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LESSON 5

SOCIAL MEDIA LITERACY: A MUST FOR BELIVERS

Devotional Reading: 2 Tim. 2:14-16
Topic For Adults: The Importance Of Social Media Literacy For Believers
Topic For Youths: Understanding Social Media Is Essential For Believers
Topic For Intermediates: Progressive Learning Through Social Media
Lesson Scriptures: Isa. 32:8, 42:8-9, 43:19; Lk. 5:18-20; Heb. 12:1; Mk. 16:3

Memory Verse

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly diving the word of truth. But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness” (2 Timothy 2:15-16) NKJV.

BACKGROUND

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, shaping how we communicate, learn and influence others. For Christians, it is both an opportunity and a responsibility to engage this space effectively, reflecting the teachings of Christ and using it as a platform for ministry, encouragement, and truth. Social media literacy is the understanding of how to navigate and use social media responsibly. This is essential for believers in the digital age. A unified and loving presence online can glorify God and draw others towards Him.

NOTES ON THE LESSON

PART 1: CHANGE INEVITABLE - ISA. 32:8, 42:8-9, 43:19.

What Does Social Media Literacy Mean? Social media literacy refers to knowing how to use social media efficiently, responsibly and meaning-fully. It entails learning how social media platforms work, being careful of the content you interact with or share and using these tools in a way that helps you and others. In simple terms, it’s about knowing what, why and how you utilize social media in a constantly connected world. As Christians, it’s about knowing how to use social media effectively and responsibly. It’s about being intentional in how you communicate, staying discerning about what you consume and making sure your digital presence aligns with your faith.

The Bible reminds us that God works through change to accomplish His purposes. Isaiah 32:8 highlights the value of noble plans and steadfast action. Isaiah 42:8-9 declares that God is bringing forth new things, revealing His glory in ways that surpass the former. Isaiah 43:19 speaks of God doing “a new thing,” calling His people to perceive and embrace it.

These verses underline that change is part of God’s plan and His people must adapt to new opportunities and challenges while holding fast to His unchanging truth. In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape where social media plays a central role, Christians must adapt by becoming social media literate to remain effective in their witness and engagement.

God encourages His people to perceive the “new things” He is doing, such as the transforming power of social media in modern ministry. Social media literacy enables believers to see opportunities to share the Gospel and interact with people online. Effective engagement with social media requires thoughtful planning and noble intentions. Social media literacy empowers Christians to strategically use platforms to share uplifting, Christ-centred content. Just as the women at the tomb needed clarity about the removed stone, Christians need clarity in their social media engagement. Social media literacy helps believers understand algorithms and how they influence what we see and engage with.

The Connection Between Change and Social Media Literacy
1. Navigating Rapid Technological Advancements: Social media evolves quickly with new features, trends and platforms emerging regularly. Christians need literacy in these tools to stay effective and relevant in their communication and ministry.
2. Engaging Effectively with the Digital Generation: Many people, especially younger generations, view social media as their primary form of interaction. Social media literacy helps believers reach these audiences where they are, speaking their language while sharing eternal truths.
3. Balancing Adaptation with Biblical Principles: As Christians embrace the changes in technology, they must remain rooted in God’s Word. Social media literacy equips them to adapt wisely without compromising their faith.

By adapting to the digital age with wisdom and purpose, believers can glorify God, share His message and make a meaningful impact in a constantly evolving world.

PART 2: CLEAR YOUR THINKING OF COBWEBS - LK. 5:18-20; HEB. 12:1; MK. 16:3

We live in a changing and changed world and there is a need for us as Christians to be aware that we cannot stop the change nor avoid it. Cultures, government, commerce and relationships have evolved either directly or indirectly with the impact of social media. We can’t keep being in denial of this truth because of fear. Community and communication have been directly influenced through change of media. By clearing digital cobwebs, believers can engage social media with purpose and clarity, staying focused on Christ and His calling. On the other hand, if we decide to disregard it, we risk missing out on the opportunity to learn how to honour God through the media we use. Though the media contains some information that is unhelpful to our minds, much alone our spirituality, God did not ask us to live in isolation from the rest of the world. To “prove all things” and “to hold fast that which is good,” as the Apostle Paul instructs us in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, we must be able to identify and respond to the ever-changing culture that changes constantly through media. This capacity is known as media literacy and Christians are expected to practise it.

