Scripture Reading:
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. —Galatians 5:9
Summary:
The enemy is using many subtle influences in the world to draw people away from holiness. God’s people must beware of where and how the devil is working and eradicate ungodly influences from their lives and replace them with that which is good and holy.
Definition:
Influence —The power or capacity to change or affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something in indirect or intangible ways; to sway.
I. All Are Influenceable
A. Acts 14:14-15 Men of like passions.
B. Psalm 103:14 We are dust.
C. Matthew 26:41 The flesh is weak.
D. Proverbs 6:27-28 Fire in the bosom.
E. Matthew 6:22-24 Cannot serve God and mammon.
II. Biblical Examples
A. Genesis 3:1-8 Adam and Eve.
B. Judges 16:18-20 Samson.
C. 1 Kings 11:4 Solomon.
D. Luke 22:55-62 Peter.
III. Beware
A. Galatians 6:7-8 Reap what you sow.
B. Isaiah 5:20-22 Call evil good.
IV. Power of Little Things
A. 1 Corinthians 5:6 A little leaven.
B. Song of Solomon 2:15 The little foxes.
C. Ecclesiastes 10:1 Dead flies.
V. Negative Influences
A. Galatians 5:19-21 Works of the flesh.
B. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Evil companions.
C. 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 Unbelievers.
D. Proverbs 7:7-26 Lust.
E. Ephesians 5:18 Wine.
VI. Reject Ungodly Influences
A. Proverbs 4:14-15 Enter not.
B. 2 Timothy 2:22 Flee youthful lusts.
C. Ephesians 5:6-13 Reprove them.
D. Psalms 141:4 Incline not.
E. Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil.
F. James 4:7-8 Resist the devil.
VII. Guard the Mind and Heart
A. Proverbs 4:23 Keep thy heart.
B. Matthew 5:29-30 If thy eye offend.
C. Psalms 101:3 I will set no wicked thing.
D. Hebrews 12:13-15 Follow holiness.
E. 1 Corinthians 6:12 Not all is expedient.
VIII. Positive Influences
A. Hebrews 10:24-25 Assembling of ourselves.
B. 1 John 1:5-7 Fellowship.
C. Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpeneth iron.
D. Psalms 119:11 The Word of God.
E. Psalms 1:1-2 Blessed is the man.
Conclusion
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
—Romans 12:2
