As we near the end of the sermon series ‘Christianity Explored’, we will be focussing on ‘good role models’. Service led by Beverley Sills and preaching from Nathan Gordon.

Sermon Notes

Role models and people who influence others in a positive or negative way are nothing new, however, over the past decade, there has been a newfound phenomenon in social media and TV influencers that inspire people to follow their example. The Influencer Marketing Industry is Expected to Hit $13.8bn by 2022 – Digital marketing institute

What is influence?

The capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behaviour of someone or something, or the effect itself. – Cambridge Dictionary

• Who is your role model?
• Who or what is affecting your character, development, and behaviour?
• Are your influencers leading you to Christ or something else?

The Leader-led astray

Herod Antipas was a man with delegated power and authority from the Romans yet struggled to exercise his convictions and was led astray by his brother’s wife.

• Herod liked to listen to John’s preaching but would not repent.
• Herod didn’t act on what John said about Herodias, so in the end, he felt forced to do something he didn’t want to do – and had John killed.
• An old saying says “We are the choices we have made” How was that true for Herod?

The challenge to follow Jesus’ example

If we listen to Jesus and take his words seriously, our family or friends may reject us. But there is a loving family of fellow believers who will support and encourage us.

• Ignoring Jesus’ call to repent and believe may give us the approval of other people – but it will eventually earn us the rejection of Jesus.

Paul’s example to the church in Corinth

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ. – 1 Cor 11:1

Notes:

1. How do you think Herod felt about killing John the baptist? (see Mark 6:20, 26 and then Mark 6:16.)
2. Mark tells us the “opportune time came” (Mark 6:21). What opportunity did Herodias take? (See Mark 6:19, 24.)
3. What opportunity did Herod miss, and why?
4. What kind of soil is Herod? (See Mark 4:15-20.) 5. What choices will you make about the things you have heard during Christianity Explored?

Questions for further study

1. How do you think Herod felt about killing John the baptist? (see Mark 6:20, 26 and then Mark 6:16.)
2. 2. Mark tells us the “opportune time came” (Mark 6:21). What opportunity did Herodias take? (See Mark 6:19, 24.)
3. 3. What opportunity did Herod miss, and why?
4. 4. What kind of soil is Herod? (See Mark 4:15-20.)
5. 5. What choices will you make about the things you have heard during Christianity Explored?