PARTICIPANT GUIDE
God has given every one of us influence, whether we realize it or not. Through Joseph’s journey from prison to leadership in Egypt, we’ll discover that greater influence also brings greater responsibility. Influence isn’t ultimately about position, recognition, or how many people know our name—it’s about faithfully serving the people God has placed around us.
ICE BREAKER
- Who is someone outside your immediate family who had a positive influence on your life growing up? What made their influence memorable?
- If you could have any public position of influence for one day, what would you choose and why?
- Who is someone who believed in you or encouraged you at a critical moment in your life?
SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES
Genesis 41:39–41
James 3:1
Mark 10:42–45
Luke 12:48
Genesis 45:4–5
James 3:1
Mark 10:42–45
Luke 12:48
Genesis 45:4–5
BIG IDEA
The greater the influence God entrusts to us, the greater our responsibility to steward it well.
SERMON SUMMARY
Joseph’s life changes dramatically in Genesis 41. He moves from prison to a position of incredible influence over Egypt. But his promotion was not simply a reward—it was another responsibility God had entrusted to him.
Step 1: Influence Brings Accountability. James teaches that greater influence means greater responsibility. Jesus reminded His disciples that Kingdom greatness is not about position, but service.
Step 2: Influence Is Given to Serve Others. Joseph used his authority to prepare Egypt for famine. His leadership eventually saved lives. God gives us influence so we can strengthen and serve others.
Step 3: Influence Is Tested by How We Use Power. When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt, Joseph finally had power over the people who had hurt him. Instead of using that power for revenge, he chose mercy and restoration.
Every one of us has influence somewhere with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, classmates, or people at church.
We do not need to be famous to be influential.
We simply need to be faithful with the influence God has already entrusted to us.
Step 1: Influence Brings Accountability. James teaches that greater influence means greater responsibility. Jesus reminded His disciples that Kingdom greatness is not about position, but service.
Step 2: Influence Is Given to Serve Others. Joseph used his authority to prepare Egypt for famine. His leadership eventually saved lives. God gives us influence so we can strengthen and serve others.
Step 3: Influence Is Tested by How We Use Power. When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt, Joseph finally had power over the people who had hurt him. Instead of using that power for revenge, he chose mercy and restoration.
Every one of us has influence somewhere with family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, classmates, or people at church.
We do not need to be famous to be influential.
We simply need to be faithful with the influence God has already entrusted to us.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Who has had a positive influence on your life, and what made their influence meaningful?
- Where has God given you influence right now?
- Why do you think greater influence also brings greater responsibility?
- Who could you intentionally serve or encourage this week?
- What does Joseph’s decision to show mercy teach you about using influence well?
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
(Live It Out)
Choose one person within your sphere of influence this week and intentionally strengthen them.
Send encouragement, serve them practically, pray for them, or take time to invest in them.
Send encouragement, serve them practically, pray for them, or take time to invest in them.
PRAYER FOCUS
- Ask God for wisdom to steward your influence faithfully.
- Pray for a servant’s heart toward the people around you.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you respond with grace and mercy when your character is tested.
DEVOTIONAL PLAN
Memory Verse of the Week
Luke 12:48
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Luke 12:48
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Day 1 — Influence is Entrusted
Memory Verse of the Week:
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: Genesis 41:39–41
“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.’ So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.’”
Devotional Thought:
Joseph’s life changes dramatically in Genesis 41. One moment he is a prisoner. Soon afterward, Pharaoh places him in charge of Egypt. Joseph suddenly has authority, resources, visibility, and influence. But this promotion was not simply a reward for surviving difficult seasons. It was another stewardship.
God had been preparing Joseph through every previous season. The dream mattered. The pit mattered. Potiphar’s house mattered. The prison mattered. The waiting mattered. God was forming Joseph before increasing his influence because more influence would mean greater responsibility.
We sometimes think influence belongs only to people with important titles, large platforms, or thousands of followers. But influence is much simpler. Influence is the ability to affect someone else’s life. Parents have influence. Grandparents have influence. Teachers have influence. Employers have influence. Friends have influence. Coaches, coworkers, neighbors, and ministry volunteers all have influence. If someone watches how you live, listens when you speak, or is affected by your choices, God has entrusted you with influence.
The question is not, “Am I influential?” The better question is, “How am I stewarding the influence God has already given me?”
