Topic: CHRISTIAN YOUTH IN A DIGITAL WORLD [Church of God Mission International] CGMI ADULT SUNDAY MANUAL 14 August 2022
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CGMI ADULT SUNDAY MANUAL
DATE:
SUNDAY 14th AUGUST 2022
HYMN:
S,S & S 601 “AMAZING GRACE”
TOPIC:
CHRISTIAN YOUTH IN A DIGITAL WORLD
TEXT:
Heb 12:1-2; Ps 119:9-12; Dan 12:4
CENTRAL THOUGHT:
Technology is neither overwhelmingly good nor inherently evil, it’s how we use it that counts
INTRODUCTION:
Information plays an important role in human development. There are various sources of information ranging from the family, church/God’s word to the society through the television, radio, newspapers, etc. The digital world provides a modern medium for viewing, passing, receiving, storing and retrieving information for human development. The digital world has led touch increase in knowledge in contemporary times. But not all information is expedient or useful. In this study we shall learn how the Christian youth can benefit from the digital world, avoid the corruption and remain blameless before God.
LESSON OBJECTIVES:
The objectives of this lesson are to:
- Understand who a Christian youth is and what is the digital world
- Identify some digital world tools/devises
- Understand the benefits of these tools/devices
- Know some of the dangers associated with the digital world and
- Examine some things that can help a Christian youth use the digital world properly
BIBLE TRUTH:
QUESTION 1.
WHO IS A CHRISTIAN YOUTH ? Eccl 12:1; Jn 3:3-5; 1Pt 1:15-16
Traditionally, youth is considered to be a period of transition from childhood to adulthood/maturity. Sometimes, people use the word ‘teenagers’ when referring to the youth, even though there are no defined age boundaries.
A christian youth therefore is a young man/woman who is born again. It could also mean a single adult who is saved and serving God faithfully.
QUESTION 2
WHAT DO YOU UNDERSTAND BY THE DIGITAL WORLD ?
The phrase digital world is most commonly used when defining digital fluency and digital literacy. The digital world is the availability and use of digital tools to communicate on the internet. It involves also the use of digital devices, smart devices and other technologies. Simply put, it is the world driven by ICTs (Information Communication Technologies). The scriptures clearly speaks of these days when knowledge shall increase (Dan 12:4). In Rev 11:8-10, we see that the two prophets who were killed in the street of Jerusalem were seen by all the nations of the world. This is only possible because of the digital world.(Satellite)
B. WHAT ARE THE EXAMPLES OF SOME DIGITAL WORLD TOOLS/DEVICES ?
The list is endless, but a few are listed below;
I. Computers: Laptop, Desk top, Mobile phones/SmartPhones, Tablet)
II. E-readers
III. Storage devices: flash drive, memory card
IV. Impute devices: keyboards, mouse and scanners
V. Output devices: printers and speakers.
VI. Other tools are Search engines which are software system that are designed to carry out web searches like Google, we also have WhatsApp, Twitter, E-mails, Instagram and Facebook etc.
NOTE: A computer system is divided into two ategories (Hardwares and Softwares. Hardware refers to the spiritual and visible components of the system such as monitor (CPU), keyboard and Mouse). Software on the other hand refers to a set of instructions which enable the hardware to perform a specific set of tasks
QUESTION 3
A. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS THE DIGITAL WORLD TOOLS AND DEVICES TO THE CHRISTIAN YOUTHS ?
It is a medium of communication between individuals anytime, day or night, and in any part of the world.
It creates an avenue for learning and education.
It gives a platform for trading and marketing.
It improves awareness of the world in which we live.
It provides a medium for evangelism: God has gifted mankind the ability to think, dream and invent. These gifts from God are to be used to enhance the quality of life and help others know the incredible love of God. Today, a person with a cell phone or a computer, in the most remote part of the world, can hear the wonderful message of Jesus Christ. What an incredible tool for evangelism.
It is a source of christian literature/messages.
