Influencer: Women Building the Kingdom of God – Part 1
The Weight of Influence
Scripture: Proverbs 31:1–5 (NKJV)
2026 Church Vision: “All Things New”
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV)
2026 Declaration
“I’m becoming who God wants me to be.”
Our 2026 Challenge
Believe
Trust God, trust the process, hear God clearly, and respond in worship.
Belong
Honor God, honor yourself, and honor others by helping create an environment where healing can take place.
Become
Represent God everywhere you go. Be the light in every room and live as Christ’s ambassador.
Series Introduction
Throughout Scripture, God often accomplishes extraordinary things through people who seem to play only a supporting role. In this six-part series, we discover how Bathsheba became one of the most influential women in Israel’s history.
Though many remember her only because of David’s sin, God used her influence to help establish Solomon’s kingdom and preserve His covenant purposes.
This series reminds us that every believer has influence, and God desires to use that influence to build His Kingdom.
Sermon Introduction
The final chapter of Proverbs introduces King Lemuel, a king whose identity has been debated for centuries. Many Jewish rabbis believe Lemuel is another name for King Solomon, and that the wisdom recorded in Proverbs 31 came from his mother, Bathsheba.
If so, these verses become much more than advice—they become the testimony of a woman who learned difficult lessons about influence through personal experience.
Bathsheba had witnessed influence used both for destruction and for God’s purposes. She wanted her son to understand that influence is a gift that must be handled wisely.
Today’s message reminds us that influence is not reserved for leaders, celebrities, or public figures.
Every Christian is an influencer.
Key Scripture
“The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him:
What, my son?
And what, son of my womb?
And what, son of my vows?
Do not give your strength to women,
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.”Proverbs 31:1–3 (NKJV)
Sermon Point 1
You Have More Influence Than You Realize
Bathsheba warned Solomon not to surrender his strength to influences that could destroy his future.
Why?
Because she had already witnessed the devastating consequences of influence.
The first time we meet Bathsheba in Scripture is during David’s fall into adultery.
Supporting Scripture
2 Samuel 11:1–5 (NKJV)
David remained home when kings normally went to battle. From his rooftop he saw Bathsheba bathing, desired her, committed adultery with her, and eventually arranged the death of her husband, Uriah.
Although Bathsheba did not intend to influence David, her presence became part of a chain of events that changed Israel’s history.
Important Lesson
Influence is often unintentional.
People are constantly watching us.
Our influence may come through:
- Our appearance
- Our words
- Our attitude
- Our kindness
- Our integrity
- Our faith
- Our worship
- Our reactions during difficult seasons
Every believer influences someone.
Sometimes we never realize the impact our lives have on others.
Reflection Questions
- Who is watching my life that I may not even realize?
- Does my daily walk point people toward Christ?
- How can I intentionally use my influence for God’s Kingdom?
Weekly Challenge
Ask God this week to make you more aware of your influence.
Choose one intentional way to encourage, mentor, or inspire someone spiritually.
Sermon Point 2
Your Influence Is More Powerful Than You Realize
Scripture
“It is not for kings, O Lemuel,
It is not for kings to drink wine,
Nor for princes intoxicating drink;
Lest they drink and forget the law,
And pervert the justice of all the afflicted.”Proverbs 31:4–5 (NKJV)
Bathsheba warned Solomon against influences that cloud judgment.
The Bible is not condemning alcohol itself in this passage.
Rather, it warns against anything that controls us and keeps us from honoring God.
David illustrates this truth.
Supporting Scripture
2 Samuel 11:6–17 (NKJV)
David attempted to hide his sin by manipulating Uriah.
When deception failed, he abused his authority and orchestrated Uriah’s death.
David wasn’t intoxicated with wine.
He was intoxicated by:
- Lust
- Power
- Pride
- Desire
- Self-gratification
Unchecked desires can become dangerous influences.
Application
Influence can either:
- Empower others
- Overpower others
It can build God’s Kingdom or damage lives.
David’s downfall reminds us that we must guard both the influence we have and the influences we allow into our own lives.
Reflection Questions
- What influences shape my daily decisions?
- Have I allowed success, approval, pleasure, or pride to cloud my judgment?
- Am I influencing people toward Christ or toward myself?
Weekly Challenge
Prayerfully evaluate one area where unhealthy influence may be affecting your walk with Christ.
Commit that area to God and seek accountability from another believer.
Sermon Point 3
Your Influence Impacts More Than You Realize
Scripture
2 Samuel 12:7–12 (NKJV)
God sent Nathan to confront David.
Nathan declared:
“You are the man!”
David’s private choices produced public consequences.
His sin affected:
- Uriah
- Bathsheba
- His family
- His kingdom
- Future generations
Nathan prophesied that the sword would never depart from David’s house.
The consequences of influence extended far beyond the original sin.
Important Truth
Our choices never affect only ourselves.
Influence spreads.
It impacts:
- Families
- Churches
- Friendships
- Communities
- Future generations
Every act of obedience or disobedience leaves a legacy.
Reflection Questions
- What legacy am I building through my influence?
- How have godly people positively shaped my life?
- How can I intentionally leave a Christ-centered legacy for my family?
Weekly Challenge
Identify one person God has placed in your life to encourage spiritually.
Pray for them every day this week and look for one opportunity to strengthen their faith.
Living the Message
Bathsheba eventually learned that influence is a tremendous responsibility.
She discovered:
- You have more influence than you think.
- Your influence is more powerful than you realize.
- Your influence reaches farther than you can imagine.
God has given every believer influence.
The question is not whether you have influence.
The question is how you will use it.
Will your influence point people toward Christ?
Will it strengthen God’s Kingdom?
Will it leave a legacy of faith?
Conclusion
Despite David’s terrible failures, God’s grace remained available.
After Nathan confronted him, David genuinely repented.
Psalm 51 reminds us that repentance opens the door for restoration.
“Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.”Psalm 51:10 (NKJV)
God can redeem our failures.
He can restore broken lives.
He can even use painful experiences to prepare us to influence others for His glory.
No matter your past, God’s grace is greater.
Personal Reflection
Take time this week to pray through these questions:
- Am I aware of the influence God has entrusted to me?
- Who has influenced my walk with Christ in a positive way?
- What areas of my life need greater spiritual integrity?
- How can I intentionally use my influence to help build God’s Kingdom?
Memory Verse
“Do not give your strength to women,
Nor your ways to that which destroys kings.”Proverbs 31:3 (NKJV)
This Week’s Kingdom Challenge
As part of Lily Baptist Church’s 2026 vision, “All Things New,” ask God to make your influence a blessing to someone else.
- Believe: Trust God to use your life, even in ordinary moments.
- Belong: Encourage someone in your church family this week.
- Become: Let your words, actions, and character reflect Jesus everywhere you go.
Remember: Your influence is one of God’s greatest gifts. Use it to build His Kingdom.