Using Our Influence for Kingdom Advancement

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1 The woman of God looks to the Lord for all of her provision. She knows that only by placing her faith in and fearing the Lord can she become a godly influence in the kingdom of God. Study one addressed the most important foundational truths of faith in and fear of the Lord as great precursors to our influence. Not only does a woman of godly influence have great fear and great faith in the Lord, but she also loves Him and serves Him with great loyalty and commitment. This portion of the study focuses on the godly woman s growth according to the Word of God so that she effectively asserts her influence for kingdom advancement. The godly woman has a desire to grow inwardly developing the characteristics of Christ given to us freely at salvation. Growing in Christ inwardly is a process of which every woman of God will be partakers for all her days upon the earth. First Peter Chapter 2 reminds us that growth comes by feeding on God s Word and 2 Peter Chapter 3 gives us the charge to actively grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior, Jesus Christ. As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby. 1 Peter 2:2 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 [Q] When you hear the word grow, what does it mean to you? [Q] Do you believe that growth is a process? Explain. Grows Inward She Sees the Eternal Perspective The woman of God who desires to be an influence for the kingdom of God understands the difference between the temporal and eternal. She understands her calling is to be effectual in all of her relationships not just for the moment, but to have eternal influence. This woman uses her God-ordained gifts to prosper the kingdom advancement agenda and encourage others to do the same. She recognizes that her citizenship is in heaven (Phil. 3:20), and although she waits with great anticipation for the Savior s return, she refuses to sit idle; she takes the command to occupy til I come (Luke 19:13) very seriously and her faith in Christ spearheads her actions. Barnes makes this notation regarding how we are to occupy: The word "occupy" here means not merely to "possess," as it often does in our language, but to "improve," to employ "in business," for the purpose of increasing it or of making "profit" on it. Jesus commands His disciples to "improve" their talents; to make the most of them; to increase their capability of doing good, and to do it "until" He comes to call us hence, by death, to meet Him. It is evident by the godly woman s lifestyle that above all else, loving and serving the Lord are her primary aspirations; her focus is on her eternal inheritance rather than material gains. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Philippians 3:21 KJV

2 Read Philippians 1:15-26 [Q] In verse 18 and 19, why was Paul rejoicing? What eternal perspective did Paul claim in verse 20? What was the predicament that Paul described in verses 21-24? Did Paul describe a win-win situation? Explain. What did he say that the believing saints at Philippi could expect should he remain with them? [Q] The Bible describes three types of men or spiritual conditions: The natural or unregenerate man (1 Cor. 2:14), the carnal, fleshly or worldly man (1 Cor. 3:1-4) and the spiritual man (1 Cor. 2:15). We all know some carnal minded Christians. Why do you think it is so difficult to keep our focus on the eternal promises of God keeping the perspective eternal, beyond what we hear and see? [Q] In what ways do you discipline yourself to keep your focus on Christ and the eternal perspective? Would you describe them as effective? How so? [Q] What challenges do you think godly women face when endeavor to be positive, godly influences on others? Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice. Philippians 3:18 READ 1 Peter 1:1-9 [Q] What is meant by hope in verse 3 of the 1 Peter Chapter One? What is the basis for the certainty of this lively or living hope for the believer? [Q] What does verses 4-5 reassure us that every believer will obtain, and how is it made certain? What do the passages state will produce difficulties for us as believers?

3 [Q] What trials, if any, have you experienced that have sought to challenge your faith? What actions did you take to anchor your faith in Christ? She Works Toward the Virtues of Godliness Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7 KJV Godliness manifested doesn t just happen the moment we accept Jesus Christ as Savior; it s a process! Trials and tribulations help to mold and shape us into the image of our heavenly Father. In fact, the Bible states that we were created in His image (Gen. 1:26). When sin entered via Adam and Eve s sin in the Garden, perfect fellowship with God was broken; however, we still retain His image albeit distorted by sin and its effects. Not physically or bodily speaking, for God is spirit (John 4:24). We were made in His image mentally, morally and socially. Mentally, we are able to reason with intellect and with freedom. Morally, we are made with a moral compass or conscience, and each time we turn away from evil and seek that which is good and righteous, we show forth God s moral nature His goodness and His holiness. Lastly, we are made social beings to resemble our God. Like Him, we desire fellowship and communion. Man was made to be in perfect fellowship and harmony with the Father. Despite the fall, we continue to have an innate desire for relationships with others. The godly woman knows that only by her continuous, steadfast and abounding growth in Christ can she pay homage to the Lord. As she matures and blossoms, she begins to give over the fresh fruit to others that God has developed in her. READ 2 Peter 1:1-10 [Q] What are the godly attributes that Peter lists in 2 Peter Chapter 1 for which every believer (including us who desire to be an influence for Christ) ought to strive? [Q] According to verse 3, by what authority do we have the ability to live pleasing unto God?

