Who has influenced you and changed your life for good? Dr. Stanley discusses how God created you to be a life-changing influence for His kingdom. You are the salt of the earth; therefore, don't miss your opportunity to have a lasting influence on the world.
Sermon Outline
As one person among billions, it’s easy to think your life won’t make any difference in the grand scheme of things. But Scripture says otherwise. This week, Dr. Stanley explains that every believer is a beacon of Christ, with the potential to help change the eternal destiny of others.
Key Passage: Matthew 5:13-16
Supporting Passages: John 9:5; Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 6:17; 1 Timothy 2:3-4; 1 John 1:5
Take a moment to think about those who have influenced you throughout your life. Who has had the strongest impact in shaping who you are today?
“You are unique—created by God for His purposes.”
It is God’s will that we influence others for good:
Every believer is already the salt of the earth and the light of the world. These are not things we have to become.
God desires that all people be saved and know the truth (1 Tim. 2:3-4). He uses believers’ lives to attract others toward salvation.
This calling is not optional; it is our responsibility and the expectation of God.
Our influence begins with those closest to us and extends as far as God allows.
Our influence is determined by our character:
We are to be shaped by God and different from the world around us (Rom. 12:2; 2 Cor. 6:17).
We are to be like salt, preserving and improving the lives of others.
Impurities lessen the strength of our witness. Sin is like dirt that makes salt weak and ineffective (Matt. 5:13).
“People are impacted by your life, your smile, your countenance, your joy, your friendliness, your handshake.”
Christ is glorified when we let our light shine.
We are not only salt but also light (v. 14).
The Father and the Son are Light (John 9:5; 1 John 1:5). God honors us greatly when He describes us this way.
Our light should bring glory to God rather than to ourselves (Matt. 5:14-16).
When your light is shining brightly, others will be drawn closer to God.
Our light needs to shine very brightly:
Sin dims the light of Christ in our life.
The world is searching for truth, and that’s why people need to see the difference in us.
After Watching
As Dr. Stanley said, others may sense something different and wonderful in us, such as our joy or our kindness, even when we’re unaware of it. When have you noticed that quality in someone else? Looking back, how did it draw your attention to that person, or through them to God?
Think of a gift God has already planted in you: patience with someone, a knack for encouragement, a steadiness others lean on. Now picture it growing stronger. Prayerfully ask Him, “How would You like me to continue to grow in this?” and trust that He will tend to it.
