2. The Mistakes We Make When We Try to Influence Others Church of Christ at Medina June 14 th, 2015

3. The Mistakes ▪ Trying to Influence others without first changing ourselves – We can’t help others until we help ourselves. (Matthew 7:3-5) – We must model the conduct we teach others. (Acts 20:33-35) – We must be an example to others. (1 Timothy 4:11-12) ▪ Trying to advise before we understand – People don’t care how much we know until they know how much we care. – Understanding others must be a priority. (Philippians 2:1-5) ▪ Assuming that our example will be enough – Examples are good, but words are necessary. (Eph. 1:13) – We must warn and teach others. (Colossians 1:28)

4. What does the Bible say about tattoos? ▪ There is no direct prohibition against tattoos. ▪ Leviticus 19:28 – “You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” – The context is various directives and commands for the Israelites in order to keep them holy (19:2). – We cannot, though, take a specific command in the Law of Moses and make it binding for today. If we bind one, we must keep them all. (James 2:8-13) ▪ Although there is no direct prohibition, this doesn’t mean we have permission. We should look at basic principles. 1.Will this hurt my influence? 2.Will it be a stumbling block to others? 3.Is it good stewardship? 4.Will it have a negative impact on my Christianity?