Using Our Influence for Kingdom Advancement

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1 Godliness in our world today would seem to be an attribute of the past - an old fashioned way of thinking and living. There is not much to be viewed on television today that speaks to engaging in a holy lifestyle. Godliness is defined as reverence for God and piety towards God, as one conforms to His wishes and His commands. Our culture is sadly aloof to the call for godliness. We live in a perverse generation that seeks to divert our attention from God's mandate to be holy and attempts to camouflage sin so that it is as enticing as possible to drive especially our young people into its deceptive and destructive web. God has not called us to a faith without influence. After professing our faith in Christ, we are to set out on our course to change the world for His purposes and pursuant to His will. Mature women of God have lost their influence among the young women, not because we have nothing to share with them, but because in many cases, we are not sharing our lives with them. The aged women are to teach the young women (Titus 2:4). Our lifestyle will teach more than our words. If we live ungodly lifestyles, how will they learn from us how to live according to God's precepts? Godly women must grow inward to develop godliness that we may first live it and then set out to influence others with whose paths we cross to do the same. This portion of the study focuses on developing godliness in lieu of self-righteousness that our influence will provoke others to rise up to the standards God has given unto each of us. Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good. Titus 2:3 [Q] Describe a person from your past or present whom you feel had been or is currently a great influence upon you to live godly? How so? [Q] Despite their positive influence, what are some of the hindrances to living godly do you still face, if any? Explain. In last month's study, we learned what it means to be patient in the midst of trials and tribulation. Our patience must be developed fully if we desire to be of influence in the kingdom of God. The Bible tells us in James 1:4 that when patience has her perfect result, we will be perfect and complete - mature in Christ and wanting for nothing. Patience precedes godliness! We must first be strengthened through trials in order to walk confidently in godliness. The degree to which we walk in godliness or the magnitude to which Grows Inward: TO DEVELOP GODLINESS GROWING IN GODLINESS IS PASSIVE AND ACTIVE

2 we embrace godly our heritage as Christian women will determine the depth of our influence among our peers, among our family and among the young women that God has placed in our lives. Scripture tells us that we have been given everything we need to live godly in this present life and into eternal life (2 Peter 1:3). If we feel that we are ill-equipped, it is because we are failing to put on the equipment that God has given each of His children as partakers of His divine nature at salvation. As women of God desiring to make an impact for the kingdom, we must walk in our rightful heritage. The world is dying, not only because the enemy has blinded their eyes, but also because Christians have lost their influence due to hypocrisy, compromise and self-gratification. God calls us to come out from among sinners and be separate (2 Cor. 6:17), but not in a self-righteous, judgmental and superficial way. But rather in a way that sets the standard - with love! We begin with faith and faith is actualized in love. According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him. 2 Peter 1:3 KJV READ Genesis 43; 50:15-21 Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 [Q] Paul encourages us in these passages to be on guard against likening ourselves to those who don't know the only true and living God. For Ephesians 2:2 reminds us that in past times, we were no different than they. In verse 18, by or through what means does Paul declare the Gentiles to be alienated from the life of God? In one sentence, describe the cause of their ignorance? [Q] In order, give the three steps that Paul teaches us to take to be able to walk in godliness as God requires of us in verses Is there any significance to the order in which Paul list them? Explain your answer.

3 [Q] We see that walking in godliness as God created us to do so requires an active and a passive commitment. In which steps listed above have you been most successful? In which steps have you had the most difficulty? Explain. godliness must be without compromise READ 1 Kings 3:3-14; 1 Kings 11:1-11 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." 1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV [Q] Read 1 Kings 3:3-14. What constraint did Solomon recognize in himself when the LORD made him to sit upon the throne (verse 7)? According to verse 9, for what did he ask God? What was God's response? [Q] What promise did God make to Solomon in verse 14 and what were the conditions? [Q] Read 1 Kings 11:1-11. What sin did Solomon commit before the LORD? How did the LORD feel about Solomon's sin? What consequences did He hand down to Solomon for his ungodly acts?

4 [Q] Reflect: Verse 9 states that the LORD appeared to Solomon twice and commanded him concerning his sinful behavior, and Solomon didn't listen. Name a time when you know the Lord was speaking to you regarding your sinful behavior, attitude or thoughts and you failed to listen. What were the consequences? How did the consequences get your attention so that you repented? Explain. [Q] Read 1 Corinthians 15:33. Have you understood this to be true in your own life? In the life of your children or those close to you? How so? [Q] What actions do you take to ensure that your character is not compromised by bad company? godliness has great BENEFITS AND rewards It is proper for women to make their claim to godliness. 1 Timothy 2:10 NASB READ Genesis 5:21-24; Hebrews 11:5 [Q] Read the above passages. What can we surmise about Enoch's character? Why was his character significant to his relationship with God?

5 [Q] Scripture teaches that Enoch did not die, but rather he was "taken" by God. Although we may not be "taken" by God to escape physical death, what other benefits or advantages can we enjoy when we live godly here on earth? Give at least one supporting Scripture for reference. [Q] Read 1 Timothy 4:8. Godliness is profitable - more profitable than physical exercise. Scripture teaches that godliness holds promises in this life and in the life to come. What are some of the promises described in Scripture that are to be realized as a result of walking in godliness. Give at least two promises contained in Scripture. For example: Psalm 23:1 tells us that the LORD is our shepherd and He will make all provision abound to us. We will want for nothing, for He will meet all of our needs. Application: On the day of salvation, God gave us His Spirit to dwell inside of us as a firm, sure and unfailing connector to the Great Creator. The Holy Spirit teaches, guides, protects, enables and when warranted, He convicts our hearts. When God saved us, He gave us His divine nature and divine power to follow His commands fully, but He won't make us do it. He commands us to live holy, for He is holy (1 Peter 1:16), but we have to be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives to bring a godly lifestyle to fruition. Fruit doesn't grow spontaneously; it's a process! We don't grow spontaneously; it's a process - a combination of active and passive state. The renewing of our mind is indispensable to and inseparable from spiritual growth and godliness. [Q] Self-reflection: What have you learned about the difference between your responsibility and the Holy Spirit's responsibility for moving us toward godliness in Christ Jesus? Have you recognized the need to change or fine tune your steps toward developing godliness in order to be influential for Christ and for His kingdom advancement? How so?

6 [Q] Self-reflection: What personal benefits have you experienced from seeking to live godly? In other words, what special advantages do you realize in your relationship with God as a result of how you seek to live? On Your Own: over the next 4 weeks, 1. Pray and ask God to show you the area(s) of stumbling in your life, which hinder your efforts to walk godly in this ungodly world. Address the area(s) with studying His Word, prayer and where warranted, fasting. 2. If you haven t done so already, remove the clutter from your mind and your heart which tend to take up space and time, and replace them with actions according to the Scriptures to strengthen your resolve to walk more closely with the Lord that you may influence others to do the same. 3. Record at least one thing you changed or one hindrance you removed from your path. Record the replacement action taken and the outcome and benefit. Be sensitive to opportunities to influence another person over the next four weeks. Record the occasion and outcome. Come next time ready to share.