It enhances productivity in vocation/business.
B. HOW SHOULD A CHRISTIAN YOUTH USE THESE TOOLS/DEVICES AVAILABLE IN THE DIGITAL WORLD ? Phil 4:8; Deut 26:20; 1Thess 5:22; 1Cor 13:4-7
The tools/devices available in the digital world are neither overwhelmingly good nor inherently evil; it’s how we use them that count. The christian youth should use the digital world tools/devices to enhance or improve his/her spiritual, physical and emotional well-being and not as a means for doing things that will bring condemnation. It should be used to spread the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ and serve the Lord.
QUESTION 4
EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING DANGERS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DIGITAL WORLD ?
I. Waste of limited and useful time:
Many young people are spending significant proportion of their time using media. While there is nothing wrong in spending time on the internet, doing that from sunrise to sunset is completely wrong, having no time for other things like your job, academics, prayers and studying of the word of God etc.
II. Online fraud or internet fraud:
Internet fraud (419ers, Yahoo, Yahoo Plus etc) in our today language involves using online services and software with access to defraud or take advantage of victims. The term “internet fraud” generally covers cybercrime activity that take place over the internet including crimes like identity thief, phishing, and other hacking activities designed to scan people out of their money.
III. Pornography:
According to the dictionary, pornography is the depiction of erotic behaviour (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement. The impact that exposure to pornography has on the lives of young people is becoming an issue, even for primary-age pupils. Pornography, as a visual misrepresentation of sexuality, distorts an individual’s concept of sexual relations by objectifying them, which in turn alters both sexual attitudes and behaviours. It is major threat to marriage, to family, to children and to individual happiness.
IV. Cyber bullying:
Is bullying with the use of digital technologies. It can take place on social media, messaging platforms, gaming platforms and mobile phones. It is a repeated behaviour aimed at scaring, angering or shaming those who are targeted. Examples include:
(a)Spreading lies about or posting embarrassing photos or videos of someone on social media.
(b) Sending hurtful, abusive or threatening messages, images or videos via messaging platforms, impersonating someone and sending mean messages to others on their behalf or through fake account.
(c) Sometimes, cyber bullying like other kinds of bullying, can lead to serious long lasting problems. The stress of being in a constant state of upset or fear can lead to problems with mood, energy level, sleep and appetite. It also can make someone feel jumpy, anxious or sad. If someone is already depressed or anxious, cyber bullying can make things much worse.
(d) Other dangers that may be associated with the digital world include invasion of privacy, identity theft etc.
QUESTION 5.
IDENTIFY THOSE THINGS THAT WILL HELP A CHRISTIAN YOUTH USE THE DIGITAL DEVICES PROPERLY ?
Some of the things that could help the christian youth while using these digital devices are listed below:
I. Realize that one’s life does not depend on it. (Lk 12:15)
II. Hide the word of God in your heart. (Ps 119:9-12; 105; Rom 12:2)
III. Stay away from all appearances of evil. (1Thess 5:22)
IV. Develop a consistent prayer life (1Thess 5:17)
V. Make up your mind to do what is right always. (Deut 16:20; Dan 1:8; Phil 4:8)
VI. Keep good company (Prov 13:20)
VII. Fellowship with brethren (Heb 10:25)
VIII. Show contentment (1Tim 6:6)
IX. Relate with others in love (1Cor 13:4-7)
X. Be moderate (Phil 4:5)
XI. Engaging in evangelism (Matt 28:19-20)
XII. Have a good and honest report (Acts 6:3)
XIII. Depend on the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:16)
DAILY LIVING APPLICATION
The digital world is a resource of incredible information and activities for entertainment, learning, business, etc. However, it may be subject to misuse. The christian youth should use the digital world tools/devices to enhance his/her spiritual, physical and emotional well-being and not as a means for doing things that will bring condemnation. Be among the heavenly bound christian youth.
MEMORY VERSE
1 Timothy 4:12 “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”.
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