Influence your family spiritually

Topics: spiritual influence, God's way, God's word, God's will

I. Ignore Distractions to God's way

A. We must block out the noise and commotion!

1. So He said, "Go forth and stand on the mountain before the Lord." And behold, the Lord was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire (1 Kings 19:11, 12a).
2. See Psalm 55:1-3a.

B. Satan is good at distracting us! (2 Corinthians 2:11)

C. Jesus is God's way! (John 14:6)

II. Listen Attentively to God's word

A. We must learn to listen carefully to God's voice!

1. After all the "distractions" had passed by there came - a sound of a gentle blowing. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:12b, 13).
2. See Ecclesiastes 5:1, 2.

B. Satan is a master at deception! (2 Corinthians 11:3)

C. Jesus is God's Word! (John 1:1, 14)

III. Follow Faithfully God's will

A. We must persevere to do God's purpose for our lives!

1. The Lord said to him, "Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus, and when you have arrived, you shall anoint Hazael king over Aram; and Jehu the son of Nimshi you shall anoint king over Israel; and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah you shall anoint as prophet in your place (1 Kings 19:15, 16).
2. See Ephesians 2:10 and Galatians 6:9, 10.

B. Satan wants to discourage us (1 Peter 5:8)

C. Jesus is God's will! (John 6:40)

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, May 28^th, 2023

Life group flow and discussion questions

Influence your family spiritually

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Make fervent prayer for one another's families a top priority with specific names and petitions. Keep a list of prayer requests and answers to prayers for encouragement.

Getting Started:

1. How did your personal family experience influence you spiritually?
2. From your own family background, what do you want to repeat and what do you want to change?

Discussing Truths:

1. How does Elijah's despair after a great spiritual victory warn us about the satanic attack against our ministry successes?
2. What are some common distractions in your life that you need to block out?
3. What was Jesus basic concern for Martha and His compliment for Mary in the situation found in Luke 10:38-42?
4. Why do some Christians want to focus on the dramatic and sensational instead of listening attentively to God's Word?
5. How did the serpent "deceive Eve by his craftiness" (2 Corinthians 11:3) according to Genesis 3:1? What are some areas of life that Satan questions God's Word, "Indeed, has God said..."?
6. Have you ever heard that voice in your conscience asking, "What are you doing here?" Have you ever felt alone, like Elijah?
7. How can you make Jesus the focus of your life so that He is the spiritual center showing people God's Way, God's Word and God's Will?

Now What? Application:

1. Make a commitment to pray daily for your family and your spiritual legacy!
2. Have as your goal to faithfully persevere so you will be able to repeat Paul's words at the end of your life in 2 Timothy 4:7, 8.