2019 Theme Lights in a Dark World Philippians 2:15

Examples that influenced

Examples of conduct Consider the prophets and Job James 5:10-11 - as examples of patience and suffering Paul called for others to follow his example – Philippians 3:17, 1 Corinthians 11:1 Joseph and Esau as examples of forgiveness The faith of Hebrews 11

Jesus recognized others Throughout his ministry, we find numerous examples that Jesus recognized Mark 12:41-45, the widow with two mites (small coins). Matthew 15:22-28, Jesus casts out the demon of the daughter of a Syrophoenician woman. Mark 14:5-3-9, as Mary anoints the feet of Jesus with costly oil. Luke 7:36-39, a woman washes the feet of Jesus with her tears, and wipes them with her hair Matthew 8:10, a centurion pleads with Jesus to heal his servant

Examples that influenced Joseph in prison Genesis 39-40, though his slavery was the result of hatred, yet he made the best of his circumstances. Both Potiphar and the keeper of the prison saw his ethics & faithfulness and promoted him to high status. And so did Pharaoh.

Examples that influenced Joseph in prison Even his fellow prisoners saw his faithfulness to God By simply being honorable and doing your best can influence others 1 Peter 2:12

Examples that influenced Daniel in captivity Daniel 1:8, while carried to Babylon to serve the king, Daniel determined that he would not defile himself. God was with him With integrity Daniel rises in prominence in the kingdom. Even after Babylon falls to Medo-Persia (Ch. 5), he quickly rises in prominence (6:3) because of an excellent spirit in him

Examples that influenced Daniel in captivity Daniel 6, because of his recognition there is jealousy and a determination to defeat Daniel As a result, he is cast into the den of lions because he continued to pray to God 3 times a day, “as was his custom” (Dan. 6:10) Daniel 6:16-17, Darius knows God is with Daniel and hopes for deliverance

Examples that influenced Daniel in captivity Daniel 6:24-29, the decree of Darius to honor “the God of Daniel” We never know when our shining light will cause others to glorify God (Matthew 5:16)

Examples that influenced Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego Daniel 3, contemporaries of Daniel, they too are loyal to God. They refuse to bow before a heathen statue and are cast into a furnace of fire Daniel 3:28-30, Nebuchadnezzar praises God and makes a decree that all fear Him because of their faithfulness and promoted them

Examples that influenced Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego We never know the end of a godly example, or who it will influence. Matthew 5:44, Romans 12:17-21, we are to love our enemies, and let give place to God for wrath

Examples that influenced Esther and Mordecai Through providential circumstances, Esther becomes queen and delivers the Jews from destruction. Mordecai, her uncle raised her – Esther 2:7, he influenced her for good. Both were able to influence the king.

Examples that influenced Esther and Mordecai Faithfulness and courage to stand for what is right. Sometimes doing the right thing is uncertain, but we must. And we never know how that will result in good results. Usually, our fears are proven unfounded. Philippians 1:21, Is this our attitude?

Examples that influenced Paul, a great influence to many Philippians 1:12-13, the whole palace guard, realized why he was in chains Acts 27-28, Paul headed toward Rome has influence on Julius, the centurion (27:1), 42-44 – Paul’s life spared Acts 28:16, 30-31, permitted to dwell in his own house for 2 years

Examples that influenced Paul, a great influence to many Philippians 1:14, the Philippians became more confident, in boldness and confidence because of Paul’s example Paul’s influence on Timothy. As a “true son in the faith”, i.e. a mentor, 1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:6, 13-14, 2:2, 3:10, “you have carefully followed my doctrine…” 1 Corinthians 4:17, 16:10 – Timothy followed his example

Examples that influenced The Thessalonians 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7, followers of us and the Lord, examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia 1 Thessalonians 2:14, they imitated the churches of God in Judea in Christ Jesus Congregations that stand faithful can influence other congregations to do likewise, and be a source of strength

Examples that influenced Lois and Eunice 2 Timothy 1:5, Timothy’s grandmother and mother, whose genuine faith they instilled in Timothy Godly parents will influence their children. Example is the greatest teaching tool in a home (Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4, Titus 2:3-4)

Examples that influenced Dorcas Acts 9:36-40, Peter comes to Joppa and raises Dorcas from the dead She was known for her benevolence, making tunics for widows (9:39) Again, we see how the way we care and treat others can be a source of influence.

How is our example influencing others?