The Holy Spirit wants to help us recognize the people God has placed around us. Our words can encourage or discourage. Our example can point people toward Jesus or away from Him. Our decisions can strengthen someone or make their life more difficult.
You do not need a bigger platform to become more faithful. Start with the people God has already placed in your life.
Influence is not something to worship, chase, or waste. It is something to steward.
Reflection Questions:
- Who are the people God has currently placed within your sphere of influence?
- How are your words and actions affecting them?
- What would it look like to intentionally steward your influence this week?
Suggested Reading: Matthew 5:13–16
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the people You have placed around me. Help me recognize influence as something You have entrusted to my care. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom to use it for Your glory and the good of others. Amen.
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: Genesis 41:39–41
“Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one so discerning and wise as you. You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you.’ So Pharaoh said to Joseph, ‘I hereby put you in charge of the whole land of Egypt.’”
Devotional Thought:
Joseph’s life changes dramatically in Genesis 41. One moment he is a prisoner. Soon afterward, Pharaoh places him in charge of Egypt. Joseph suddenly has authority, resources, visibility, and influence. But this promotion was not simply a reward for surviving difficult seasons. It was another stewardship.
God had been preparing Joseph through every previous season. The dream mattered. The pit mattered. Potiphar’s house mattered. The prison mattered. The waiting mattered. God was forming Joseph before increasing his influence because more influence would mean greater responsibility.
We sometimes think influence belongs only to people with important titles, large platforms, or thousands of followers. But influence is much simpler. Influence is the ability to affect someone else’s life. Parents have influence. Grandparents have influence. Teachers have influence. Employers have influence. Friends have influence. Coaches, coworkers, neighbors, and ministry volunteers all have influence. If someone watches how you live, listens when you speak, or is affected by your choices, God has entrusted you with influence.
The question is not, “Am I influential?” The better question is, “How am I stewarding the influence God has already given me?”
The Holy Spirit wants to help us recognize the people God has placed around us. Our words can encourage or discourage. Our example can point people toward Jesus or away from Him. Our decisions can strengthen someone or make their life more difficult.
You do not need a bigger platform to become more faithful. Start with the people God has already placed in your life.
Influence is not something to worship, chase, or waste. It is something to steward.
Reflection Questions:
- Who are the people God has currently placed within your sphere of influence?
- How are your words and actions affecting them?
- What would it look like to intentionally steward your influence this week?
Suggested Reading: Matthew 5:13–16
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the people You have placed around me. Help me recognize influence as something You have entrusted to my care. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom to use it for Your glory and the good of others. Amen.
Day 2 — Greater Influence, Greater Accountability
Memory Verse of the Week:
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: James 3:1
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
Devotional Thought:
We usually think of influence as an opportunity. James reminds us that influence is also an accountability. James warns believers that those who teach will be judged more strictly. That is a sobering statement. He is not saying that teaching or leadership is wrong. He is reminding us that when our lives affect other people, God cares deeply about how we use that influence.
Our words matter because someone may believe them. Our decisions matter because someone may follow them. Our example matters because someone may imitate it.
Jesus’ disciples struggled to understand this. They often seemed interested in who would be greatest, who would hold the highest position, and who would sit closest to Jesus in His Kingdom. They were thinking about the benefits of influence. Jesus kept teaching them about the responsibility of influence.
In Mark 10, Jesus tells His disciples that leadership in His Kingdom looks different from leadership in the world. Greatness is not measured by how many people serve us. Greatness is demonstrated by how willingly we serve others. That turns our normal thinking upside down.
Instead of asking, “How much influence can I gain?” Jesus invites us to ask, “How faithfully am I using the influence I already have?”
Maybe God has entrusted you with children who watch your example. Maybe coworkers listen to your opinion. Maybe you lead a ministry, a classroom, a company, or a team. Whatever God has placed in your hands carries responsibility.
Do not be afraid of influence, but do not treat it casually either. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the humility, wisdom, integrity, and character necessary to steward it well.
Greater influence means greater accountability.
Reflection Questions:
- How does James 3:1 change the way you think about influence and leadership?
- Where are your words or decisions currently affecting other people?
- What area of your influence needs greater wisdom or accountability?
Suggested Reading: Mark 10:35–45
Prayer:
Jesus, help me never take influence lightly. Give me humility when people listen to me and wisdom when my decisions affect others. Make me a faithful servant who represents You well. Amen.
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: James 3:1
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.”
