INFLUENCE AND FAITHFULNESS Revelation 2:10 I. Introduction. A. There are many things that influence people to be faithful to the Lord. B. These proper influences promote righteousness. C. The credit goes to several sources: Individuals; circumstances; home, etc. D. Spoken several times about faithful men and their impact on God's people. E. What is it that promoted faithfulness in certain people? Two examples for today. F. Whatever inspired you to be faithful: rejoice. II. Body. A. Timothy described: I Corinthians 4:17. 1. An early guidance program: II Timothy 1:5. a. The affect of the home environment cannot be overemphasized (good or bad). b. Parents are to be responsible: Eph. 6:4. c. Think of Samuel and Hannah. d. How easy to neglect: I Sam. 3:13. 2. The power of righteous teachers: II Tim. 3:15. a. A child deserves a right start! b. How many fail to provide the example! c. The concerns in our day are not always in the proper order: secular education; social acceptance; entertainment; etc. d. But what about spiritual education? (1 Relatives--grandparents, etc. (2 If you bring them into world or assume their care: responsible. e. Timothy realized: I Timothy 4:7-8. f. This influence would cause: I Tim. 1:2. 3. Influence for right continued in Paul: Acts 16:1-5. a. How Paul refers to him: I Timothy 1:2. b. Early "influences" made this possible. c. Constant companion of apostle; loved deeply by him. 4. One can be influenced by starting on the right track, pointing the way, and watching the results.(One can also change.) B. Tychicus, influence toward good. 1. Paul's description: Ephesians 6:21. a. A "beloved" brother. (1 Brother in God's family. (2 Beloved because of conduct. b. A faithful minister. (1 Dependable; trustworthy. (2 A working servant! C. "In the Lord." (1 This is where he is a brother & a minister. (2 Could be neither outside of Christ! 2. He was influenced toward being the above. a. Loyal to his master. (1 Knew the source of his ministry: I Timothy 6:13-15. (2 Cannot follow Master if one is not influenced by Master. b. Carried out will of Master: II Tim. 4:5. (1 Required learning His will: II Tim. 2:15. (2 And sharing His will: Titus 2:1. c. Knowing the interests of his Master. (1 Maintaining good works: Titus 3:8. (2 Spiritual(not material): Col. 3:2. (3 Would not appreciate people tearing these down! d. Caused him to place self in background. (1 Of all Christians: II Cor. 4:5. (2 Causes: Philippians 3:8. III. Conclusion. A. A servant is not truly a servant unless he is faithful. B. There are conditions that promote faithfulness; there are conditions that do not: teach one to discern.-jy