What Difference Can I Make?

Luke 19:1-10

Introduction

Real Christians are imitators of Christ. Christ was a catalyst in transforming others. Those who seek Christ should seek to be a catalyst in transforming others. Why should we be involved in making a difference in the lives of others?

Main Idea

Real Christians can make a real difference in the life of others by being a catalyst for life transformation.

Question to Answer

Can I make a difference in the life of others?

There are People Who are Interested in Spiritual Truth

Luke 19:1-4

1 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but being a short man he could not, because of the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way.

There are People Who are Interested in Spiritual Truth

Some May Have Unethical Character.

Some May Be Desperate in Their Pursuit of Inner Peace.

Some May Be Curious, Wanting to Learn More About Christ.

How Can I Make a Difference in the Lives of Others?

Luke 19:5-7

5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a ‘sinner.’”

How Can I Make a Difference in the Lives of Others?

Reject the Temptation to “Write Off” People Due to Negative Perceptions.

Take the Initiative to Be Personal and Spend Time with Them

Be Willing to Face Criticism By Self-Righteous People.

What Can I Expect When We Make a Difference in the Lives

of Others? Luke 19:8

8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.”

What Can I Expect When We Make a Difference in the Lives

of Others? A Change of Attitude in the Person

Actions That are Consistent with Inner Change

A Desire to Correct Past Mistakes

Conclusion

Jesus knew His mission and purpose in life – to seek and to save those who are lost. Jesus imparted that mission to us. He has given us a new purpose for living. We are called to make a difference in the lives of others by being a catalyst for life transformation. What are you doing to make a difference in the lives of others around you?

Decision Time

Believers: I want to commit to being intentional about reaching out to the people that I come in contact by moving our conversation to spiritual things.

Unbelievers: I want to make a decision to believe and trust in Jesus as my Savior because I know He cares for me and wants me to experience His transformation power.

Leaders: I want to empower and affirm the younger generation to reach out to all people, not criticizing them for doing the right thing in reaching all people for Christ.