Speaking the Truth in Love
Influencing Your Household
There are many Christians in the world today who are the only faithful people in their households or in their families. Christians in this situation may feel that they have no hope in the work of influencing their household toward God. They may feel they have no chance in pointing their lost family member (mother, brother, sister, child, spouse, relative, etc.) toward God. I want us to be encouraged by some Biblical examples of people who had a great influence on their families toward God.
Examples of Influence
1. Noah (Hebrews 11:7, 1 Peter 3:20-21)
2. Joshua (Joshua 24:15, Judges 2:7-10)
3. Joseph (Genesis 50:15-22)
4. Rahab (Joshua 6:17-25)
5. Jesus (John 7:1-5, Acts 1:12-14)
[Story about Arabian boy who was converted and taught his parents]
6. Lydia (Acts 16:11-15)
7. Philippian Jailer (Acts 16:28-33)
8. Crispus (Acts 18:8)
9. Cornelius (Acts 10:1-2, 24)
Some Commands to Influence
1. Parents to children (Ephesians 6:1-4, Col. 3:18-24)
2. Paul to Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12-16)
3. Wives and Husbands (1 Peter 3:1-7, 1 Corinthians 7:10-16)
Man or woman, young or old, we can influence our families. Who knows if we might save them?
Do not give up, do not lose heart, do not wavor; YOU CAN INFLUENCE YOUR HOUSEHOLD! Whether it is your spouse, child, parent, grandparent, cousin, uncle, aunt, nieces, nephews, etc. These Bible examples show us we can do it! We can have an influence. It may take time. But we know from our own congregation that with God’s help and diligent effort, sometimes souls are saved!
How about you tonight? If you are not a Christian we would like to influence you. We would like to encourage you obey the Lord’s commands so you can become a part of the greatest household ever created, the household of God (Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 2:19, 1 Peter 2:9-10). We hope to see you next time on “Speaking the Truth in Love”.
