March 03, 2024

Influencers

Week 1 – Dirt or Diamonds?

Introduction

• Welcome and introduction to the new sermon series: Influencers.
• Reflection on the meaning and power of influence.
• Main Point: We all have the capacity to wield influence and assume leadership, regardless of our self-perception as leaders.
• Relevance of what shapes our perspectives: “Your leadership will be defined by what you allow to influence you.”

1. Answer the Call (Matthew 4:18-22)

• Comprehending the gravity of the journey to discipleship.
• A closer look at how the fishermen promptly responded to Jesus’ call.
• Encouragement to prioritize Jesus’ call over worldly comforts, and to acknowledge the transformative power in answering the call.

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him. Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him. (Matthew 4:18-22 – NIV)

2. Let Go of What You Know

• An exploration of the sacrifices made by the disciples to follow Jesus.
• A call to release worldly attachments and habits for Jesus and His transformative grace.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21 – NIV)

3. Collect Your Reward

• A shift in focus to the rewards of discipleship that far outweighs worldly gains.
• Identifying the dual rewards of discipleship: first being a transformed life, and second, a lifelong relationship with the living God.

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17 – NLT)

He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. (Revelation 21:4 – NLT)

Conclusion

• A recap into the challenges and rewards of discipleship.
• An encouragement to choose Jesus and the ‘diamonds’ of faith over the ‘dirt’ of worldly pursuits.