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)4
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