Session 6: They Say Vilify; Jesus Says Wake Up!
Book, Chapters 9 & 10
Workbook: Lessons 9 & 10
Welcome to Session 6 of the We Will Not Be Silenced Online Course.
We are living in a nation that is angry. Social media and the internet make it easy to share an opinion, publicly blame or shame people, and publicly express outrage over anything and everything. Having an honest conversation where people rationally discuss differences of opinion is almost unheard of today. As Christ-followers, we should make every effort to not contribute to the noise by name-calling and shouting at those who disagree with us. We should aim to be Christ-like in every conversation we have, both face-to-face and online!
One way we model our faithfulness to Jesus is by treating others (especially those who disagree with us) with honor and respect. While at times difficult to model honor, it is possible to honor those we disagree with. It may be wise to make a commitment that you'll only discuss difficult topics when you feel you can do so in love. If you talk biblical truth and virtue but talk in hate, what have you really accomplished?
Strengthening the church and those in it is crucial! Pastor Lutzer encourages us all to be gospel-driven, to love Jesus with passion, and to suffer from grace. In your daily life, ask God to help you with those things.
There is a plea to the Lord in Psalm 139. The psalmist asks God to search his heart and reveal any wrong that might be present. As you reflect on all that you have learned through this book and about our culture, make the prayer of Psalm 139 your prayer as well.
Thanks so much for joining this online course.
God Bless!
Join The Conversation!
What does it mean to be a welcoming church to those who disagree with us, and at the same time, not affirm their views? How does this look in practice?
Social media has contributed significantly to this age of outrage. What guidelines should Christians follow when they post their views and response on social media?
Follow this link to share your thoughts with a community of others taking this course on our Facebook group!
Helpful Resources
Scriptures to Meditate On
“Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name...let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” —1 Peter 4:16, 19
“For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” —1 John 5:3–4
Scripture References
Acts 4:29
Matthew 4:11–12
Matthew 5:44
1 Peter 2:9
John 17:18
1 Peter 2:12
Philippians 2:15
2 Timothy 2:4
Hebrews 12:1–2
Revelation 13:4
Mark 16:15
Matthew 9:37
John 17:17
1 Thessalonians 4:1–4
1 Corinthians 6:9
Galatians 6:7
John 14:15
1 John 2:15–17
John 15:18
John 16:33
Revelation 3:1–6
Psalm 139: 23–24