The Christian’s InfluencePhilippians 2:15

Christian Implies Conversion

• Newness of life, Rom 6:3-4• A new creation, 2 Cor 5:17• Raised with Christ, Col 3:1-3• Put off old man and put on new man, Col 3:9-10

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The Christian’s Influence

Philippians 2:14-16• Blameless (free of censure) in God’s sight and man’s, 2:15 (2 Pet 3:14)• Harmless (innocent), Rom 16:19• Without fault: Without blemish,

blame, rebuke; No reprimand needed• Else, we hinder truth (2:14, 16)3

Be Honest in Character

• Principle, not just “policy”, Phil 4:8–Matter of personal honor that affects your influence on others, 2 Cor 8:18-21–Strengthens effectiveness, Acts 6:3–Dishonesty destroys good influence, 1 Peter 2:11-12

• Always be truthful, Eph 4:25; Matt 12:34-35 (Prov 6:16-19)

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Be Pure in Speech1 Peter 3:10

• Abandon vulgar hearts and profane language, Eph 4:29; 5:4; Col 4:6–Vulgar speech influences vulgar people; it does not draw people to Christ–Uncontrolled tongues do great damage to the cause of Christ, James 3:5

• Sound speech that cannot be condemned, Titus 2:7-85

Be Pure in Living• Maintain the purity of the

church for which Christ died, Eph. 5:25-27–Conduct must be “becoming”, Phil 1:27–The present world needs the influence

of purity! Titus 2:11-12–No double standards, Rom 12:1-2; Gal 2:20

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Be Pure in Living• Church must not condone sin, 1

Cor 5:1-2, 13; Gal 6:1; 2 Ths 3:6, 14-15–Goal is to bring about repentance and

reformation–Influence and health of the church is at

stake, 1 Cor 5:6-7; cf. Acts 5:11, 13-14

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Be Kind and Considerate Eph 4:31-

32; 1 Cor 13:4• Kindness shows sincerity

towards others, 1 Pet 1:22; Rom 12:9–Helps each other overcome trials and sin, Gal 4:16–Without harshness, bitterness and belittling, 2 Tim 2:24-26

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Be Uncompromising

with the Truth• Live your convictions–Daniel, Dan 1:8-9, 14-16, 17-20–Apostles, Acts 4:17-21; 5:29, 26•Hypocrisy destroys good influence

–Stand unyielding for truth, 2 Tim 4:2–Good influence is destroyed in compromise, Rom 8:31, 35-379

The Christian’s Influence

Philippians 2:14-16• Blameless (free of censure) in

God’s sight and man’s, 2:15 (2 Pet 3:14)• Harmless (innocent), Rom 16:19• Without fault: Without blemish,

blame, rebuke; No reprimand needed Our salvation is at stake!10