DIVINE INFLUENCE

Title: DIVINE INFLUENCE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: “And they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.” (Acts 4:13)

Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:14-16, Romans 8:14, 2 Corinthians 5:20

INTRODUCTION:
Divine influence is the power and authority of God that works through His people to shape the world around them. As Christians, we are called to be instruments of divine influence in the world, letting our lives be a testimony of God’s power and transforming work. This influence is not something we can manufacture on our own but is a result of being in a close relationship with God. When we allow God's Spirit to lead us, His divine influence will manifest through us, affecting everyone and everything we come in contact with.

1. THE SOURCE OF DIVINE INFLUENCE

a) Relationship with God
Our divine influence begins with a personal relationship with God, where we are filled with His Spirit (Romans 8:14).

b) The Presence of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to impact the world and speak with divine authority (Acts 1:8).

c) Alignment with God’s Will
When we align ourselves with God’s will, His influence flows through us naturally (Matthew 6:10).

d) Authority in Christ
As believers in Christ, we carry His authority, enabling us to influence situations and people (Luke 10:19).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ life was a constant display of divine influence; His words and actions had an unmatched impact on those around Him (Matthew 7:28-29).

2. THE PURPOSE OF DIVINE INFLUENCE

a) To Lead Others to Christ
One of the primary purposes of divine influence is to bring people to the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20).

b) To Transform the World Around Us
Divine influence enables us to bring about change in our communities, workplaces, and families (Matthew 5:14-16).

c) To Reflect God’s Glory
We are called to reflect God’s glory, showing His goodness and love to the world (John 15:8).

d) To Encourage and Uplift Others
Our influence should be one that lifts people up, encourages them in their faith, and helps them grow (1 Thessalonians 5:11).

e) Biblical Example: The apostle Paul’s ministry was marked by divine influence as he preached the gospel and changed lives (Acts 9:15).

3. THE IMPACT OF DIVINE INFLUENCE

a) Change of Heart
Divine influence has the power to change the hearts of men and women, turning them from sin to righteousness (Ezekiel 36:26).

b) Breaking Strongholds
God’s influence can break the strongholds of sin, addiction, and oppression, bringing freedom to the captives (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

c) Bringing Healing and Restoration
Divine influence also brings healing, physically, emotionally, and spiritually (James 5:16).

d) Creating a Kingdom Culture
Through divine influence, we can create an atmosphere that reflects the values and culture of God’s kingdom (Matthew 6:10).

e) Biblical Example: Jesus’ ministry had a transformative impact on the lives of the sick, the oppressed, and even society as a whole (Luke 4:18-19).

4. HOW TO WALK IN DIVINE INFLUENCE

a) Spend Time in God’s Presence
The more we spend time with God in prayer and worship, the greater His influence will be on our lives (Acts 4:13).

b) Be Sensitive to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit leads us in how to act, speak, and make decisions that will have a positive influence (John 16:13).

c) Live Out the Word of God
Our actions should reflect God’s Word, and it is through our obedience that divine influence flows (James 1:22).

d) Be a Light in Dark Places
We are called to shine the light of Christ in the darkness, influencing the world for good (Matthew 5:16).

e) Biblical Example: Daniel was a man of influence because he stayed true to God’s Word and his commitment to Him, even in a foreign land (Daniel 6:10).

5. THE RESULTS OF DIVINE INFLUENCE

a) Increased Impact
Divine influence increases our capacity to impact others for Christ (Acts 2:47).

b) Advancement of God’s Kingdom
As we walk in divine influence, the kingdom of God is advanced through the spread of the gospel (Matthew 24:14).

c) Personal Growth and Spiritual Maturity
When we operate under divine influence, we grow spiritually and mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28).

d) Favor and Blessing
God’s favor will be upon those who allow His divine influence to flow through them, leading to blessings in all areas of life (Psalm 5:12).

e) Biblical Example: The early church grew exponentially because of the divine influence that was at work in the lives of the apostles and believers (Acts 4:33).

CONCLUSION:
Divine influence is a powerful force that transforms lives, shapes destinies, and impacts the world for the glory of God. When we walk in the presence of God, yield to the Holy Spirit, and live out His Word, we can be vessels of divine influence in every area of our lives. Our influence is not of ourselves but of God, and as we continue to reflect His light, we will see His power at work in and through us. Let us embrace the call to walk in divine influence and change the world for God’s glory.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, I yield myself to Your divine influence.

2. Lord, empower me with Your Holy Spirit to influence my world for You.

3. Father, let Your light shine through me and dispel every darkness.

4. Lord, help me to be a faithful witness of Your transforming power.

5. Father, let Your favor rest upon me as I walk in divine influence.

6. Lord, grant me the wisdom and discernment to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

7. Father, I ask for Your guidance in every area of my life to fulfill Your purposes.

8. Lord, let my life be a testimony of Your goodness and power.

9. Father, increase my capacity to impact others for the advancement of Your kingdom.

10. Lord, help me to stay rooted in You, so Your divine influence will flow through me continuously.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:
1. You are walking in divine influence and impacting lives around you.

2. Every area of your life is under the influence of God's supernatural power.

3. The Lord is opening doors for you to influence others for His kingdom.

4. As you walk in divine influence, your impact will increase exponentially.

5. You are an instrument of change in your generation, bringing transformation everywhere you go.

6. God’s favor is resting upon you, bringing blessings and breakthroughs in every area of your life.

7. The light of Christ in you will shine brightly, leading others to salvation.

8. Your life will be a reflection of God’s goodness, bringing glory to His name.

9. You will experience spiritual growth and maturity as you walk in divine influence.

10. The kingdom of God is advancing through you as you embrace divine influence in your life.