A Chrisian's Guide to Social Media
Core Seminar: A Christian's Guide to Social Media • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Transcript
Service Notes
Service Notes
Funeral for James Cooke / faithful in all the things that matter / consider what is important
Introduction
Introduction
Story/ What-a-burger
Two reasons to share.
(1) Share that I am not judging what people do as a hobby, nor am I telling you this is the future get on board
(2) Highlight how different the world has become since we all run our own publication these days
Quick Overview of Slide
Quick Overview of Slide
There are 4.8 billion social media users worldwide, representing 59.9% of the global population and 92.7% of all internet users.
There were 150 million new social media users between April 2022 and April 2023 – a 3.2% increase year-over-year. If we break those numbers down, it equals approximately 410,000 new social users every day – and 4.7 every second.
People use an average of 6.6 different social networks each month.
The average time spent on social media daily is 2 hours and 24 minutes.
If we add it all together, the world collectively spends 11.5 billion hours on social media platforms daily.
As of April 2023, the top most used social media platforms, ranked by global active users, were Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and WeChat.
“When a habit is formed, the brain stops fully participating in decision making. The patterns we have unfold automatically.” - The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg
2 Corinthians 10:5 “5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;”
Introduction
Introduction
A. Social media is understood as the different forms of online communication used by people to create networks, communities, and collectives to share information, ideas, messages, and other content, such as photos and videos.
B. It may seem like the Bible doesn’t say anything about social media, but the Bible says a lot about human interaction, and that’s ultimately what social media is about.
C. Walk in wisdom towards outsiders, making the best use of the time. Col 4:5
Context
Context
A. Paul & Timothy writing to the Colossae church to address issues in the church
B. CH 1&2 - The Supremacy of Christ, over our personal identities and our identities as a church.
1. 2:6-15 addressing Roman practices
2. 2:16-23 addressing Jewish customs
C. CH 3&4 - Because Christ is supreme, we should act like Christ.
1. Off with the old, doing away with sin in life
2. Changing how we do life at home
D. End of Ch 4 - focusing on interacting with the world outside the church
Colossians 4:5 “5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.”
Greatest Needs: Security, Identity, Longing, Purpose, Competence
Psalm 23 (KJV)
A Psalm of David.
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Facebook: What’s on your mind? So many have responded with “you decide for me.” In doing so we are led, shepherded by whoever give control.
1. Security: Who can I trust?
1. Security: Who can I trust?
You probably do not think you find your security in your device.
What happens when you are without it or there is no wifi. What you are experiencing is insecurity.
What all can you do with your phone?
Better yet what can’t you do with a phone?
Many people have altered their lives to only do the things their phone can do.
It explains why you are so happy when you get a new one.
In regards to security what is worship? Looking to God tp supply your needs. Philippians 4:19 “19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
In regards to security what is idolatry? Look to anyone or anything our side of God for what only we are designed to received from Him.
2. Identity: Who am I?
2. Identity: Who am I?
Posting causes us to only focus on the aspects of our lives that interest others.
Instead of living our lives as we should we start living a “guided reality TV show.”
In regard to identity what is worship? Finding our identity in the new life given to us by God. John 1:12 “12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
In regards to identity what is idolatry? Looking to others to help us find selfworth.
3. Belonging: Who wants me in their life?
3. Belonging: Who wants me in their life?
Teens and Adults Need for Belonging: Teens have a deep desire to feel wanted and included, often seeking this validation through digital interactions.
Online Validation: Social media and digital platforms amplify this need by offering likes, comments, and followers as measures of acceptance.
Where you find security and identity you will feel like you belong.
Romans 15:7 “7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.”
4. Purpose: Why am I alive?
4. Purpose: Why am I alive?
How you find your security, your identity, and where you believe you belong will effect how you see your purpose.
If your life revolves about having fun then your purpose will be happiness. This falls short of what your true purpose in life should be.
Romans 12:1–2 “1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
5. Competence: What do I do well?
5. Competence: What do I do well?
Competence is connected to who we are (identity) and is often discovered as we commit to others (belonging) and it is found in God so we fulfill our God given purpose.
