Engaging the Digital Age: A Mission of Hope
Summary
In a world where technological advancements are rapidly reshaping society, individuals are called to reflect God's justice, love, peace, and self-control. While the Bible may not provide direct advice on modern inventions like self-driving cars, it offers timeless principles that address human nature and interactions with a broken world. These principles remain relevant across ages, from ancient Israel to potential future colonies on Jupiter's moons.
The digital revolution has brought about incredible changes, comparable to the transformative effects of the Industrial Revolution. Just as the steam engine and power loom revolutionized society, today's digital technologies have made luxuries like instant global communication and on-demand services part of everyday life. However, these advancements come with significant challenges. Society grapples with issues such as child labor, homelessness, and the ethical implications of medical experiments, reminiscent of the darker aspects of the Victorian era.
The digital age has introduced a new set of problems. People are more anxious and isolated than ever before, with social media contributing to a fractured society and stunted adolescent development. Disinformation threatens democracy, and addictive algorithms have made society dependent on technology for basic functions. This dependency is likened to the plight of orphans in Charles Dickens' novels, with humanity begging for more from an ever-present digital overseer.
In this context, the question arises: How should individuals engage with technology? The answer is not to withdraw or retreat from society but to embrace a mission within the digital world. This mission involves bringing healing and hope to the brokenness of the day, much like the Christians of Victorian England who adopted orphans, advocated for labor reforms, and fought for women's rights. The challenge is to avoid the sidelines and engage actively in transforming society through technology.
The biblical principle of being "in the world, but not of it" is often misunderstood. It is not a call to isolation but a directive to be distinct and set apart while being intentionally sent into the world on a mission. This is exemplified by Jesus' own mission, as he was sent not to condemn the world but to save it. His followers are called to emulate this approach, being holy and set apart to bring God's healing where it is needed most.
The digital revolution should not be met with fear or avoidance but seen as an opportunity for mission. The church is challenged to move into the filth of the digital world, redeeming technologies that are often abused. This involves creating new media that reconstructs faith, inventing applications for artificial intelligence that bring healing, and using digital tools to sharpen faith rather than dull minds.
As individuals navigate the digital landscape, they must consider their relationship with technology. Are they being consumed by its excesses, withdrawn from its influence, or actively on a mission to shine the light of Jesus into the digital darkness? The call is to be not of the broken world but sent into it to effect change.
Key Takeaways:
- The digital revolution, much like the Industrial Revolution, presents both incredible opportunities and significant challenges. As society adjusts to these changes, individuals are called to be distinct and set apart, using technology to reflect God's character in the world. [34:12]
- The principle of being "in the world, but not of it" is not a call to withdraw from society but an invitation to engage with intentionality and purpose. This means actively participating in the digital world to bring about positive change and healing. [44:11]
- The mission within the digital age is to redeem and transform technology for good. This involves advocating for ethical practices, creating content that fosters unity and understanding, and developing tools that enhance faith and well-being. [51:21]
- Individuals must evaluate their personal relationship with technology, considering whether they are being consumed by it, avoiding it, or using it as a tool for mission. This self-reflection is crucial for aligning one's digital engagement with a greater purpose. [53:50]
- The church is seen as God's plan for the salvation of the world, with no alternative plan in place. This underscores the importance of the church's active involvement in addressing the perils of the digital revolution and leading the way in ethical and redemptive use of technology. [51:56]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 17:13-21 (NIV)
> "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when he says his disciples "are not of the world any more than I am of the world"? (John 17:14)