Devotional Thought:
We usually think of influence as an opportunity. James reminds us that influence is also an accountability. James warns believers that those who teach will be judged more strictly. That is a sobering statement. He is not saying that teaching or leadership is wrong. He is reminding us that when our lives affect other people, God cares deeply about how we use that influence.
Our words matter because someone may believe them. Our decisions matter because someone may follow them. Our example matters because someone may imitate it.
Jesus’ disciples struggled to understand this. They often seemed interested in who would be greatest, who would hold the highest position, and who would sit closest to Jesus in His Kingdom. They were thinking about the benefits of influence. Jesus kept teaching them about the responsibility of influence.
In Mark 10, Jesus tells His disciples that leadership in His Kingdom looks different from leadership in the world. Greatness is not measured by how many people serve us. Greatness is demonstrated by how willingly we serve others. That turns our normal thinking upside down.
Instead of asking, “How much influence can I gain?” Jesus invites us to ask, “How faithfully am I using the influence I already have?”
Maybe God has entrusted you with children who watch your example. Maybe coworkers listen to your opinion. Maybe you lead a ministry, a classroom, a company, or a team. Whatever God has placed in your hands carries responsibility.
Do not be afraid of influence, but do not treat it casually either. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the humility, wisdom, integrity, and character necessary to steward it well.
Greater influence means greater accountability.
Reflection Questions:
- How does James 3:1 change the way you think about influence and leadership?
- Where are your words or decisions currently affecting other people?
- What area of your influence needs greater wisdom or accountability?
Suggested Reading: Mark 10:35–45
Prayer:
Jesus, help me never take influence lightly. Give me humility when people listen to me and wisdom when my decisions affect others. Make me a faithful servant who represents You well. Amen.
Day 3 — Influence is for Serving
Memory Verse of the Week:
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: Genesis 41:55
“When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, ‘Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.’”
Devotional Thought:
When Pharaoh promotes Joseph, Joseph does not sit around admiring his new title. He goes to work. For seven years, Joseph travels throughout Egypt, develops a plan, stores grain, and prepares the nation for the famine God revealed was coming.
Then the famine arrives. Suddenly, Joseph’s preparation becomes someone else’s provision. His wisdom feeds families. His leadership protects communities. His faithfulness saves lives.
This is one of the clearest pictures of Kingdom influence in Joseph’s story. God-given influence should be used for the good of others.
Our culture often measures influence by visibility. How many people know your name? How many people follow you? How important is your position? Jesus gives us another measurement. Who are you serving? Whose life is stronger because God placed you in it? Who has been encouraged by your words? Who has received an opportunity because you opened a door? Who is growing because you invested time in them? Who sees Jesus more clearly because they have watched you follow Him?
Some of the most powerful influence in the Kingdom happens where nobody applauds. A parent praying with a child. A teacher encouraging a struggling student. A supervisor helping an employee grow. A friend listening when someone is hurting. A Life Group leader opening a home. These moments may feel ordinary, but God can use them in extraordinary ways.
Joseph did not receive influence simply so Joseph could become more important. God positioned Joseph because people were going to need what God had placed inside him.
Look around today. Someone in your world needs encouragement, wisdom, generosity, patience, or hope.
Ask the Holy Spirit: “Who can I serve with the influence You have entrusted to me?”
Reflection Questions:
- Who has positively influenced your life through serving rather than seeking recognition?
- Whose life could you intentionally strengthen this week?
- What gift, resource, opportunity, or experience could you use to serve someone else?
Suggested Reading: Philippians 2:3–8
Prayer:
Jesus, You came not to be served but to serve. Give me Your heart for the people around me. Show me how to use what You have placed in my hands to strengthen, encourage, and serve others. Amen.
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: Genesis 41:55
“When all Egypt began to feel the famine, the people cried to Pharaoh for food. Then Pharaoh told all the Egyptians, ‘Go to Joseph and do what he tells you.’”
Devotional Thought:
When Pharaoh promotes Joseph, Joseph does not sit around admiring his new title. He goes to work. For seven years, Joseph travels throughout Egypt, develops a plan, stores grain, and prepares the nation for the famine God revealed was coming.
Then the famine arrives. Suddenly, Joseph’s preparation becomes someone else’s provision. His wisdom feeds families. His leadership protects communities. His faithfulness saves lives.
