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Harvest South Bay                January 11th, 2009
Under the Influence
Great Expectations: Mark 9:38-50

Background:
Jesus’ example of serving a child “in His name” raises the issue of whether or not the disciples should stop a man who is casting out demons in His name but is not following them.

The Passage:
1. Dealing with People on the Fringe:
For those who are learning about Christ or who have made it a point to serve His people, they should not be stumbled.

2. The Consequence of Stumbling:
Christ cares that people come to know Him, so the consequences of stumbling who is moving in His direction is severe (WORSE than having a millstone hung around your neck and being cast into the sea) so we are directed to remove the presence of these kinds of people from our midst.

Application:
How to Impact our Sphere of Influence

1. Realize God’s Strategy of Influence
A. God is working in the world
B. God is working through us
2. Remove the Negative Influence from Our Midst

3. Review our Own Influence on Others

Weekly Application Exercises
1. Make a list of people who you influence on a weekly basis. Would you say that you are making a positive impact in their lives for Christ or a negative one? For what reasons? How can you be influencing them to seek Christ?

2. Who in your life is one of these “fringe elements:” people who have a positive opinion of Jesus? How can you take more initiative with them and show them more of the character of God?

Some more application questions:
1. Try and recall someone who has received Christ who  has been in your circle of influence. How did you add to that person’s knowledge of Jesus? How did you pray for them in terms of days or years you lifted them up and what was the nature of your prayers?

2. Take a look at your  life “from the outside”: from the point of view of a coworker or fellow student or friend. How would they classify your character? What points of character might be a cause for stumbling for them? How can you be a better testimony in all contexts?

3. Make an effort this week to speak to someone about their religious background or upbringing- having a cordial conversation about beliefs. Try and share a little of your own testimony in an atmosphere of mutuality.