2. According to John 17:18, what is the mission Jesus gives to his followers?
3. How does Jesus describe the relationship between his followers and the world in John 17:15-16?
4. What does Jesus pray for his disciples in John 17:17, and why is it significant?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be "sanctified by the truth" as mentioned in John 17:17? How does this apply to our engagement with the digital world? [44:11]
2. How can the principle of being "in the world, but not of it" be misunderstood, and what is the correct interpretation according to the sermon? [41:05]
3. In what ways can Christians actively participate in the digital world to bring about positive change and healing, as suggested by the sermon? [50:42]
4. How does the sermon suggest we balance the need to be distinct from the world while also being sent into it? [46:20]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with technology. Are you being consumed by it, avoiding it, or using it as a tool for mission? How can you shift your approach to align with the mission of bringing healing and hope? [53:50]
2. The sermon challenges us to use social media to build bridges rather than sow division. Can you think of a recent interaction on social media where you could have acted differently to foster unity? What will you do next time? [50:42]
3. How can you use your digital presence to reflect God's justice, love, peace, and self-control in practical ways this week? [34:48]
4. Identify one area of your digital life (e.g., social media, online content consumption, use of apps) where you feel you need to be more intentional. What specific steps will you take to ensure your engagement is mission-focused? [47:53]
5. The sermon mentions the importance of creating content that fosters unity and understanding. What type of content can you create or share that would contribute to this goal? [51:21]
6. Think about someone in your life who is struggling with the negative impacts of the digital world (e.g., anxiety, isolation). How can you support them and offer hope through your actions and words? [50:02]
7. The sermon emphasizes the church's role in leading ethical and redemptive use of technology. How can you contribute to this mission within your church community? [51:56]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Technological Stewardship
As society navigates the digital revolution, individuals are called to steward technology in a way that reflects God's justice and love. This stewardship involves using digital tools to enhance human dignity and promote ethical practices, ensuring that the benefits of technology serve the greater good and align with divine principles. [34:12]
James 3:17 - "But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
Reflection: How can you use technology today to promote peace, consideration, and mercy in your interactions with others?
Day 2: Engaging with Purposeful Distinction
The call to be "in the world, but not of it" invites believers to engage with the world intentionally, using digital platforms to foster unity and understanding. This engagement is not passive but active, as believers are to be distinct in their approach, ensuring that their digital presence aligns with their faith and mission. [44:11]
1 Peter 2:12 - "Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
Reflection: In what ways can you set a positive example on social media or other digital platforms that might lead others to glorify God?
Day 3: Redeeming Technology for Good
The mission within the digital age is to transform and redeem technology for the betterment of society. This involves creating content and applications that not only entertain but also educate, heal, and bring people closer to faith. Believers are called to innovate with a purpose, ensuring that their creations honor God and serve humanity. [51:21]
Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What is one way you can contribute to the creation of digital content or tools that will serve a greater purpose than mere entertainment?
Day 4: Reflecting on Our Digital Relationships
In an age where technology can consume us, it is vital to reflect on our relationship with digital devices and platforms. Are they enhancing our lives and faith, or are they becoming a distraction or even an addiction? This self-reflection is crucial for aligning our digital engagement with our spiritual journey. [53:50]
Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Reflection: Consider your daily technology use. Is there a habit you need to change to ensure that your time online is more intentional and less consuming?
Day 5: Leading with the Church's Mission
The church is called to lead in addressing the challenges of the digital revolution, guiding the way in ethical and redemptive use of technology. As God's plan for the world, the church must actively involve itself in the digital realm, setting an example of how to use technology to spread the gospel and serve others. [51:56]
Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection: How can your church community better utilize digital tools to reach out and serve those in need, both locally and globally?
Quotes
"As miraculous and incredible as these new technologies are, they are chewing us up like orphans from some Dickensian nightmare. That's the world that we live in." [32:24] (Download)
"We are more anxious and alone than we've ever been... disinformation is threatening the basis of democracy... we are completely dependent on our devices now." [33:01] (Download)
"As followers of Jesus, I'm convinced that we do not have the option to just be swept along by all these changes just like everybody else. We have a role to play in showing our world what it looks like to live differently." [34:48] (Download)
"Imagine if Christ followers started using social media as an opportunity to build bridges and not to sew more division in hate. Imagine that." [50:42] (Download)
"The church is God's plan A for the Salvation of this world and guess what, there is no plan B. We're it." [51:56] (Download)
"Over the next five weeks, we are going to talk about what it looks like for Christ followers to be on Mission in a digital reality, what does it mean for us to be sent into the world of our day even as we remain not of it." [52:37] (Download)
"Are you being chewed up by the excesses of these new technologies like an orphan on the streets of Victorian London, or are you on a mission in this Digital World, shining the light of Jesus into the darkness?" [54:29] (Download)
"What a privilege that our God has called us to be the generation to chart the path. We are not of this broken world, but we are sent into it." [55:08] (Download)
"As a follower of Jesus in the digital world, you are on a mission. Your job should you choose to accept it is not to withdraw but to move in to bring healing into the Brokenness of your day." [47:53] (Download)
"Technology changes but humans don't; human nature is the same. So we still have a lot to learn even about the technological world that we're living in from our spiritual ancestors." [36:03] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?