This is one of the clearest pictures of Kingdom influence in Joseph’s story. God-given influence should be used for the good of others.
Our culture often measures influence by visibility. How many people know your name? How many people follow you? How important is your position? Jesus gives us another measurement. Who are you serving? Whose life is stronger because God placed you in it? Who has been encouraged by your words? Who has received an opportunity because you opened a door? Who is growing because you invested time in them? Who sees Jesus more clearly because they have watched you follow Him?
Some of the most powerful influence in the Kingdom happens where nobody applauds. A parent praying with a child. A teacher encouraging a struggling student. A supervisor helping an employee grow. A friend listening when someone is hurting. A Life Group leader opening a home. These moments may feel ordinary, but God can use them in extraordinary ways.
Joseph did not receive influence simply so Joseph could become more important. God positioned Joseph because people were going to need what God had placed inside him.
Look around today. Someone in your world needs encouragement, wisdom, generosity, patience, or hope.
Ask the Holy Spirit: “Who can I serve with the influence You have entrusted to me?”
Reflection Questions:
- Who has positively influenced your life through serving rather than seeking recognition?
- Whose life could you intentionally strengthen this week?
- What gift, resource, opportunity, or experience could you use to serve someone else?
Suggested Reading: Philippians 2:3–8
Prayer:
Jesus, You came not to be served but to serve. Give me Your heart for the people around me. Show me how to use what You have placed in my hands to strengthen, encourage, and serve others. Amen.
Day 4 — When the Tables Turn
Memory Verse of the Week:
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: Genesis 42:6
“Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.”
Devotional Thought:
Years earlier, Joseph had stood powerless before his brothers. They stripped him of his robe, threw him into a pit, ignored his cries, and sold him into slavery. Now everything has changed. Joseph’s brothers stand before him in Egypt, and they do not even recognize him. Joseph has the authority. Joseph has the resources. Joseph has the power. The tables have completely turned.
That creates one of the greatest tests of influence in Joseph’s life. What will Joseph do now that he has the power to hurt the people who once hurt him?
Influence often reveals what is already happening inside our hearts. It is easy to talk about humility when we have little authority. It is different when we finally have the ability to get our way. You may have the authority to embarrass someone—but should you? You may know information that could damage someone—but should you share it? You may have the ability to shut somebody out—but should you? You may finally have an opportunity to make someone who hurt you feel what you felt—but should you?
The Holy Spirit wants to shape not only what we do when we are powerless, but also what we do when we have power. Joseph’s hidden years with God mattered. The pit, the prison, and the waiting had formed something inside him. Character developed in private affects how we steward influence in public.
Ask God to search your heart today. Do you use authority to prove something, control people, or settle scores? Or is your influence surrendered to Jesus?
The greatest question is not simply whether God can give us more influence. It is whether our hearts are becoming trustworthy enough to steward it.
Reflection Questions:
- Why does power often reveal what is already in our hearts?
- When are you most tempted to misuse your influence or authority?
- What character quality is the Holy Spirit currently developing in you?
Suggested Reading: Romans 12:17–21
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, search my heart and form the character of Jesus in me. Help me use authority with humility, wisdom, and grace. Make me trustworthy with whatever influence You place in my hands. Amen.
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: Genesis 42:6
“Now Joseph was the governor of the land, the person who sold grain to all its people. So when Joseph’s brothers arrived, they bowed down to him with their faces to the ground.”
Devotional Thought:
Years earlier, Joseph had stood powerless before his brothers. They stripped him of his robe, threw him into a pit, ignored his cries, and sold him into slavery. Now everything has changed. Joseph’s brothers stand before him in Egypt, and they do not even recognize him. Joseph has the authority. Joseph has the resources. Joseph has the power. The tables have completely turned.
That creates one of the greatest tests of influence in Joseph’s life. What will Joseph do now that he has the power to hurt the people who once hurt him?
Influence often reveals what is already happening inside our hearts. It is easy to talk about humility when we have little authority. It is different when we finally have the ability to get our way. You may have the authority to embarrass someone—but should you? You may know information that could damage someone—but should you share it? You may have the ability to shut somebody out—but should you? You may finally have an opportunity to make someone who hurt you feel what you felt—but should you?
The Holy Spirit wants to shape not only what we do when we are powerless, but also what we do when we have power. Joseph’s hidden years with God mattered. The pit, the prison, and the waiting had formed something inside him. Character developed in private affects how we steward influence in public.
