Definition and Overview:
Negative influences refer to external factors or internal inclinations that lead individuals away from righteous living and obedience to God's commandments. These influences can manifest through people, societal norms, cultural practices, or personal desires that contradict biblical teachings.

Biblical Examples and Warnings:
The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about negative influences. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly cautioned against adopting the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. In Deuteronomy 7:4, God warns, "For they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods, and the anger of the LORD will burn against you and will swiftly destroy you."

The account of King Solomon serves as a poignant example of succumbing to negative influences. Despite his wisdom, Solomon's marriages to foreign women led him to idolatry, as recorded in 1 Kings 11:4: "For when Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the LORD his God, as the heart of David his father had been."

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul frequently addresses the dangers of negative influences within the church and society. In 1 Corinthians 15:33, he admonishes, "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character.'" This highlights the impact that associations can have on one's moral and spiritual integrity.

Sources of Negative Influences:
1. People: Relationships with individuals who do not share a commitment to biblical values can lead believers astray. Proverbs 13:20 states, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm."

2. Cultural and Societal Norms: The prevailing culture often promotes values contrary to Scripture. Romans 12:2 advises, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

3. Internal Desires: The sinful nature within each person can be a source of negative influence. James 1:14-15 explains, "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."

Strategies for Overcoming Negative Influences:
1. Scriptural Engagement: Regular study and meditation on God's Word equip believers to discern and resist negative influences. Psalm 119:11 declares, "I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You."

2. Prayer and Dependence on the Holy Spirit: Seeking God's guidance and strength through prayer is essential. Galatians 5:16 encourages, "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

3. Community and Accountability: Fellowship with other believers provides support and accountability. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges, "And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

4. Guarding the Mind and Heart: Proverbs 4:23 advises, "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Being vigilant about what one allows into their mind and heart is crucial in resisting negative influences.

Conclusion:
While negative influences are pervasive, Scripture provides guidance and resources for believers to remain steadfast in their faith. By relying on God's Word, the Holy Spirit, and the support of the Christian community, individuals can overcome these influences and live lives that honor God.1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Topicalbible.org

3524. nephalios -- sober
... Cognate: 3524 (an adjective, derived from 3525 , "to be sober") -- properly, not
intoxicated, free from negative influences (intoxicants); (figuratively) clear ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3524.htm - 7k

The Necessity of Divine Influences. [*Continued]
... the preceding discourse, the argument for the necessity of Divine influences had
reference ... own determination, he is liable not merely to the negative loss of ...
/.../shedd/sermons to the natural man/the necessity of divine influences 2.htm

1 John iv. 1-3
... In all which proceeds from this belief, the influences of the divine Spirit should
be ... But while John presents both the affirmative and negative aspect of this ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iv 3-jan.htm

Conclusion
... while the influence of Egypt has thus been shown to be negative rather than ... Israel
in Goshen was no more exempt from these influences than were the patriarchs ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter vii conclusion.htm

The Note of Idealism.
... of the preacher's life, which is so triumphantly to resist the influences of his ...
It is the realisation in their perfection, not of negative virtues alone, but ...
/.../jackson/the message and the man/chapter iii the note of.htm

The Beginnings of Church Reform
... Thus the advocates of Church reform evolved both a negative and a positive policy ...
a century after his death by a Church penetrated by the influences of Cluny. ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter i the beginnings of.htm

Whether the Reason Can be Overcome by a Passion, against Its ...
... Therefore a passion never influences the reason against its knowledge. ... and at the
same time a false opinion about a particular negative proposition, or vice ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the reason can be.htm

The Return to Capernaum - Healing of the Centurion's Servant.
... All analogy thus failing, the only explanation left to negative criticism, in ...
circumstance that Jesus had had experience of such psychical influences on disease ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the return to.htm

A Memorial Sketch by W. Robertson Nicoll
... been translated into a Continental language, and though such a negative is obviously ...
He was surrounded from the first by powerful religious influences of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/a memorial sketch by w.htm

Doubts of John the Baptist in his Imprisonment. --His Message to ...
... of Jordan?" To see a fickle, changeful man, the sport of outward influences? ... After
these negative traits, Christ designates the stand-point of John positively. ...
/.../section 135 doubts of john.htm

God's Sovereignty and the Human Will
... The positive and the negative must both be present to the mind before there ... But there
is something which influences the choice; something which determines the ...
/.../pink/the sovereignty of god/chapter seven gods sovereignty and.htm

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