4 Moral Excellence Moral excellence is the putting on God s nature because of our underlying faith in Jesus Christ. It is characterized by the divine desire and ability to excel in the things of God. Moral excellence acknowledges that God s nature is good, desirable and able to make us to excel. Virtue or moral excellence happens as a result of hearing God s Word, believing it and obeying it without reservation. Absolute and complete moral excellence or virtue is possessed only by God, but His children are to imitate what they know to be true of their heavenly Father. Matthew 5:48 states, Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Daniel was most noted for his excellent moral character and integrity. Throughout the biblical record, he is displayed as one who consistently kept his focus on God and the eternal perspective refusing not to compromise his virtues, but rather taking bold measures to protect them all the while trusting in God. READ Daniel 1:1-21; Daniel 6:1-10 [Q] In Daniel Chapter 1, what did Daniel resolve not to do concerning the king s appointments and provisions? What were the results of his resolve in verses 15-16? [Q] How did Daniel display the moral excellence of God? [Q] As a woman of God, do you think it s important to show consistent moral excellence in your everyday walk? Why? In what ways have you shown the moral excellence of God when faced with a challenge to compromise and to do that which would defile your witness for Christ? Explain. [Q] In Daniel Chapter 6, what measures were set in place to ensnare Daniel? How do we know that Daniel was not oblivious to the decree set forth? Did the scheme work? Why or why not?

5 [Q] Daniel was offered temporary comforts in lieu of the eternal promises of God. What offerings, while sometimes subtle, are in place to ensnare women of God and entice them to seek temporary pleasures rather than the eternal promises of God? Which ones tend to capture your attention the most? Why? [Q] First Peter 3:21 states that once we are saved, we can make an appeal to God for a good conscience. At that point we are able to begin our journey to moral excellence. Read 2 Timothy 3: What does these passages state is the basis for our training in righteousness? [Q] Moral excellence is more valuable than precious stones (Insight: Proverbs 31). Do you agree with this statement? Why or Why not? [Q] We know that our thinking plays a major role in how we act. The Bible declares in Philippians 4:8, Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue [or excellence], and if there be any praise, think on these things. There is no virtuous living with evil thinking! How has your thinking helped or hindered you in your quest for moral excellence in Christ? Explain. Application: Before we can become a godly influence upon this generation of believers and the next generation, we must come to a place where we tailor our lives and our aspirations so that they are aligned with the eternal promises of God. Keeping our eyes fixated on the eternal perspective allows us to properly prioritize our time and our talents so as to be used for the building up of God s kingdom rather than on the desires of the flesh. Jesus speaking in Matthew Chapter 6 teaches us, Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (vv ). Once we understand that our true treasures are in Christ and our citizenship is in heaven, we take steps to grow and cultivate the godly attributes that God desires for us to possess and to manifest.

6 [Q] Self-evaluation: In a world that seeks to satisfy with temporary comforts (even down to the gifts that we sometimes give our children), what have you learned today about the importance of differentiating temporal pleasures and eternal treasures? [Q] Self-evaluation: We know that we are given God s nature at salvation. In what ways has this month s study caused you to think differently about your efforts in developing fully His moral excellence in your everyday walk? What things can you do to assist with its ongoing development? On Your Own: over the next 4 weeks, 1. Pray and ask God to help you keenly identify areas in your life where you habitually fail to embrace the eternal perspective, but rather you tend to take hold of those things temporal (examples: physical exercise over spiritual discipline, pricey material gifts over gifts which feed for spirit, etc.). Address the area(s) of weakness with confession, repentance, prayer and if warranted, fasting. 2. Acknowledge and proclaim daily that you in fact have God s nature. Add to your prayers.asking Him to give you a deeper desire to grow so that you manifest His nature of moral excellence, and take the necessary steps to do so: holding tightly to His eternal promises and holding temporal things loosely, renewing your mind in His Word daily, making ample time for individual Bible study, praying more consistently throughout the day, offering and seeking encouragement from other believers who desire to grow and fasting as the Spirit leads. Add/tweak as needed! 3. Be cognizant and jot down the instances that you either consciously or subconsciously chose the eternal over the temporal. Write down at least one new thing that you added or anything you changed in your routine to walk out your desire to grow in the moral excellence of God. Come next time ready to share.