Ask God to search your heart today. Do you use authority to prove something, control people, or settle scores? Or is your influence surrendered to Jesus?
The greatest question is not simply whether God can give us more influence. It is whether our hearts are becoming trustworthy enough to steward it.
Reflection Questions:
- Why does power often reveal what is already in our hearts?
- When are you most tempted to misuse your influence or authority?
- What character quality is the Holy Spirit currently developing in you?
Suggested Reading: Romans 12:17–21
Prayer:
Holy Spirit, search my heart and form the character of Jesus in me. Help me use authority with humility, wisdom, and grace. Make me trustworthy with whatever influence You place in my hands. Amen.
Day 5 — The Influence of Mercy
Memory Verse of the Week:
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: Genesis 45:4–5
“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.’”
Devotional Thought:
Imagine what Joseph’s brothers must have felt when they realized the powerful ruler standing in front of them was Joseph. The brother they betrayed was alive, and now he had the power to determine their future.
Joseph could have used his influence to punish them. Instead, he chose mercy. Notice that Joseph does not pretend nothing happened. He says clearly, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt.” Mercy does not require us to rewrite the past. Forgiveness does not mean pretending the wound did not hurt or calling evil good. Joseph acknowledges what happened, but he refuses to allow the pain of yesterday to determine how he will use his power today.
That is spiritual maturity.
Joseph could retaliate. Instead, he begins restoring his family. He could use his authority to settle a score. Instead, he uses it to save lives. Mercy may be one of the greatest uses of influence.
Jesus demonstrated this perfectly. He possessed all authority, yet He used His power to heal, serve, forgive, restore, and ultimately give His life for us. The world often views strength as the ability to make others pay. Jesus shows us that strength can also look like having the power to retaliate and choosing grace instead.
Maybe someone has hurt you. Choosing mercy does not mean eliminating wisdom or healthy boundaries. It means surrendering revenge to God and refusing to let bitterness control your response.
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the mercy you have received from Jesus. The influence God has given you can be used to wound people or restore them.
Choose restoration. Choose grace. Choose mercy.
Reflection Questions:
- What is the difference between mercy and pretending wrongdoing did not happen?
- Why can extending mercy require greater strength than retaliation?
- Is there a relationship where the Holy Spirit is asking you to respond differently?
Suggested Reading: Luke 6:27–36
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the mercy You have shown me through Jesus. Help me release bitterness and surrender revenge to You. May the influence You give me always be marked by truth, grace, and restoration. Amen.
Luke 12:48 “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
Scripture: Genesis 45:4–5
“Then Joseph said to his brothers, ‘Come close to me.’ When they had done so, he said, ‘I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.’”
Devotional Thought:
Imagine what Joseph’s brothers must have felt when they realized the powerful ruler standing in front of them was Joseph. The brother they betrayed was alive, and now he had the power to determine their future.
Joseph could have used his influence to punish them. Instead, he chose mercy. Notice that Joseph does not pretend nothing happened. He says clearly, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt.” Mercy does not require us to rewrite the past. Forgiveness does not mean pretending the wound did not hurt or calling evil good. Joseph acknowledges what happened, but he refuses to allow the pain of yesterday to determine how he will use his power today.
That is spiritual maturity.
Joseph could retaliate. Instead, he begins restoring his family. He could use his authority to settle a score. Instead, he uses it to save lives. Mercy may be one of the greatest uses of influence.
Jesus demonstrated this perfectly. He possessed all authority, yet He used His power to heal, serve, forgive, restore, and ultimately give His life for us. The world often views strength as the ability to make others pay. Jesus shows us that strength can also look like having the power to retaliate and choosing grace instead.
Maybe someone has hurt you. Choosing mercy does not mean eliminating wisdom or healthy boundaries. It means surrendering revenge to God and refusing to let bitterness control your response.
Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with the mercy you have received from Jesus. The influence God has given you can be used to wound people or restore them.
Choose restoration. Choose grace. Choose mercy.
Reflection Questions:
- What is the difference between mercy and pretending wrongdoing did not happen?
- Why can extending mercy require greater strength than retaliation?
- Is there a relationship where the Holy Spirit is asking you to respond differently?
Suggested Reading: Luke 6:27–36
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the mercy You have shown me through Jesus. Help me release bitterness and surrender revenge to You. May the influence You give me always be marked by truth, grace, and restoration. Amen.