RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MANUAL 6 MARCH 2022
LESSON TWENTY-SEVEN (27)
TOPIC: THE SOCIAL MEDIA
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.
2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.
3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.
4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee
5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.
6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
MEMORY VERSE: “But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase”. Daniel 12:4
BIBLE PASSAGE: COLOSSIANS 4:5-6
5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.
6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
INTRODUCTION: Hundreds of millions of people are becoming increasingly interested in social media networking sites to enjoy and maximise the relational opportunities of these sites.
Are these networking sites the next big mission field or an enormous waste of time? Should a Christian participate in social networking? The answer to these questions should be determined by whether we can honestly ask God to bless and use our actions for His own good purposes (1 Corinthians 10:31).
OUTLINES:
1. SOCIAL MEDIA DESCRIBED
2. IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
SOCIAL MEDIA DESCRIBED
Social media are web- technologies that facilitate the sharing of ideas, thought and information through the building of virtual *networks* and communities.
By design, *social media* is internet-based and givers users quick electronic communication of content (user-generated content) which is the life blood of the social media organism.
Social media websites and applications are such that enable users create and share content or to participate in social networking.
*A social networking service* is an online platform which people use to build social networks or social relationships with other people who share similar personal, business or career interests, activities, backgrounds or real-life connections.
There are various social network platforms used by individuals based on their interest and purpose for use. Some commonly used social media sites are YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Quora, TikTok, Facebook messenger, Pinterest, Viber, Discord, Twitter, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Google+, Telegram, SKYPE, QQ, Tumblr, Reddit, Snapchat, zoom and other professional/business platforms.
IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA
It is important to understand the impact of our status, photo, comments, or blog posts may have in the future (Proverbs 17:27-28). It should be remembered that social networking sites involved publishing on the internet mostly for public views which include friends, family, church members, current and future employers, school admission personnel, etc. The social media has both positive and negative impacts on the users.
*Some Of The Positive Impacts Are:*
i. The potential of the social media can be harassed for the propagation, expansion and growth of the gospel (Isaiah 11:9; Habakkuk 2:14).
ii. *Corporate engagements:* Social media can help improve individual’s sense of reasoning with real or online communities and be an effective communication (or marketing) tool for corporations, enterpreneurs, profit and non-profit making organisations, is advocacy groups, political parties, government sectors etc.
iii. *Building of relationships:* Families, friends, associates etc, can easily connect and reconnect for meaningful relationship (Proverbs 18:24)
iv. *Social media influencers:* These are social media users who have an established credibility and audience, who can persuade others by virtue of their trust-worthiness and authenticity. You can become a great influencer for God through the social media (1Timothy 4:12; 2Timothy 2 1-2; Titus 2:7). souls can be won and discipled through you as you showcase Christ and the kingdom virtues to the word.
v. *Ease of doing business:* Products and pservices can be advertised or marketed real-time. It gives the opportunity to create a sales funnel whereby a new contacts become potential/serious customers (Proverbs 22:29)
*Some Of The Negative Impacts Are*
i. Uncontrolled/untamed Posts (pictures, video, captions, etc,) *Proverbs 18:2; Colossians 4:6*. The consequence of any statements, both now and in the future, should be considered. It should be assumed that everything written or said is permanent and viewable by everyone (Proverbs 21:23)
ii. Treating the Bible as irrelevant or archaic in relation to modern trends and technologies. Spreading of heretical teachings and half truth
iii. Playing down the God-factor as social media influencer for the sake of retaining followers from all walks of Life (Romans 1:28).
iv. Self-isolation. Avoiding physical meetings or interaction while using the social media as a disguise to engage in some unethical activities/behaviour
v social media addictions (Galatians 5:1): Limiting the amount of time (expect for business purpose) we devote to these social networking site is both healthy and wise
vi. Attention deficiency syndrome i.e. inability to concentrate on a task or programme for a specific without diverting to the social media
vii. Physical disconnection among close relatives. Family members living together can even become familiar strangers
viii. Vanity metrics. Relying on the response from other through likes and comments to your post in judging your self-worth or important
ix Activities of scammers and fraudsters
x. Narcissism. Excessive self-love or self-importance emerges when we rely on social media sites primarily to promote ourselves or draw attention to ourselves
CONCLUSION: Be discipline in the use of the social media. It is also wise to have accountability partners: encourage your spouse, family members and Christian brothers/sisters to view your social networking activities and hold you accountable (Proverbs 27:17).
QUESTIONS:
1. Describe social media and mention four (4) different social media sites you are familiar with.
2. Mention four (4) importance of social media to you and your follower as a user
FURTHER READINGS: MON: Titus 2:7-8.
TUE: Eccl.12:12. WED: Col.3:16. THUR:
1Pet.3:15. FRI: Col.4:6. SAT: Matt. 12:35.
SUN: Heb.12:1.
ASSIGNMENT: List five (5) unethical use of
social media platforms.
