Every day we are traveling a path that is shaping our future. The choices we make, the voices we listen to, and the influences we allow into our lives can lead us toward wisdom and God's blessing or toward compromise and regret. In this message from Proverbs 1 and Proverbs 4, Pastor Chris Teien explores how godly influences help us stay on the path of wisdom while harmful influences can quietly lead us astray. Discover how Scripture teaches us to recognize dangerous influences, choose the right path, guard our hearts, and become a positive influence in the lives of others.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/19356952

Key Points:

1. Listen to Wise Voices (Proverbs 1:8-9; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20)
   Wise people remain teachable and seek counsel from God, His Word, and faithful believers who can help guide them in the right direction.
2. Learn from Faithful Examples (Romans 15:4)
   God has given us biblical examples and the testimonies of faithful Christians throughout history to encourage us, instruct us, and strengthen our faith.
3. Avoid Harmful Influences (Proverbs 1:10-19; 1 Corinthians 15:33)
   Sin often presents itself as acceptance, success, opportunity, or belonging. Followers of Christ must be careful about the influences they allow into their lives.
4. Choose the Right Path (Proverbs 4:14-27)
   The path of righteousness grows brighter with time, while the path of wickedness leads to darkness and destruction. Our choices reveal which path we are following.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:

• Pastor Chris shared lessons from reading Christian biographies and the lives of missionaries and preachers who demonstrated both faithfulness and human weakness.
• He reflected on how older generations trusted God through difficult seasons and passed on wisdom that continues to encourage believers today.
• He also used practical illustrations from everyday life, including observations about how dogs learn behaviors from one another, to show the power of influence.

Notable Quotes:

• "Everybody that's a leader has been influenced by somebody."
• "Walk with the wise and become wise."
• "Sin always promises more than it delivers."
• "Who are you learning from, and who are you teaching?"

Actionable Takeaways:

• Evaluate the voices influencing your values, decisions, and priorities.
• Spend more time listening to God's Word and godly counsel.
• Avoid influences that encourage compromise or disobedience.
• Become a positive influence by sharing your faith, wisdom, and experiences with others.

Scripture References:

Proverbs 1:8-19; Proverbs 4:14-27; Romans 15:4; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33

Keywords:

Proverbs, wisdom, influence, Christian leadership, discipleship, spiritual growth, godly counsel, Christian living, biblical wisdom, faith

Challenge:

Take an honest look at the influences shaping your life. Is there a voice, habit, relationship, or source of information pulling you away from God's best? Identify one harmful influence to limit or remove and one godly influence to pursue more intentionally this week. Ask God to help you walk with the wise and become a godly influence in the lives of others.

26.0614de Leading Through Wise Influences

Pursue WELL Faith: Worship. Encourage. Learn. Love. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church