I'm In: Discussion Questions Week 3

I’m Influential for God’s Glory

Scripture References

• Matthew 5:13-16

Overview

Week three of the “I’m In” series centers on Jesus’ words about salt and light. Craig reminds Life Groups that every believer already carries real influence; God can use a single conversation, a brief word of encouragement, or a simple act of love to draw someone toward Christ. The session moves from remembering who first influenced us, to identifying the people we can now reach, to noticing how and when we personally tend to make the greatest impact—then praying for Spirit-led opportunities this week.

Context

• Series progression:
 1) I’m Invited into God’s family
 2) I’m Invaluable to God’s work
 3) I’m Influential for God’s glory (today)

Main Points

You Are Salt and Light

• Jesus declares His followers “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16).
• Influence is not reserved for a platform or large following; it starts where you already stand.

• “You have no idea how God might use one conversation, one word of encouragement, one expression of love, to influence someone toward Christ.”

Remember Who First Influenced You

• God typically uses people—family, friends, mentors—to pull us toward faith.
• Sharing those stories in group builds gratitude and raises faith for how God can work through us.

Identify Your Current Circle of Influence

• Influence flows through regular access: family members, classmates, teammates, coworkers, spin-class friends, gym partners, online circles, coffee-shop acquaintances.
• Story: Craig often sees the same people at the gym; ongoing friendliness plus visible faith create natural openings to talk about Jesus.
• Question for the group: Who do you see most often that you could intentionally point to Christ?

Recognize Your Personal Style of Influence

• Influence may happen in:
   • Brief, Spirit-prompted encounters (servers, store clerks, strangers).
   • Long-term relationships where trust grows over time.
• Knowing your usual pattern heightens awareness and confidence when opportunities arise.

Stay Interruptible and Spirit-Led

• Begin each day surrendering your schedule: “God, use me; You have permission to interrupt me.”
• Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit turns ordinary moments into ministry moments.
• God may ask you to step outside your comfort zone; faith responds with obedience.

Key Truths

• Every follower of Jesus is already an influencer for God’s glory.
• Influence often starts with simple, loving actions in ordinary settings.
• Your consistent presence among specific people is a strategic gift from God.
• The Holy Spirit prompts both spontaneous conversations and steady relationships to point others to Christ.

Response

• List the people who first influenced you and thank God for them.
• Name the individuals you see regularly who do not yet know Christ.
• Pray daily for those names and for sensitivity to Spirit-led interruptions.
• Step into one tangible act—encouragement, listening, prayer, invitation—toward someone on your list this week.
• Re-evaluate after the week: where did God open doors and how can you keep walking through them?

Closing

Craig closes by urging the group to pray for friends and family who are far from God and to ask the Holy Spirit for clear, timely opportunities. Attentiveness and willingness, he says, turn ordinary believers into world-changing influencers. > “We’re going to pray for opportunities to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and then guess what we’re going to do? We’re going to be an influence.”

Prayer

(The group was instructed to pray rather than given specific words.)
Summarize together: thank God for those who influenced us, lift up people who need Christ, ask for Holy Spirit guidance, and commit to act as salt and light this week.