Sunday Sermon

Dr. Pothana’sTeaching
Are you a good “online”
neighbor?
10/3/2020©Bhakta Pothana

The Believer & Social
Media
Be An Example

Definitions
•Society – people in general
living together in organized
communities with shared laws,
traditions and values
•Social – relating to or involving
activities in which people
spend time talking to each
other or doing things together

Definitions
•Social media – creating social
interaction through electronic
means, primarily using the
internet
•Internet – a system of
interconnected networks
which electronically transmit
information.

Social media
•Much good can be accomplished
through the internet and social
media – instant communication
anywhere in the world, time and cost
savings, rallying behind noble causes
• But just a click away:
Sins of the flesh
False doctrines and religions
Human wisdom
A time bandit (more later)
Unrighteous judging (more later)10/3/2020©Bhakta Pothana

Just as there are Biblical
standards of conduct within
our community, so there are
standards online. The often
intersect!

Social media
•Can be good or evil
•Social media is morally neutral
•It is how we use it that
determines whether it is good
or evil!
•Whether we like it or not,
social media is here to stay.

Social media
•Much good can be done for the
cause of Christ
•Churches share the gospel
• Churches have a “web presence” –
many attend as a result of websites.
•Portable Bibles and related resources
•Brethren can communicate with one
another
• Prospects and renewed friendships

Social media
•Much evil can be doneTO the
cause of Christ
•Division
•Spreading lies and rumors
•Bitterness
•Filthy talk – profanity, etc.
•Poor examples 10/3/2020©Bhakta Pothana

The Christian and Social Media
•It is a way to let your light
shine!
•Matthew 5:16 In the same
way, let your light shine before others,
that they may see your good deeds
and glorify your Father in heaven.
•You represent Christ while
online as well! 10/3/2020©Bhakta Pothana

•Don’t get caught up in
ungodly behaviors
• 1 Thessalonians 5:22 reject every kind of evil
• Ephesians 5:11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless
deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.

•Beware of dangers
•Proverbs 22:1, A good name is more
desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or
gold.
Romans 12:17 Do not repay anyone
evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right
in the eyes of everyone.
•You can damage your reputation and
that of others in just a few moments
What you post is out there FOREVER!

•Be careful what you share!
•Are you modest?
•Are you promoting sinful
habits and activities?
•Are you going places you
don’t belong?

•Choose your friends wisely
• 1 Corinthians 15:33 Do
not be misled: “Bad company
corrupts good character
•
Galatians 5:9 A little yeast
works through the whole batch
of dough 10/3/2020©Bhakta Pothana

Are you willing to “unfriend” the
ungodly?
Proverbs 22:24-25
Do not make friends with a hot-
tempered person,
do not associate with one
easily angered,
25 or you may learn their ways
and get yourself ensnared.10/3/2020©Bhakta Pothana

• BeTOTALLY honest!
• Social media is filled with misinformation! Lies,
insinuations, accusations, exaggerations, etc.
• Eph. 4:25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood
and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all
members of one body.
• 29, Rev. 21:8 ut the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile,
the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice
magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned
to the fiery lake of burning sulfur.This is the second death.”
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.
• Be careful what you post or forward from others. If it is a lie,
are you complicit in forwarding lies?
Verify before you click!

•Don’t gossip!
• Gossip is telling things about others that
is unnecessary or untruthful
•Proverbs 11:13 A gossip betrays a
confidence, but a trustworthy person
keeps a secret.,
•Proverbs 20:19 A gossip betrays a
confidence;
so avoid anyone who talks too much
•Will we “unfriend” or “delete” the
gossip? 10/3/2020©Bhakta Pothana

•Don’t be angry or bitter
• Ephesians 4:31 Get rid of all
bitterness, rage and anger,
brawling and slander, along with
every form of malice.
•Often posts are written in anger.
Their tone is seen in their choice of
words! 10/3/2020©Bhakta Pothana

•Don’t make unrighteous judgments
• John 7:24 Stop judging by mere
appearances, but instead judge
correctly.”
Proverbs 18:13 To answer before
listening— that is folly and shame.
• Often the product of hearing a rumor
(unverified) that angers you.
•Do we assume the worst motives in
what another says?

•Don’t glorify yourself
•Matt. 23:12 For those who exalt
themselves will be humbled, and those
who humble themselves will be exalted.
• Much of internet chatter is about self-
promotion.
•What about “bullying posts” where one’s
integrity, morality, faith, etc. are
questioned if they don’t share this with
everyone you know?

•Manage your time
• Ephesians 5:16 making the
most of every opportunity, because
the days are evil.
•James 4:14-15 What is your life?
You are a mist that appears for a little
while and then vanishes.
• Social media can rob you of valuable
time you could use to grow in your
faith or to help OTHERS!

•Are you addicted?
• 1 Corinthians 6:12 “I have the
right to do anything,” you say—but
not everything is beneficial. “I have
the right to do anything”—but I will
not be mastered by anything.
•Internet activities can become
addictive! How long can you go
without checking your media?
•Could you go a week without it?

Are you a good “online”
neighbor?
Connect with me
8309511427
pothanav@gmail.com
FB: bhakta Potana

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