The purpose of this Sermon Library is to support your spiritual growth as you revisit, reflect and meditate on the sermon topic, and study the Scriptures.

In each tab of the Study Guide, you will find information that will help you increase your understanding and knowledge of Yahweh’s Word and gain deeper insight into the Biblical topic covered.

You can engage in this study on your own or with a group.

It is our hope that these tools provide you with meaningful activities to help you on your walk, as you engage in them during the week and in days leading up to a Feast.

2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to shew thyself approved unto Elohim, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Study Guide
Summary – Read and reread to help you remember the answer to the question, “What was this sermon about?” so that you can deepen your understanding on this topic and can learn what to say in order to easily share this with others.

Points and Scriptures – Compare these to your notes. If needed, add the key points and Scriptures to your notes, for further review. Turn to each Scripture passage and read it. You may want to keep a notebook or journal, with Scripture Lists by topic. Scriptures that say (alluded to) next to it were included in content of the message (ex. appeared on a slide) without the Scripture itself being read.

Discussion Questions – Read one at a time, writing the answers down in your notebook or journal. Use your notes, as well as the information in the Points & Scriptures tab, to help you answer the questions.

Small Group Guide – We recommend that you engage in this activity during the week with a group of brethren, family members and/or friends.

Devotional – We recommend that you engage in these activities during the week and/or in days leading up to the Feast.

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the profound impact of influence in our lives, drawing parallels between the biblical kings Solomon and Hezekiah. It emphasizes the importance of staying true to Yahweh’s teachings, the consequences of straying from His path, and the power of faith in the face of adversity. The message encourages believers to be positive influences in their families, communities, and assemblies, highlighting the responsibility we have as examples of faith to others.

Key Points:

• Our lives are shaped by the influences around us, especially from family and close relationships.
• Sin can have generational consequences, as seen in Solomon’s disobedience affecting Israel.
• Faith in Yahweh can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, as demonstrated by Hezekiah.
• We are called to be leaders and influencers for Yahweh, regardless of opposition.
• Obedience to Yahweh is crucial and goes hand-in-hand with redemption.
• Our actions speak louder than words, especially in influencing children and others around us.
  
  

  Here are the scripture references mentioned or alluded to in the sermon:

  1. Proverbs 22:6
  2. 2 Timothy 2:20-21
  3. 1 Peter 5:8 (alluded to as “roaring lion”)
  4. 1 Kings 11:1-8
  5. 1 Kings 11:9-13
  6. Leviticus 18 (general reference)
  7. Isaiah 36 (multiple verses quoted)
  8. Isaiah 37:14-20
  9. Isaiah 37:33-38
  10. 2 Kings 10:27
  11. Proverbs 18:24
  12. Matthew 24:13 (alluded to as “the one who endures to the end will be saved”)
  13. 1 Corinthians 3:18-19
  14. 2 Corinthians 6:14
  15. Romans 15:5
  16. Numbers 14:18
  17. Luke 19:37-40
  18. 3 John 1:4
  19. Romans 12:1

  Additional relevant verses that align with the sermon’s themes:

  1. James 4:4 (on worldly influence)
  2. 1 Corinthians 15:33 (on bad company corrupting good character)
  3. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (on teaching children)
  4. Ephesians 6:4 (on raising children in the instruction of Yahweh)
  5. Matthew 5:13-16 (on being salt and light in the world)
  6. 1 Timothy 4:12 (on being an example to believers)
  7. Hebrews 11:6 (on faith pleasing Yahweh)
  8. Psalm 1:1-3 (on avoiding evil influences)
  9. Proverbs 13:20 (on walking with the wise)
  10. Colossians 3:16-17 (on living as representatives of Messiah)

How can we guard ourselves against negative influences in our lives, as Solomon failed to do, while still engaging with the world around us?

In what ways might our actions today impact future generations, both in our families and in society at large?

How can we cultivate the kind of faith and trust in Yahweh that King Hezekiah demonstrated when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges?

What lessons can we learn from the contrasting examples of Solomon and Hezekiah about maintaining our spiritual integrity throughout our lives?

How might our understanding of biblical events be deepened by considering archaeological evidence, such as the Lachish reliefs or Sennacherib’s Prism?

In what ways can we be ‘living sacrifices’ and positive influences in our daily lives, especially for those who may not read the Bible?

How can we balance the need for obedience to Yahweh’s commands with the message of redemption and grace in our spiritual lives and teachings?

What steps can we take to ensure we are not ‘unequally yoked’ in our important relationships, particularly in marriage?

How might recognizing Jerusalem’s spiritual significance impact our understanding of current events and our own spiritual journeys?

In what ways can we cultivate wisdom that aligns with Yahweh’s truth, rather than relying solely on worldly knowledge and understanding?

