IMPACT Recap

Under The Influence

January 13, 2025 · 0:57:28

SalvationTemptationObedience

Recap

Pastor Travis Hearn opened the sermon by sharing a personal story from his youth about being arrested for a DUI, illustrating how being under the influence of alcohol led to poor decisions. He used this as a launching point to discuss the broader, spiritual concept of influence. Pastor Travis taught that every thought and action is shaped by an influence, whether for good or bad, and that Christians must be intentional about what they allow to shape their lives. The central message was a call to live 'Under the Influence' of three godly forces: the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and godly people. He contrasted the destructive influence of the world, sin, and bad company with the life-giving influence of scripture, the Spirit's power, and Christian community. Using scriptures from Genesis, the Gospels, and the Epistles, Pastor Travis explained how deception leads to destruction, but truth in God's Word leads to freedom. He emphasized that being filled with the Holy Spirit provides the 'dunamis' (dynamic) power to live a transformed life and overcome the internal struggle between flesh and spirit. The sermon concluded with a passionate appeal for commitment to the local church as God's family for discipleship, encouragement, and strength, especially as we see 'the day approaching.' He gave an invitation for salvation and a renewed commitment to seek God's kingdom first.

Main Points

  • God calls us to be under the influence of His Word, not the deceptive patterns of the world, as our primary guide for truth and freedom.
  • God calls us to be under the influence of His Holy Spirit, who provides the power (dunamis) to overcome our sinful nature and live a spirit-led life.
  • God calls us to be under the influence of godly people within the local church, which is essential for discipleship, encouragement, and spiritual growth.

Verses Mentioned

  • 1 Corinthians 15:33 - "Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."" (NIV)
  • Proverbs 27:17 - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." (NIV)
  • Psalm 119:105 - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (NIV)
  • Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)
  • Proverbs 4:23 - "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." (NIV)
  • Jeremiah 17:9 - "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" (NIV)
  • John 8:31-32 - "To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."" (NIV)
  • John 14:26 - "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." (NIV)
  • Ephesians 5:18 - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." (NIV)
  • Galatians 5:16-17 - "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not able to do whatever you want." (NIV)
  • Romans 7:15-25 - "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do... What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (NIV)
  • Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."" (NIV)
  • 2 Corinthians 3:17 - "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (NIV)
  • Proverbs 13:20 - "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." (NIV)
  • 1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (NIV)
  • Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (NIV)
  • Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NIV)

Daily Action Plan

Monday

Scripture Reflection: Psalm 119:105 (NIV) - "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

Focus Point: Being influenced by God's Word.

Action Plan: Commit to reading a chapter of the Bible today before checking social media or news.

Deep Prayer: Lord, let Your Word be the first influence on my mind today. Guide my thoughts and decisions by its truth.

Tuesday

Scripture Reflection: Ephesians 5:18 (NIV) - "...be filled with the Spirit."

Focus Point: Being influenced by the Holy Spirit.

Action Plan: In a moment of decision or frustration today, pause and silently ask, "Holy Spirit, what should I do?"

Deep Prayer: Holy Spirit, fill me afresh today. I yield my will to Yours. Lead me, comfort me, and empower me to walk in Your ways.

Wednesday

Scripture Reflection: Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) - "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another."

Focus Point: Being influenced by godly people.

Action Plan: Send an encouraging text to a spiritually mature friend or mentor in your life.

Deep Prayer: God, thank You for the people who sharpen my faith. Help me to be a source of godly encouragement to others in my circle.

Thursday

Scripture Reflection: 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NIV) - "Do not be misled: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'"

Focus Point: Guarding against bad influences.

Action Plan: Evaluate one source of media or entertainment you consume. Does it align with God's truth? Consider a positive alternative.

Deep Prayer: Father, give me wisdom to recognize deceptive influences. Help me to have the courage to step away from what corrupts and to cling to what is good.

Friday

Scripture Reflection: Romans 12:2 (NIV) - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

Focus Point: Renewing the mind.

Action Plan: Memorize and meditate on Romans 12:2. Write it on a notecard and place it where you will see it often.

Deep Prayer: Lord, transform my mind today. Renew my thinking so that I can discern and desire Your good, pleasing, and perfect will.

Saturday

Scripture Reflection: Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) - "...not giving up meeting together... but encouraging one another..."

Focus Point: Commitment to Christian community.

Action Plan: Prepare your heart for corporate worship tomorrow. Plan to arrive early, engage fully, and seek someone to encourage.

Deep Prayer: God, thank You for my church family. As I prepare to gather with them, give me a heart to spur others on toward love and good deeds.

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