Fellowship Bible Church - Mullica, Hill N.J.

“Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.” (Maxwell).

In his role of spiritual leader, Paul had godly character and godly conduct. His pattern is an exceptional pattern for everyone who is in a role of nurturing or spiritual influence. Because Paul had godly character and thus godly conduct, he had a role of significant influence in others lives.

Boldness V2 (“we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.”).

The spiritual influencer is bold in God to press on, even in difficulty.

A God-Pleaser V4 (“…so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.”).

This was similar to what Paul said in Galatians 1:10…

“For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

You could fill in any important role in your life:

“For am I now seeking the approval of my children, or of God? Or am I trying to please my children? If I were still trying to please my children, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

“For am I now seeking the approval of my spouse, or of God? Or am I trying to please my spouse? If I were still trying to please my spouse, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

“For am I now seeking the approval of my friends, or of God? Or am I trying to please my friends? If I were still trying to please my friends, I would not be a servant of Christ.”

The spiritual influencer is a A God-Pleaser, first concerned with God’s opinion of their life.

Nurturer V7 (“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.”)

The spiritual influencer is to be a nurturer, where the care and development of those we are influencing is our utmost concern.

Integrity V10 (“You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.”)

Parents, to your kids, you are the two single greatest examples of what Christianity actually is.

The spiritual influencer is to demonstrate actions consistent with their beliefs. No duplicity or double-mindedness.

Pursuer V8 (“So, being affectionately desirous of you…”)

The spiritual influencer is to actively pursue and to create moldable moments.

Sacrificer V8( “…we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.”)

The spiritual influencer is sacrificing their wants for the opportunity to make a spiritual investment.

Worker V9 (“…For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you…”)

The spiritual influencer is to have a hard-work ethic at developing meaningful relationships.

Exhorter/Encourager v11-12 (“…we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God.”).

· Exhorts which means “to call alongside” and is one of the titles used of the Holy Spirit. Here it means “admonishing” or “cautioning” It’s the idea of: “I think you should do this.”
· Encourages. This has to do with comfort and consolation. It’s the idea of: “You can do this!”
· Charges. This has to do with authoritative urging. It’s the idea of “I’m going to need you to do this.”

The Character of a Spiritual Influencer

Boldness: not be intimidated by my role as influencer.
A God-Pleaser: carefully consider how God wants to shape my influencing.
Nurturing: reflect on how to better spiritually care for those I influence.
Integrity: will look for any mis-matches in my life that are not exemplary.

The Conduct of a Spiritual Influencer:

Pursuer: plan out times to influence those I am influencing.
Sacrifice: give up things to make time to influence.
Worker: not easily give up when influencing gets hard.
Exhorter/Encourager: provide caution, encouragement and authority in my influence.