October 14, 2018
Masquerade : Our Digital Masks
October 14, 2018
Jonathan Falwell
Open:
What happens when you look through Facebook at the profiles of those you graduated with? Do you become discouraged as they appear so gorgeous, handsome, or look younger than you feel you do? Does it occur to you these may be intentionally misleading photos? Can anyone share an example?
Today we continue “Masquerade,” seeking to take off the masks we wear so others may see the real you, rather than an inaccurate picture of who we try to be. We want to focus on the digital world we live in—and the issues caused by modern technology. Are you open to having God shine His light on your spirit, exposing the masks you use on social media?
Focal Passages: Romans 8:5-8, James 4:1-8, Galatians 6:10, Ephesians 4:15, Proverbs 11:2, 16:5.
Discuss:
Rage and Anger
- As we have done on previous weeks, will someone please explain why we feel the need to present a false front to others?
- Read James 4:1. What example can you give that has caused you, or someone you know, stress or anger through social media over the past year? How did you (or they) respond?
- Read Gal. 5:19-16. Why will you always have conflict between the flesh and the spirit? Read Rom. 7:15-25. As you exercise the fruit of the Spirit, what happens to the things of the flesh?
- Read Gal. 6:10. Who are we to be good to? How is responding to a negative tweet or post in the same manner as the one who posted the original, lowered you to their standard? Can you explain how hard it is to refrain from a rebuttal, and why it’s a victory to overlook what has taken place?
Jealousy
- Read James. 4:2-3. What is the root cause for posting pictures of new homes, new cars, or new possessions? How does that cause a feeling of covetousness? How is that wrong? Why do we always want more?
- If we seek the things that would enrich our lives for Christ, what would be our emotional feeling?
Desire for Acceptance
- Read James. 4:4-5. What are some of the things the world throws at us that are hard to resist?
- Why do we feel the need for acceptance so strongly that we go to great lengths and sometimes sinful actions? Why is our understanding of how much God loves us not sufficient for all our needs at all times, in all ways?
Pride
- Read James. 4:6. Where does pride ultimately lead us? Can we be proud and serve God at the same time? Read Prov. 13:10 in KJV (if possible). What does this verse say about all disagreements?
- Read Prov. 11:2 and 16:5. How much does God hate pride, which is at the root of the need to wear a mask?
- What matters to God: how we look or whether we are pointing others to Him for salvation?
Our Response
- Read James. 4:7-8. What are the instructions in these two verses?
- Why does James say that our loyalty is divided between God and the world? Is that the way it should be?
Close:
Wearing a mask has become such a normal part of who we are, that it might seem an impossibility to be transparent with our feelings. Yet through God’s help, we can overcome any sin, realizing the lies come from Satan. One of the surest methods of defeat is to spend hours on social media, where our mentality is fed with large helpings of things that would encourage worldly feelings—covetousness, jealousy, anger, wrath, gossip, and so much more, including the temptation to interact with someone of the opposite sex—or an old flame. How does God feel about these hours? They could be put to such good use by witnessing of things He has done for you, blessings He has given you, and His love for you. One lady (many people, actually) makes it a point each day to write a short devotion, overflowing with God’s love. It will not be known until eternity the impact her short posts have had on people, and those whose lives she has touched. Would that we all used social media to further God’s kingdom!
Key Verse: Romans 8:5: For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.