The call to “clear your thinking of cobwebs” as reflected in Luke 5:18-20, Hebrews 12:1 and Mark 16:3 challenges Christians to remove obstacles that hinder their faith and mission. In today’s digital age, this involves cultivating social media literacy to navigate platforms wisely, avoid distractions and use social media as a tool for God’s glory.

Practical Ways to Clear Social Media Cobwebs

  1. Prioritise Truth Over Trends: Focus on sharing and consuming content that aligns with Biblical truth rather than simply following what’s popular.

  2. Set Boundaries: Limit time spent on social media to prevent it from becoming a hindrance to spiritual growth or productivity.

  3. Engage with Purpose: Approach social media as a tool for ministry, encouragement and learning rather than a source of distraction or validation.

  4. Filter Content Wisely: Use discernment to avoid harmful or misleading content, ensuring your digital experience contributes to – clarity rather than clutter.

  5. Stay Rooted in Faith: Regularly evaluate your social media habits considering your walk with Christ, seeking guidance through prayer and Scripture.

PART 3: BELIEVE YOU CAN AND TRUST GOD - MK. 9:23-24; PHIL. 4:13

Jesus demonstrated the strength of faith in Mark 9:23-24 when he told the father of a young child who had been possessed by a demon, “Everything is possible for one who believes”. The father expressed a desire for faith despite doubts in his statement, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief”. The phrase “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”, emphasises the necessity of depending on God’s power for success in all efforts Phil 4:13.

These verses encourage Christians to trust God’s strength in every area of life rather than have confidence in their own abilities. It takes both faith in God and the conviction that He gives His people the tools they need to successfully navigate new problems to become social media literate in a world, where social media is a powerful force. Navigating social media can be daunting with challenges such as negativity, misinformation and the pressure to conform. However, God can strengthen believers to rise above these difficulties. Social media literacy enables Christians to face digital challenges such as handling criticism or engaging in respectful dialogue with confidence in Christ.

Faith and Social Literacy in Harmony are how faith and social media work for propagation of God’s kingdom.

Below are how faith and social media work for propagation of God’s kingdom.

  • Faith Drives Action: Mark 9:23-24 reminds us that faith spurs action even when doubts linger. Social media literacy begins with the belief that God can use modern tools for His purposes.
  • God Enables Success: Philippians 4:13 encourages Christians to depend on God for the strength to succeed in challenging spaces like social media.

Literacy in this area is a way to steward one’s gifts and opportunities, trusting God for results.

CONCLUSION

Mark 9:23-24 and Philippians 4:13 teach believers to believe in their God-given abilities and trust His strength to overcome challenges. In the context of social media, this means we should have faith that God can use digital tools for His glory while taking practical steps to become literate in their use. By combining faith and action, Christians can navigate social media confidently and purposefully, shining Christ’s light in the digital world.

SENTENCE SERMON

Social media is a tool for kingdom exploits, allowing us to reach beyond physical limitations, connect with diverse communities, and demonstrate the love and truth of Jesus Christ. By using it wisely, we can extend our reach, inspire others, and support one another in faith. Just as Daniel 11:32 and John 14:12 call us to take bold action and do greater works, let’s use social media to glorify God, share His message and make a lasting impact for His kingdom.

MORAL LESSON

FOR ADULTS: Fact-check before you share anything.

FOR YOUTHS: Limit your time online so it doesn’t distract you from your relationship with God and others.

FOR INTERMEDIATES: Unfollow or mute accounts that pull you toward comparison, jealousy, or negativity.

QUESTIONS

  1. What is social media literacy?

  2. Explain ways to clear social media cobwebs.

  3. What is the connection between social media and change needed by a Christian?

  4. Explain how Paul confronted misconceptions.

  5. Highlight 5 ways you can educate yourself on the use of social media for God’s kingdom.