Living Under the Right Influence
Scripture:
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
— Romans 8:14
Reflection:
Every person lives under an influence.
Some are influenced by fear.
Others by disappointment.
Some by success, ambition, bitterness, or past wounds.
The question is not whether we are being influenced.
The question is who or what is shaping the direction of our lives?
Paul writes that the distinguishing mark of God's sons and daughters is not merely that they believe in Him, but that they are led by His Spirit.
To be led by the Spirit is more than receiving occasional guidance. It is living with an ongoing awareness that the Holy Spirit is shaping our thoughts, responses, priorities, and relationships.
Kevin compared this to Paul's instruction:
"Do not get drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit."
Just as alcohol influences a person's thinking and behaviour, the Holy Spirit desires to become the dominant influence in the believer's life.
But many things compete for that place.
Disappointment can quietly become our guide.
Offence can shape how we interpret every conversation.
Bitterness can imprison us without us realizing it.
The sermon described offence using the Greek picture of a bird trap. A small stick—the scandalon—holds up the trap until it is triggered, trapping the unsuspecting bird underneath.
That is exactly what offence does.
It narrows our world.
It darkens our perspective.
It causes us to interpret everything through the pain we carry.
Jesus said,
"Blessed is the one who is not offended because of Me."
Sometimes God's truth challenges us before it comforts us. Sometimes He lovingly exposes unhealthy expectations, hidden hurts, or misplaced priorities—not to condemn us, but to free us.
Healing begins when we stop defending our wounds and start surrendering them to Christ.
The Father's desire is not merely that we attend church.
His desire is that we become sons and daughters who partner with Him in His family business.
We cannot effectively carry hope to others while remaining captive to bitterness ourselves.
As we continually surrender our hearts to the Holy Spirit, He shapes us into people who carry His peace, His wisdom, His compassion, and His power into every ordinary meeting and every unexpected moment.
Reflection Questions:
Prayer:
Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child. Holy Spirit, I invite You to become the greatest influence in my life. Heal every place where offence, disappointment, fear, or bitterness has taken root. Teach me to walk closely with You and to partner joyfully in Your work wherever You lead me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture References:
Romans 8:14–17 • Ephesians 5:18 • Matthew 11:6 • Matthew 18:15–17 • 2 Corinthians 5:18–20
Scripture:
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
— Romans 8:14
Reflection:
Every person lives under an influence.
Some are influenced by fear.
Others by disappointment.
Some by success, ambition, bitterness, or past wounds.
The question is not whether we are being influenced.
The question is who or what is shaping the direction of our lives?
Paul writes that the distinguishing mark of God's sons and daughters is not merely that they believe in Him, but that they are led by His Spirit.
To be led by the Spirit is more than receiving occasional guidance. It is living with an ongoing awareness that the Holy Spirit is shaping our thoughts, responses, priorities, and relationships.
Kevin compared this to Paul's instruction:
"Do not get drunk with wine... but be filled with the Spirit."
Just as alcohol influences a person's thinking and behaviour, the Holy Spirit desires to become the dominant influence in the believer's life.
But many things compete for that place.
Disappointment can quietly become our guide.
Offence can shape how we interpret every conversation.
Bitterness can imprison us without us realizing it.
The sermon described offence using the Greek picture of a bird trap. A small stick—the scandalon—holds up the trap until it is triggered, trapping the unsuspecting bird underneath.
That is exactly what offence does.
It narrows our world.
It darkens our perspective.
It causes us to interpret everything through the pain we carry.
Jesus said,
"Blessed is the one who is not offended because of Me."
Sometimes God's truth challenges us before it comforts us. Sometimes He lovingly exposes unhealthy expectations, hidden hurts, or misplaced priorities—not to condemn us, but to free us.
Healing begins when we stop defending our wounds and start surrendering them to Christ.
The Father's desire is not merely that we attend church.
His desire is that we become sons and daughters who partner with Him in His family business.
We cannot effectively carry hope to others while remaining captive to bitterness ourselves.
As we continually surrender our hearts to the Holy Spirit, He shapes us into people who carry His peace, His wisdom, His compassion, and His power into every ordinary meeting and every unexpected moment.
Reflection Questions:
- What influence has been shaping my thoughts most recently?
- Is there an offence, disappointment, or hurt that I need to surrender to Jesus?
- How can I become more attentive to the leading of the Holy Spirit today?
Prayer:
Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child. Holy Spirit, I invite You to become the greatest influence in my life. Heal every place where offence, disappointment, fear, or bitterness has taken root. Teach me to walk closely with You and to partner joyfully in Your work wherever You lead me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture References:
Romans 8:14–17 • Ephesians 5:18 • Matthew 11:6 • Matthew 18:15–17 • 2 Corinthians 5:18–20
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