Here’s a small group guide based on the sermon:

Small Group Guide: Influences and Leadership in Faith

Opening Prayer

Key Takeaways:
1. Our lives are shaped by the influences around us, both positive and negative.
2. Leaders like Solomon and Hezekiah demonstrate the importance of staying faithful to Yahweh.
3. Our actions can have generational impacts on our families and communities.
4. We are called to be influential leaders who boldly proclaim Yahweh’s truth.
5. Obedience to Yahweh is crucial, even in the face of opposition or worldly temptations.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions that “you are the average of the five people you surround yourself with the most.” Reflect on your closest relationships. How do they influence your faith and character?

2. Compare and contrast the leadership of Solomon and Hezekiah. What can we learn from each of their stories?

3. How does the story of Hezekiah’s faith in the face of the Assyrian threat inspire you? Share a time when you had to trust Yahweh in a difficult situation.

4. The sermon states, “We can lose our faith if we do not guard our faith.” What practical steps can we take to guard our faith in today’s world?

5. Discuss the statement: “You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.” How does this impact how you live out your faith daily?

6. The sermon touches on the importance of marrying within the faith. How can we support and encourage young people in our community to make wise relationship choices?

7. What does it mean to you to be “a Hezekiah for your family, friends, and assembly”?

Practical Applications:

1. Self-reflection: Take time this week to honestly assess your influences. Are there any relationships or habits you need to adjust to better align with your faith?

2. Prayer focus: Commit to praying daily for strength to be a positive influence and leader in your spheres of influence.

3. Scripture memorization: Choose a verse from the sermon (e.g., Proverbs 22:6 or Matthew 10:22) to memorize and meditate on this week.

4. Action step: Identify one area where you can be more bold in proclaiming Yahweh’s truth. Make a plan to take action in the coming week.

5. Accountability: Partner with someone in the group to encourage each other in being faithful and obedient to Yahweh’s teachings.

Closing Prayer

Encourage group members to continue reflecting on the sermon’s messages throughout the week and to share any insights or experiences at the next meeting.

Here’s a 5-day Bible reading plan and devotional guide based on the themes from the sermon:

Day 1: The Power of Good Influence
Reading: Proverbs 22:6; 2 Timothy 2:20-22
Devotional: As we reflect on the story of Solomon and Hezekiah, we see the profound impact of influence in our spiritual lives. Just as Solomon’s foreign wives led him astray, and Hezekiah’s faith inspired a nation, our choices and actions ripple out to affect those around us. Today, consider your sphere of influence. Are you leading others towards Yahweh or away from Him? Remember, you may be the only Bible some people ever read. Pray for wisdom to be a positive influence, and for discernment in choosing those who influence you. How can you be more intentional about reflecting Yahweh’s love and truth to others today?

Day 2: Unwavering Faith in the Face of Opposition
Reading: Isaiah 36:1-22; 37:14-20
Devotional: Hezekiah’s unwavering faith in the face of overwhelming odds is a powerful testament to trusting in Yahweh’s promises. When confronted with threats and mockery, he turned to prayer, spreading his concerns before Yahweh. In our own lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable. Where do you turn in times of crisis? Today, practice Hezekiah’s example by bringing your fears and worries directly to Yahweh in prayer. Remember that no obstacle is too great for our Almighty Elohim. How can you cultivate a faith that stands firm even when everything seems to be falling apart?

Day 3: The Danger of Compromise
Reading: 1 Kings 11:1-13; James 4:4-10
Devotional: Solomon’s gradual compromise with the world’s values led to his downfall, despite his great wisdom. This serves as a stark warning about the subtle nature of spiritual decline. It often begins with small compromises that seem harmless but can lead us far from Yahweh’s path. Reflect on areas in your life where you might be compromising your faith or values. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any blind spots. Remember, drawing near to Yahweh requires deliberate choices to resist worldly influences. What steps can you take today to strengthen your commitment to Yahweh’s ways?

Day 4: Yahweh’s Faithfulness to His Promises
Reading: 2 Kings 19:32-37; Romans 8:28-39
Devotional: The miraculous deliverance of Jerusalem from the Assyrian army demonstrates Yahweh’s faithfulness to His promises, even in the darkest hours. Despite the overwhelming odds, Yahweh honored His word to David and preserved the city. This story reminds us that Yahweh’s promises are trustworthy, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. Reflect on the promises of Yahweh that are meaningful to you. How have you seen Yahweh’s faithfulness in your own life? Take time to thank Him for His unwavering love and commitment to His children. How can you live today in light of Yahweh’s faithful promises?

Day 5: The Call to Spiritual Leadership
Reading: Matthew 5:13-16; 1 Peter 2:9-12
Devotional: Hezekiah’s bold reforms and return to true worship remind us of our calling to be spiritual leaders in our spheres of influence. As believers, we are called to be salt and light in a world that often rejects Yahweh’s ways. This leadership isn’t just for those in official positions; it’s a call to every follower of Yahshua. How can you be a “Hezekiah” in your family, workplace, or community? Consider practical ways you can stand for truth and encourage others in their faith journey. Remember, if we don’t proclaim Yahweh’s truth, even the stones will cry out. How will you answer the call to spiritual leadership today?