LESSON 8

ACHIEVING GREAT EXPLOIT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
Devotional Reading: Acts 2:46-47
Topic For Adults: Social Media – A Means For Kingdom Expansion
Topic For Youths: Create A Gospel Tribe Through The Social Media
Topic For Intermediates: Be A Representative Of The Movement Of Christ On The Social Media
Lesson Scriptures: Dan. 11:32; Jn. 14:12; 2 Tim. 2:14-16; Deut. 31:12-13; Acts 12:5-12
“Those who do wickedly against the covenant he shall corrupt with flattery; but the people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits” (Daniel 11:32) NKJV.
The Great Commission given by Jesus requires His followers to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, NIV). In Biblical times, the apostles travelled extensively, using word-of-mouth and written letters to spread Jesus’ teachings. Social media today offers an unprecedented opportunity to fulfil these Biblical principles, helping believers share the gospel, foster community and inspire transformation across the globe. When used intentionally, social media can be a tool for achieving great exploits, enabling believers to reach people far beyond their immediate circles and make a lasting impact in the digital age.
PART 1: SOCIAL MEDIA: A TOOL FOR ACHIEVING EXPLOITS - DAN. 11:32; JN.14:12
Social media, when used intentionally, can be a powerful tool to achieve exploits in the modern age. By using it to spread the gospel, encourage and support each other, share testimonies and stand as beacons of hope, believers can fulfil these Scriptures in a way that reaches beyond what was once possible. Through faith, unity and purpose, we can transform social media into a tool for God’s glory, impacting lives and pointing people to Jesus. We can only reach more if only we communicate with them. Communication is vital for passage of the message; we can reach more souls and create larger fellowship through the social media. We are naturally limited by distance, culture and time. With social media, we breach these and create a tribe in Christ. Social media also helps in uniform message moderation to reduce false teachings and miscommunication in the Church.
Daniel 11:32 teaches that those who “know their God” will be empowered to do great things. To “know” God goes beyond intellectual understanding; it’s about a deep, personal relationship with Him. Through social media, we can foster that relationship and help others grow in their knowledge of God by sharing teachings, testimonies and encouragement. Below are how to use social media as a tool for achieving exploit.
Application of social media as a Tool for achieving exploits:
- Sharing Devotionals and Scripture: Use social media to share daily devotionals, Scripture verses or reflections that inspire and remind others of God’s promises and character.
- Testimonies and Miracles: Share personal testimonies or stories of God’s miraculous work in the lives of believers, encouraging others to know Him more deeply.
- Online Bible Studies and Resources: Facilitate or promote virtual Bible study groups, where people can learn and grow together, deepening their relationship with God.
- Live Prayers and Healing Services: Host live prayer sessions where believers can come together in faith, pray for healing and share testimonies of answered prayers.
- Encouraging Acts of Kindness and Charity: Use social media to organise and promote charitable activities, share stories of compassion and encourage others to engage in good works in their own communities.
- Faith Declarations and Challenges: Encourage followers to step out in faith by participating in challenges that highlight faith-based actions, like acts of kindness, prayer or witnessing to others.
Social media provides a unique platform to display and spread the works of faith in a way that reaches and inspires a broad audience.
PART 2: BENEFICIAL FOR EFFECTIVE LEARNING - 2 TIM. 2:14-16
Paul instructs Timothy to keep reminding people of foundational truths. Effective learning involves repetition and reinforcement which social media platforms excel at providing. Constant exposure to Biblical principles and teachings can strengthen believers’ understanding and help internalise core truths. Paul also warned against “quarrelling about words” and “godless chatter” that lead to ungodliness. Learning effectively requires constructive discussions that promote understanding rather than division. Social media can be used to encourage respectful and meaningful conversations about faith and believers can learn from one another in a positive environment. Below are how social media can be used for effective Learning:
- Bible Study Resources and Tools: Sharing links to online Bible studies, commentaries, study apps or theological resources to help believers deepen their understanding.
- Live Bible Studies and Q&A Sessions: Hosting of live Bible study sessions or Q&A events where believers can ask questions and receive guidance in handling God’s Word accurately.
