations” (Psa. 57:5, 7, 9).
There is a valuable lesson to be learned from David’s reaction to misfortune. In time of trouble we should praise God! Do you remember what Paul said, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope” (Rom. 15:4). We all too often, when trouble comes our way, stoop to complaining or feeling sorry for ourselves. But this is not the way that God would have us to react to difficulty. When Peter and the others apostles were confronted with hardship – what was their reaction? “They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name” (Acts 5:41). When Paul and Silas were thrown into prison, did they complain and feel sorry for themselves? No! The Scriptures say they prayed and sang praises to God (Acts 16:25)! Wouldn’t it be great if we could do less complaining and more praising God?
Why should we praise God in adversity? James gives us the answer, “Count it all joy, my
brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience. And let patience have its perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, lacking in nothing” (Jam. 1:2-4). Let we all strive to follow the biblical example of praising God in adversity, remembering how we benefit from such, and how others can benefit from the good example we set.
“Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; Let thy glory be above all the earth” (Psa. 57:5).
Tune in tonight to the Harris and Moore Expedition through the Bible as we discuss “The Benefits of Being a Christian #1 – A New Gift, the forgiveness of sins”.
Tune in each Monday at 6:00pm CST at http://www.harrisandmoore.org
You have heard what men have said – now listen to what the Bible has to say.
Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com
Tune in tonight at 6:00pm CST to the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible as we discuss Premillennialism in connection with Revelation 20.
Tune in at http://www.harrisandmoore.org
Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com
Join us tonight on the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible as we discuss Premillennialism. Tune in tonight (and each Monday) at 6:00pm CST at http://www.harrisandmoore.org
You have heard what men have said – now listen to what the Bible has to say.
Tune in tonight (and each Monday) to the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible at 6:00pm CST at http://www.harrisandmoore.org. Tonight will be our final lesson of the significance of being a Christian.
You have heard what men have said – now listen to what the Bible has to say.
Join us tonight at 6:00pm CST (and each Monday) on the Harris and Moore Expedition Through the Bible at http://www.harrisandmoore.org as we discuss important biblical topics.
You have heard what men have said – now listen to what the Bible has to say.
Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com
fromthepreacherspc 