The Christian & Social Media. The Christian & the World John 17:14-16 Positive: we are not to be...

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Transcript of The Christian & Social Media. The Christian & the World John 17:14-16 Positive: we are not to be...

The Christian & Social The Christian & Social MediaMedia

The Christian & the WorldThe Christian & the World

• John 17:14-16

• Positive: we are not to be taken “from the world” – influence

• Negative: we are “not of the world” – no fellowship

The Christian & the WorldThe Christian & the World

• Christians are now connected more than ever to the outside world via technology; like any tool, it can be used for good or evil

• I am not singling out social media; it is not sinful for Christians to engage in social media; but it has its dangers (Rom. 13:11; Eph. 5:15)

• Consider this: “WWJP” (what would Jesus post)?

The Christian & Social MediaThe Christian & Social Media

• Some Christians are using social media in a good way: advertise gospel meetings, church web sites, encourage others, prayer requests, teach Bible lessons, post scriptures, etc.

• Some Christians, however, are using social media in a way that is ungodly; with inappropriate comments, pictures, etc.

• We should not overreact to social media, nor should we ignore its dangers

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• Typing improper words is no better than saying improper words … WWJP?

– Curse words … “OMG” (Ex. 20:7; Eph. 4:29)

– Disrespectful language (1 Pet. 2:17)

– Gossip, slander ( 2 Cor. 12:20)

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• Posting pictures of immodest clothing … WWJP?

– Nakedness (Ex. 20:26; 28:42; Nah. 3:5)

– Lascivious (Gal. 5:19-21)

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• Consider the lasting effects of what you have posted … WWJP?

– You can’t take it back after it is posted

– Will it hinder my influence down the road?

– Will my posts give reason for concern among the elders (Heb. 13:17)

– It will come up in the judgment day (Mt. 12:46)

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Studies of social media use show the following:

• Divorce caused by unwholesome relationships

• Possibility of addiction

• Trouble having real-life relationships

• Tendency toward narcissism (love of self)

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• Am I seeking to glorify God through social media (Isa. 43:7; 1 Cor. 10:31)?

• Does social media lead me into sin (Mt. 5:29-30)?

• Does my speech (typing) build up or tear down (Psa. 19:14; Jas. 3:10)?

• Do people see the salt and light of Christ in what I post (Mt. 5:16)?

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• Am I a slave to the master of social media (1 Cor. 6:12)?

• Does social media help redeem the time that God has given me (Eph. 5:16)?

• Does social media help me to renew my mind in God’s truth (Rom. 12:1-2)?

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• Do I use social media as a platform to complain or tear down (Phil. 2:14-15)?

• Do I use social media for unprofitable arguments (Prov. 18:2; 1 Tim. 6:4)?

• Does social media draw me closer to God (Mt. 22:38; Jas. 4:7-8)?

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• Do I value social media interactions more than real-life relationships (Mt. 22:39)?

• Do I have any relationships through social media that I need to cut off (1 Cor. 15:33)?

• Does social media make me discontent (1 Tim. 6:6)?

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• Do I use social media to boost my ego, feel good about myself, promote my vanity and pride (2 Tim. 3:2)?

• Do I use social media to hide (Prov. 25:14; Jas. 4:6,10)?

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• Pray before you post … WWJP?

• Remember who is watching you (Prov. 15:3)

• Guard every aspect of your life (Prov. 4:23-27)