- Educational Content from Trusted Sources: Curate content from theologians, pastors and Biblical scholars who provide sound teaching. This reduces misinformation and promotes effective learning.
- Encourage Respectful Debates on Scriptural Topics: When engaging in discussions, emphasise respect and humility. This fosters learning without divisiveness.
- Focus on Edifying Content: Share and encourage content that builds up and encourages faith, avoiding posts that create unnecessary controversy or unfruitful debates.
- Reminders to Spend Time in God’s Word: Regularly post or encourage breaks from social media for personal Bible reading and prayer, reinforcing the need for direct engagement with Scripture.
Through intentional use of social media, believers can create and engage in an online environment that promotes effective learning, spiritual growth and a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Here are several trusted Christian websites that provide valuable resources for spiritual growth, Bible study and Christian teaching:
- Bible Gateway (biblegateway.com): Known for its comprehensive Bible translations, Bible Gateway offers tools for Bible study, devotionals and commentary on various passages.
- Blue Letter Bible (blueletterbible.org): This site provides free Bible study tools, commentaries and original language resources as well as tools for deeper scriptural analysis.
- Desiring God (desiringgod.org): Founded by John Piper, Desiring God offers articles, sermons and podcasts focused on Christian living and Biblical teachings.
- Crossway (crossway.org): Crossway is the publisher of the ESV Bible and provides high-quality resources, including articles, Bible study tools and a variety of Christian books.
- Got Questions (gotquestions.org): This Q&A-style website answers thousands of questions on Bible doctrine, theology and Christian living from a Biblical perspective.
PART 3: COMPLEMENTS VISITATION AND FOLLOW-UP - ACTS. 15: 34-36
After resolving a significant doctrinal dispute, Paul and Barnabas, along with Silas; were committed to revisiting and strengthening the believers they had previously ministered to. This passage underscores the importance of ongoing support and follow-up in spiritual growth. Today, social media can complement these efforts, extending the reach and frequency of connection with believers. Intentional use of social media can enhance in-person ministry by creating stronger bonds and assisting Christians in maintaining their spiritual compass even in the absence of meetings in person. The body of Christ can become stronger, more interconnected and more effective in their testimony to the world by combining digital and in-person follow-up. Application of social media to complement visitation and follow-up:
Regular Check-Ins: Use direct messages, comments and posts to check in with fellow believers, seeing how they are doing spiritually and emotionally.
Prayer Requests and Updates: Create groups or chats where members can share prayer requests and life updates, helping to maintain close connections.
Sharing Encouragement: Use social media to share words of encouragement, Scriptures and uplifting messages that keep people engaged and supported.
Weekly Devotionals and Sermons: Share devotionals, sermon snippets or reflections that reinforce what is being taught in person.
Bible Study Follow-Up: After an in-person Bible study, provide resources, summaries or discussion questions online to help people reflect further on the material.
Video and Live Sessions: Host live teaching sessions or Q&A sessions on social media, giving believers a chance to ask questions and receive guidance in real-time.
CONCLUSION
Social media enhances our ability to spread the gospel, providing opportunities to teach, encourage and disciple in ways that reach beyond physical limitations. It allows us to support effective learning by sharing scriptural insights, engaging in constructive discussions and making valuable resources accessible to believers everywhere. In complement to in-person visitation and follow-up, it enables us to stay connected with the body of Christ across distances, maintaining accountability and strengthening relationships even between physical meetings. Social media offers an unprecedented platform for believers to live out the Scriptural call to do “great exploits” for God (Daniel 11:32). By leveraging this powerful tool with intentionality and purpose, we can create meaningful connections, foster spiritual growth and encourage one another toward deeper faith.
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: Harness the power of social media for greater exploit for God’s kingdom.
FOR YOUTHS: No excuse for you not to be a gospel influencer.
FOR INTERMEDIATES: Let your social media page represent Christ.
QUESTIONS
Highlight three ways of using social media as tool for exploits?
Explain ways we can use social media to complement visitation and follow-up.
What was Paul’s recommendation to Timothy about arguments.
Explain Effective Learning.
Explain how you will use your social media to expand God’s kingdom.