The concept of being influential is woven throughout the biblical narrative, as individuals and groups exert their influence in various ways to fulfill God's purposes. Influence in the Bible is often linked to leadership, wisdom, faith, and the ability to inspire others toward righteousness and obedience to God.

Old Testament Examples

1. Abraham: Abraham is a quintessential example of influence through faith and obedience. God called him to leave his homeland and promised to make him a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Abraham's faith and covenant with God set the foundation for the Israelite nation and influenced countless generations. His willingness to obey God, even to the point of sacrificing his son Isaac, demonstrated profound faith and trust in God's promises.

2. Moses: Moses is another significant figure whose influence is evident in his leadership of the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. Chosen by God to deliver His people, Moses' influence is seen in his role as a lawgiver and mediator between God and Israel. The giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) and the establishment of the Mosaic Law were pivotal in shaping the religious and social life of the Israelites.

3. Esther: Esther's influence is highlighted in her courage and strategic thinking, which saved the Jewish people from annihilation. As queen, she used her position to influence King Xerxes and thwart Haman's plot against the Jews (Esther 4:14). Her account exemplifies how God can use individuals in positions of influence to accomplish His divine purposes.

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus Christ: The ultimate example of influence in the Bible is Jesus Christ. His teachings, miracles, and sacrificial death have had an unparalleled impact on humanity. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and His command to love one another (John 13:34-35) continue to influence Christian ethics and behavior. His resurrection and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) have propelled the spread of the Gospel worldwide.

2. The Apostles: The apostles, particularly Peter and Paul, were instrumental in spreading the Christian faith. Peter's leadership in the early church and his role in the Pentecost event (Acts 2) marked the beginning of the church's expansion. Paul's missionary journeys and epistles were crucial in establishing and nurturing early Christian communities. His influence is evident in his theological contributions and his ability to address diverse cultural contexts.

3. Timothy: Timothy, a young pastor mentored by Paul, is an example of influence through discipleship and teaching. Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example to believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). Timothy's role in the early church underscores the importance of mentorship and the transmission of sound doctrine.

Principles of Influence

The Bible provides several principles regarding influence:

· Wisdom and Understanding: Proverbs emphasizes the value of wisdom and understanding as key components of influence. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding" (Proverbs 9:10). Wise leaders are able to guide others effectively and make decisions that align with God's will.

· Integrity and Righteousness: Influence is closely tied to character. Leaders are called to be blameless and upright, as seen in the qualifications for overseers and deacons (1 Timothy 3:1-13). Righteous living enhances one's ability to influence others positively.

· Servanthood: Jesus taught that true greatness and influence come through servanthood. "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). This principle is countercultural and emphasizes humility and selflessness as pathways to genuine influence.

· Faith and Obedience: Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," highlights individuals whose faith influenced their actions and the course of history. Faith and obedience to God's commands are foundational to exerting godly influence.

In summary, the Bible presents influence as a powerful tool that, when aligned with God's purposes, can lead to transformative outcomes for individuals and communities.(a.) Having the power to sway the will of another.1415. dunatos -- strong, mighty, powerful
... Word Origin from dunamai Definition strong, mighty, powerful NASB Word Usage able
(6), could (1), impossible* (1), influential men (1), man of power (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1415.htm - 7k

2158. euschemon -- comely
... yoo-skhay'-mone) Short Definition: comely, honorable Definition: (a) comely, seemly,
decorous, (b) of honorable position (in society), wealthy, influential. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2158.htm - 7k

Summary of the Subject.
... The two men most influential about the canon were Jerome and Augustine; the one
representing its Palestinian, the other its Alexandrian type. ...
/.../davidson/the canon of the bible/chapter ix summary of the.htm

The Sacred Officers and Sacred Occasions.
... In the time of the kings they were supported by the state as a learned,
organized and highly influential body of men. In Christ's ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter iii the sacred officers.htm

The Henkels.
... THE HENKELS. 123. A Most Influential Family."The Henkels were by far the most prominent
and influential of the men composing the Tennessee Synod. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bente/american lutheranism/the henkels.htm

The vineyard and Its Keepers
... people loved to have it so.' National responsibilities are not to be slipped out
of by being shifted on to the broad shoulders of governments or influential men ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the vineyard and its keepers.htm

As the vine is Supported by the Elm, So is the Rich Man Helped by ...
... For he knows that the intercession of the poor man is acceptable and influential
[255] with God. Both, accordingly, accomplish their work. ...
/.../pastor/the pastor books first second third/similitude second as the vine.htm

Primitive Episcopacy and Presbyterian Ordination.
... apostolic rule, [575:1] this labourer in the word and doctrine was deemed worthy
of double honour, he was already the most prominent and influential member of ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ix primitive episcopacy and.htm

Philo's Embassy to Caius in Behalf of the Jews.
... great numbers to the newly founded city, Alexandria, had enjoyed with occasional
interruptions high favor there, and were among the most influential inhabitants ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter v philos embassy to caius.htm

Witnessing Better than Knowing the Future
... He gives to men qualities that make them strong and influential over their
fellow-men, he imparts dauntless courage, calm confidence, intense affection ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/witnessing better than knowing the.htm

The Persecution of Diocletian.
... Influential family connections may account in part also for the position of prominence
which he later acquired at the imperial court of Constantine. ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/section 3 the persecution of.htm

Presbyterian Worship Outside of the Established Church of Scotland ...
... This Secession Church enjoyed a rapid growth, and soon came to form a very
influential section in the Presbyterianism of the land. ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter viii presbyterian worship outside.htm

Influential (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.) Having the power to sway the will of another.
Multi-Version Concordance Influential (2 Occurrences). ...
/i/influential.htm - 7k

Josephus
... PHARISEES). He evidently believed, too, that the Pharisees were akin to the
Stoics, who were then influential in the Hellenistic world. ...
/j/josephus.htm - 13k

Flavius
... PHARISEES). He evidently believed, too, that the Pharisees were akin to the
Stoics, who were then influential in the Hellenistic world. ...
/f/flavius.htm - 13k

Abijah (32 Occurrences)
... Very likely Solomon, through the marriage, hoped to conciliate an influential party
in Israel which still held the name of Absalom in esteem; perhaps also he ...
/a/abijah.htm - 25k

Alexandria (4 Occurrences)
... were given special privileges, and though probably not possessing full civic rights,
yet they "occupied in Alexandria a more Influential position than anywhere ...
/a/alexandria.htm - 31k

Influences (3 Occurrences)

/i/influences.htm - 8k

Separate (115 Occurrences)
... (There is confusion in the narrative of Antioch of Pisidia and Syrian Antioch.)
In Antioch an influential citizen, Alexander by name, became enamored of her ...
/s/separate.htm - 71k

Graecia
... Argos also possessed a far-famed shrine of Hera, and Thermopile and Calauria were
the centers at which met the councils of influential amphictyonies. ...
/g/graecia.htm - 21k

Nymphas (1 Occurrence)
... had a numerous membership, but also from what is said of it in Revelation 3:17 the
King James Version-must have been large and influential: "Thou sayest, I am ...
/n/nymphas.htm - 9k

Jude (4 Occurrences)
... Jude mentions that he is the "brother of James," perhaps to give authority and weight
to his words, for James was far more distinguished and influential than he ...
/j/jude.htm - 40k

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