Under The Influence
In this sermon, “Under The Influence,” we’re reminded that everyone is shaped by something—but the most powerful transformation comes when we come under the influence of Jesus. Drawing from Philippians 2 and the story of the Roman officer in Matthew 8, the message shows us that living under God's authority gives us the boldness to speak, believe, and walk in His power.
When we hear the phrase “under the influence,” our minds often jump to something negative. But in this message we are encouraged to take another view of it: What if we came under the influence of something holy, powerful, and life-changing? What if we came under the influence of Jesus?
The truth is, we are all influenced by something. Culture, people, social media, even our past. But the influence that truly transforms us is the divine authority we step into when we come under Jesus. Because when you’re under His influence, you begin to live with, in, and out of His power.
“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” (Philippians 2:9, NIV)
The name of Jesus is not just a name. It is the highest name. No sickness, no fear, no problem stands above it. And if that’s the case, then everything in our lives—every battle, every struggle—must come under His name. Let’s be reminded, Jesus is far above depression, anxiety, sickness, pain, and even the unknowns of our future.
To live under His influence is to believe this truth: that He is Lord over everything. And if He is Lord over everything, then His authority speaks into everything.
“The Roman officer approached Jesus with a request to heal his servant. He didn’t ask Jesus to come over or lay hands—he simply said:”
“Just say the word from where you are, and my servant will be healed.”
“I know this because I am under the authority of my superior officers, and I have authority over my soldiers.” (Matthew 8:5–11, 13, NLT)
This officer understood something many of us miss: you can’t walk in authority unless you first come under it.
Jesus was amazed. Not because of the man’s position, but because of his faith—faith that recognised divine authority. When we come under God’s authority, like the officer, we can speak with boldness, knowing that His Word carries weight. We can believe for healing, restoration, and breakthrough—just by saying the word.
We change depending on what (or who) we are influenced by. It changes how we talk, how we walk, even what we expect out of life.
In the same way, being under God’s influence reshapes our entire lives. It affects how we speak (“I am healed.” “God is for me.”), how we move (with confidence, not fear), and what we believe (for miracles, not just survival). When we come under the influence of Jesus, we don’t just wear His name—we live out His power.
What influence are you under today? Fear? Doubt? Shame? Lack?
Or are you under the influence of Jesus—the One whose name is above every name?
Because when you come under His influence, you begin to:
- Live with authority
- Walk in authority
- Speak and see it done
Today we choose to come under Your influence. We surrender every fear, every voice, and every pressure we’ve been living under. Help us to walk in Your authority and believe that just one word from You can change everything.
Amen.
