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Lesson: Don't be Afraid to Make an Impact 

Author - Mark Stusek
Date: 1-6-2008

After James and John, the sons of Zebedee, requested high positions in Jesus’ Kingdom – to sit at His right and left – the other disciples were appalled at their boldness.

            Did you ever wonder, if you being in that same position would be the someone to ask the question – or be offended?

 

Jesus, of course, used James and John’s request to change the paradigm on achieving greatness.  The greatest of all – told the disciples, “if you want to be great, be a servant.”

 

Let’s discuss a few ideas on what makes Christians – who make an impact – GREAT

 

I.    Great Christians Think Great Thoughts – Philippians 4:8

 

a.      Great Christians think about God, about others, about the future, about overcoming adversity, about life

 

Question:  Who would be on your list of great Christians because their actions modeled their thought life of (“whatever is pure, true, honorable, right, lovely, good repute”)

 

Billy Graham, Mother Teresa, Job

 

b.      We are the product of our thought life which is cultivated by our past experiences, education and faith.

 

Therefore, we cannot think great thoughts without rethinking our thoughts.

 

c.      Nehemiah, the cupbearer to the King – Nehemiah 1:11-2:5 (last line)

 

Allow me – Nehemiah to return to rebuild the wall and gates around Jerusalem to protect the people.

 

For 4 months, Nehemiah focused on what would God require, about the victims, the future of Jerusalem, his actions, how to accomplish the goal.

 

d.      The key to getting this big job done was PEOPLE.

 

II.   Great Christians Read Great Books – Romans 12:2

 

a.      "We are not to be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

 

Question:  What should we read that can change our thought process?

 

b.      So many people spend hours watching television and keeping up with the latest in our pop culture.  People know more about Oprah, Britney, Brad and Tom Cruise than about the Gospels, Purpose Driven Life, and history.

 

c.      We need to stimulate our minds and heart by reading the classics, Bible, etc.

 

d.      Ask the Lord “how can I make better use of my time that I may influence and impact others with sound godly information”.

 

III.    Great Christians Pursue Great People – Proverbs 13:20

 

a.      “He who walks with wise men will be wise.  Companion of fools will suffer harm.”

 

Question:  Who are your friends who encourage you and confront you when you need correction?

 

David had Jonathon – Nathan

 

b.      Bill Gates, the CEO of Microsoft, is known to spend his time with people like Warren Buffet, the investment guru, and South Africa’s Nelson Mandela.

 

Far from being threatened by talent, Gates has spent many years wooing the industries best and brightest to join his firm.

 

 

IV.  Great Christians Dream Great Dreams  - Ephesians 3:20

 

a.      God wants something for us, which exceeds our imaginations, yet we often expect too little from God.

 

b.      “ … With God all things are possible.” – Matthew 19:26

 

Some who discovered this first hand:

·         Abraham who moved from his comfort zone into God’s promises.

·         Joseph who lived the dream God placed into his heart.

·         Moses who learned to wait on God.

·         David who loved the dream giver more than the dream.

 

c.      Rick Warren upon graduating from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas; was offered the pulpit of a 5,000 member church.  He turned it down to travel to southern California in 1979 to start his own church.

 

During his very first service of which 200 people showed up – he announced his dream of building a church with 20,000 members, located on 50 acres of land.  

 

He stated, with confidence, these dreams will become reality.  Why or, how could he say such a thing?  Because they are inspired by God.

 

Question:  What is the vision that God has given to you?  Have you done anything and everything to accomplish this goal?

 

Summary:

 

The desire to make a difference and influence others for His cause is

God-given. 

 

An ambition which makes God the focus, rather than yourself is good.

 

God uses ordinary people like us to accomplish His goals.

 

Are you willing to move out of your comfort zone and pursue greatness?

 

 

 

Evans, Tony Kingdom Living Winter, 2008

     Stafford, Tim  "A Regular Purpose Driven Guy"  Christianity Today Nov 18, 2002