Overstimulated
Part 2 – Who Gets the Glory?
Discussion Guide
Our world is full of noise, of choices, and information. This week we are talking about media, specifically social media and how it affects our need for approval. Ultimately our lives are meant to bring God glory, not ourselves. We aren’t meant to glorify others either – and sometimes social media leads us towards both of those. Some of us use it for good, some of us had to get off, and some of us aren’t sure what role social media has in our lives. Let's discuss what the Bible says—not specifically about social media, but rather about self-promotion, comparison, and the use of our time.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. Are you currently on any social media? Why or why not? If you have social media which one were you on first and which do you prefer to use now?
2. Who gets the glory? Read 2 Corinthians 10:13. In what areas are we encouraged to boast or give glory? Are there any limits to when we should promote ourselves or others? How does this apply to our posts, likes, comments, or hours of usage? Do you see any areas for possible improvement?
3. Is it about me looking good? Read 2 Samuel 6:21b-22a. Why did Michal (David’s wife) disapprove of David’s worship and celebration? What was David’s response? Do you identify more with Michal’s position or David’s and why? If there are times when it is tricky to tell the difference between self-promotion (or attention seeking) and honoring God without shame - describe the clues and warning signs.
4. Is it an escape? Read 1 Peter 5:7-8; Matthew 11:28-29. What examples does Jesus show of healthy “escape” from the trouble of the world? How do our go-to coping mechanisms differ from His? Do we follow His good example sometimes, if yes would you share those victory stories?
5. Is it wasteful? Read Psalm 119:37. Our eyes and the things we view heavily influence us. What does this verse say about where to direct our eyes? How could this apply to our viewing habits – social media, sports, news, TV, movies, YouTube, reels, TikTok etc.? How can we redirect our eyes to things that are not wasteful?
6. Action Step: Consider taking a one week break from social media. Maybe just 24 hours? What could you do with the time you usually spend on that platform in one day or one week?
Deeper
Read Matthew 11 This is a section-by-section study of the chapter ending in the often quoted Matthew 11:29. Jesus offers real rest and takes our burdens. Why is He able to do that? Did everyone around Him accept that offer immediately?
7. In Matthew 11:1-17 Jesus reveals who He is – the fulfillment of prophesy, the one for whom John is preparing the way. Yet, how are John and Jesus received? In what way to they divert the glory from themselves to God?
8. In Matthew 11:18-19 Jesus points out that no matter how a person behaves there will be people who disapprove. In what ways do Jesus and John cope with not having approval?
9. In Matthew 11:20-24 Jesus denounces many cities where "mighty works” were performed yet the people did not repent. What is the correlation between revelation and responsibility?
10. In Matthew 11:25-26 Jesus prays! Why is He praying and what does this prayer teach us?
11. Read Matthew 11:27-30 where Jesus turns to the disciples and provides context for His prayer and its implication that He is God. What does Jesus offer in verses 28-29? Notice that there is a yoke, we get to choose to keep the one we already have or trade it in for a better, lighter, easier one. What are some practical ways in our current lives we take on the yoke Jesus is talking about? How does this relate to the platforms we use and the boundaries we place on them?