INFLUENCE

“Elevating My Influence”
Pastor Gary Hoyt – September 3, 2023

Today’s Story — Luke 10:30-37

In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

1. Influencing others from my HEAD might be logical, pragmatic, or win an argument, but influence from my HEART can change a life forever.
   
   Luke 10:33 — But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
   

2. Those with the highest degree of influence regularly ENLARGE their boundaries to include every possible person — NO MATTER WHO it might be — that needs what we have to offer.
   
   Luke 10:33 — But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
   

3. To generate the most impactful influence, we must be willing to be INTERRUPTED, no matter WHERE or WHEN God might lead.
   
   Luke 10:33 — But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was….
   

4. Those who ultimately have the highest elevation of influence—choose to think less about the INCONVENIENCE or EXPENSE —and more about the immediate NEEDS of someone else.
   
   Luke 10:34 — He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.
   
   Philippians 1:12-14 — And I want you to know, my dear brothers and sisters, that everything that has happened to me here has helped to spread the Good News. For everyone here, including the whole palace guard, knows that I am in chains because of Christ. And because of my imprisonment, most of the believers here have gained confidence and boldly speak God’s message without fear.

When we lean into the heart of the story, Jesus REVEALS HIMSELF.

Luke 10:36-37 — “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”