This is an area that steals so much from young people.
You all understand filters. Social media creates a filter.
Much of what you should do in life will not come with a “likes” and “shares.” / story of going to the nursing home
It is in real life, serving alongside your church family that you will best understand your assignment for this generation.
Travelled to colleges and often heard “I want to make video games. I just really enjoy gaming and I am good at it.” Change that to “I really enjoy gaming SO I am good at it.”
2 Corinthians 3:4–5 “4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;”
1) Will it edify? Or significantly inform a useful conversation?
1) Will it edify? Or significantly inform a useful conversation?
Try to think of what will edify others. All we do is in obedience to the command to love God and others. How will it increase their knowledge, or faith, or love? Are you accurately representing any positions you disagree with? How sure am I of my facts?
Mark 12:29–31 “29 And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: 30 And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. 31 And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”
1 Corinthians 14:26 “26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.”
2) Will it easily be misunderstood?
2) Will it easily be misunderstood?
The privacy of a personal conversation limits misunderstanding. In public posts, some things will sound one way to those who know us, and another to those who don’t. Negative assessments are often best shared privately, or not at all.
John 13:7 “7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.”
John 16:12 “12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.”
3) Will it reach the right audience?
3) Will it reach the right audience?
If you’re correcting someone, should the audience for that correction be wider—or more narrow? Is that audience correctable? When you use social media, consider who is listening to what you’re saying.
Mark 4:9 “9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.”
Matthew 7:6 “6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
4) Will it help my evangelism?
4) Will it help my evangelism?
Is what you’re about to communicate going to help or hinder those you’re evangelizing? Is it likely to diminish the significance (to them) of your commitment to the gospel, or enhance it?
Colossians 1:28–29 “28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.”
5) Will it bring about unnecessary and unhelpful controversy?
5) Will it bring about unnecessary and unhelpful controversy?
Think carefully about controversy. The line between vigorous exchange of ideas and a kind of social war is sometimes thinner than we may think. What is this particular controversy that I would be contributing to good for? When is it unhelpful?
Titus 3:9 “9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.”
6) Will it embarrass or offend?
6) Will it embarrass or offend?
Will anyone be embarrassed or offended by what you’re saying? I understand that the mere fact that something is offensive doesn’t mean that saying it is wrong, but simply, we must be sure the offense is worth it.
1 Corinthians 12:21–26 “21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”
7) Will it convey care?
7) Will it convey care?
Will those mainly concerned appreciate your motives? Privacy in communication conveys care, an honoring of the person receiving the information.
1 Corinthians 12:21–26 “21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”
8) Will it make people better appreciate someone else?
8) Will it make people better appreciate someone else?
Point out God’s grace in others’ lives, ministries, arguments, etc. Highlighting something that will build others’ esteem for someone else glorifies God and encourages others to see His work in them.
1 Corinthians 12:21–26 “21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. 22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: 23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. 24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.”
9) Is it boasting?
9) Is it boasting?
Does what you communicate online draw attention to yourself more than your topic? How could that be spiritually harmful to you or others? Will it leave people with a more accurate understanding of you? Are you simply being tempted to draw attention to yourself, or to what you know?
Proverbs 27:2 “2 Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth; a stranger, and not thine own lips.”
10) Is the tone appropriate?
10) Is the tone appropriate?
Will people understand and be encouraged in the truth that you communicate? How important is the tone to your message being rightly received? Is it evidently kind, patient, and gentle?
2 John 12 “12 Having many things to write unto you, I would not write with paper and ink: but I trust to come unto you, and speak face to face, that our joy may be full.”
Colossians 4:6 “6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”
Ephesians 4:29 “29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
2 Timothy 2:24–25 “24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
11) Is it wrong to say nothing?
11) Is it wrong to say nothing?
Do you have an opportunity or even a responsibility to communicate something? Some of you do this for your job. Have you established a “relationship” with readers, friends, and followers online that would expect you to comment on a particular issue or situation?
Romans 1:14 “14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.”
12) What do others advise?
