Discipleship in the Digital Age | Sermon Summary & Study Guide

Written By Adam Dragoon

Summary

Livestream Replay

This Sunday, we explored the profound impact of technology on our spiritual lives and how we can navigate this digital age as disciples of Jesus. We began by acknowledging the rapid technological advancements that have transformed our world, drawing parallels to historical innovations like the printing press, which revolutionized access to the Word of God. While technology itself is not inherently evil, it requires wisdom and discernment to ensure it does not replace our connection with God or become an idol in our lives.

We delved into the concept of discipleship in a digital age, emphasizing the importance of abiding in God's Word. Jesus calls us to make His teachings our home, our place of comfort and truth. In a world saturated with digital content, we must be intentional about where we direct our attention and how we spend our time. The truth of God's Word is absolute, and it is through knowing this truth that we find freedom.

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. ‘”
— John 8:31-32,36

Message Inspiration came from Chandler Bible Conference

Podcast Version

We also discussed the dangers of allowing technology to create a false sense of connection and community. While digital platforms offer numerous ways to connect, they can never replace the depth and authenticity of face-to-face relationships. True discipleship involves impartation, a life-to-life transfer of spiritual gifts and wisdom, which cannot be fully realized through digital means alone.

As we navigate this digital age, we must develop habits of wisdom, such as setting boundaries on our screen time, being mindful of the content we consume, and prioritizing real-life interactions. We are called to reject the dehumanization that technology can bring and to remember that we are not just products of algorithms but human beings created in the image of God.

Ultimately, our goal is to be disciples who are free in Christ, not bound by the distractions and deceptions of the digital world. By abiding in His Word and living out our faith in tangible ways, we can be effective witnesses for His kingdom in this generation.

Youtube Chapters

Key Takeaways

  1. Abiding in God's Word: To be true disciples, we must make our home in the teachings of Jesus, finding comfort and truth in His Word. This requires intentionality in a world filled with digital distractions. [47:46]

  2. The Reality of Truth: Jesus teaches that there is absolute truth found in His Word, and it is this truth that sets us free. In a culture of moral relativism, we must hold fast to the truth of the Gospel. [01:01:51]

  3. The Dangers of Digital Connection: While technology offers many ways to connect, it can never replace the depth of real-life relationships. True discipleship involves life-to-life impartation, which cannot be fully realized through digital means. [01:23:00]

  4. Developing Habits of Wisdom: We must be intentional about how we use technology, setting boundaries and prioritizing real-life interactions. Our time is valuable, and we should use it to glorify God and build His kingdom. [01:09:31]

  5. Rejecting Dehumanization: We are not just products of algorithms; we are human beings created in God's image. We must resist the temptation to let technology define us and instead live out our faith authentically. [01:13:41]

Message Study Guide

Observation Questions

  1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed"? How does this relate to the concept of discipleship in a digital age? [47:46]

  2. In the sermon, what historical technological advancement is compared to the impact of modern technology on our spiritual lives? [49:04]

  3. How does the sermon describe the potential dangers of digital connections compared to face-to-face relationships? [01:15:52]

  4. What are some examples given in the sermon of how technology can become an idol in our lives? [01:30:39]

Interpretation Questions

  1. How might the concept of "abiding in God's Word" challenge the way individuals consume digital content today? [47:46]

  2. The sermon mentions the importance of setting boundaries on screen time. What might be the spiritual implications of failing to do so? [01:09:31]

  3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that technology can create a false sense of community, and how does this impact true discipleship? [01:15:52]

  4. How does the sermon interpret the idea of being "free indeed" in the context of the digital age? [01:26:36]

Application Questions

  1. Reflect on your current habits with technology. Are there specific areas where you feel technology is distracting you from your relationship with God? What steps can you take to address this? [01:07:12]

  2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of real-life interactions. How can you prioritize face-to-face relationships in your daily life, especially in a world dominated by digital communication? [01:15:52]

  3. Consider the content you consume online. How can you be more intentional about ensuring it aligns with the truth of God's Word? [01:01:51]

  4. The sermon discusses the idea of technology becoming an idol. Are there specific technologies or platforms that you find yourself overly reliant on? How can you begin to shift your focus back to God? [01:30:39]

  5. How can you develop habits of wisdom in your use of technology, such as setting boundaries or being mindful of your screen time? What practical steps can you take this week? [01:09:31]

  6. Think about a time when you felt disconnected from others despite being "connected" digitally. How can you foster deeper, more authentic relationships in your community? [01:15:52]

  7. The sermon calls us to reject dehumanization by technology. What are some ways you can remind yourself and others that we are created in God's image, not just products of algorithms? [01:13:41]

Keep an eye on our Facebook Page for Prayer Prompts and Daily Devotionals based on this message over the next five days.

 

In Love,

Pastor Adam Dragoon

 

Adam Dragoon
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