We all have places of influence—at work, at home, at school, and in our everyday lives—and God wants us to use those spaces to make a difference. Pastor Jeremy challenges us to live in a way that shows people there really is something different about following Jesus.
Notes 📓✏️:
…So now arise [take this place], go over this Jordan, you and all this people, into the land which I am giving to them, the Israelites. EVERY PLACE upon which the SOLE OF YOUR FOOT shall tread…that have I GIVEN TO YOU, as I promised Moses. No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will not fail you or forsake you.
Joshua 1:2b-3, 5 (AMP)
“EVERYWHERE you put your foot, I have already given that land to you!”
God wants His people at the epicenter of culture.
You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
Matthew 5:14 (NLT)
We are to be IN the world, but not OF the world!
“Before the spies went to sleep that night, Rahab went up on the roof to talk with them. “I know the Lord has given you this land,” she told them. “We are all afraid of you. Everyone in the land is living in terror. For we have heard how the Lord made a dry path for you through the Red Sea when you left Egypt(40 years prior). No wonder our hearts have melted in fear! No one has the courage to fight after hearing such things. For the Lord your God is the supreme God of the heavens above and the earth below.””
Joshua 2:8-11 (NLT)
1. At work or school, you wear the name of Christ.
2. Our lives should accurately reflect the God we serve.
Why?
Because our lives are a reflection of the one true God.
Our co-workers, friends, and family should look at us and see there is a BENEFIT to serving Jesus.
“I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others.”
Genesis 12:2
“If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully keep all His commands that I am giving you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. The offspring of your herds will be blessed. Your fruit baskets and breadboards will be blessed. Wherever you go and whatever you do, you will be blessed.”
Deuteronomy 28:1-6
“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits.”
Psalm 103:2 (ESV)
There should be a noticeable benefit to serving God.
The power to impact culture begins with a life of worship.
Preach always and sometimes use words.
The world will see Jesus’ Church and see we are THE evidence of a Living God!
We give our victories back to God because He is the One who made them possible.
Whatever your profession, wherever your influence, use your life and your work to make Jesus known.
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- Pastor Jeremy said, “We are to be in the world, but not of the world.” What does it look like to live out that balance in our everyday lives?
- Rahab had heard about what God had done for Israel long before the Israelites arrived in Jericho. What kind of picture of God are people getting by watching the way we live?
- Pastor Jeremy said, “The power to impact our culture begins not with a life that’s adversarial, but a life of worship.” How can the way we live and worship influence culture more effectively than simply arguing with it?
- God has given each of us talents, resources, opportunities, and influence to bless others. What has God placed in your hands that you can intentionally use to make a difference where you live, work, or go to school?