12) What do others advise?
When you are about to communicate something you know others will find provocative, do you have good sounding-boards to try to help you estimate the response? Do you take time to consider before you publish? Speed of response is both an ability of the Internet and a temptation to speak too quickly (contra James 1:19; Prov. 10:19; 14:29; 16:32; 17:27)
Proverbs 11:14 “14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
Proverbs 15:22 “22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.”
Proverbs 24:6 “6 For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.”
James 1:19 “19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:”
Replacing the role of God in your life with your phone leads to a life of lies
Replacing the role of God in your life with your phone leads to a life of lies
Lie #1: I AM THE CENTER OF MY OWN UNIVERSE
If you are more concerned with how many “likes” your post received than interacting with your friends online, you may have bought into this lie. Technology allows us to easily cater to our every whim. We can buy only the song we want instead of a whole album and watch only what we want when we want (with no commercials).
We get used to things being all about us and our wishes and desires.We must realize that God is the center of the universe ... and that all people have value. We must call self-centeredness sin.
Lie #2: I DESERVE TO BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME
Technology contributes to the idea that we deserve to be happy and entertained all the time. In reality, God is not concerned with our happiness, but rather our holiness. To counteract this lie, we must prioritize joy over happiness, contentment over entitlement, and effort over laziness.
Lie #3: I MUST HAVE CHOICES
Have you ever traveled with a small child who wanted a phone as their parents drive, It can be difficult to make them understand that no, I cannot put on “Moana” right now.
Because of the drop-down menus on our devices and the availability of websites, television channels, movies, apps and other things, you think always having choices is their right.
Lie # 4: I AM MY OWN AUTHORITY
We live in a culture where there is no clear standard of right and wrong. Many in places of authority have failed us—politicians, teachers and church leaders. These failures have not gone unnoticed by our children.
TV shows feature homes with no authority figures, or even worse, authority figures are portrayed as being out of touch or clueless.
You must see that God’s boundaries are because of His love for us, and His authority is designed to protect us.
Lie #5: INFORMATION IS ALL I NEED, SO I DON’T NEED TEACHERS
Because information is so readily available, children can begin to think that they don’t need teachers. All they have to do is ask Goggle, Siri or Alexa when they want to know something. But there are some lessons that they will never learn from an electronic assistant.
Practical Tips for visiting the virtual world.
Practical Tips for visiting the virtual world.
1. Visit but Don’t Live There
Limit time spent on social media, treating it like a dessert in your diet—consumed sparingly to avoid spiritual and mental unhealthiness.
2. Go with a Purpose
Avoid aimless scrolling by using social media intentionally and with a plan, resisting the habit of passively consuming content.
3. Quality Over Quantity
Focus on a small number of meaningful, carefully curated activities online that align with your values, rather than attempting to consume everything.
4. Slow Down
Avoid the rush of instant reactions. Vet the truth, think critically, and consider the impact of your words before posting or sharing anything.
5. Share What’s Good
Use social media constructively by highlighting truth, beauty, and goodness. Prioritize celebrating others and promoting positivity over negativity or self-promotion.
Terms of Service: The Real Cost of Social Media by Chris Martin (B&H Publishing, 2022) explores social media’s influence on culture, personal identity, and community
The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch (Baker Books, 224 pages) provides practical strategies and solutions for fostering healthier digital habits and creating a tech-balanced family culture.
The Common Rule by Justin Earley (216 pgs, IVP) Earley emphasizes simple, consistent habits to transform faith, drawing from personal experience overcoming burnout and addiction in a digital age.
Screens and Teens: Connecting with Our Kids in a Wireless World by Kathy Koch, Moody Publishers, 2015 - Computers If you feel like you're losing your teen to technology, you're not alone. Screen time is rapidly replacing family time, and for teens especially, it is hardwiring the way they connect with their world.
The Wisdom Pyramid: Feeding Your Soul in a Post-Truth World by Brett McCracken urges prioritizing timeless sources like Scripture, church, and nature over fleeting digital media to cultivate wisdom in a truth-starved age.
