Social Media Monsters
Galatians 5:13-20
Experiencing Freedom Over Darkness (Series)
Galatians 5:13-14
13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Leviticus 19:18)
First century Judaizers believed Paul’s doctrine of grace was dangerous! They said it replaced Law with license. They misunderstood Paul’s teaching about grace. No one can become a rebel who depends on God’s grace. The legalist will eventually rebel, because they are living in bondage, seeking the praise of others.
Galatians 5:15
If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Legalism is the dangerous doctrine, because legalism attempts to do the impossible by changing the old nature and make it obey God’s Laws.
A constant social connection shows our need for people’s approval and a fear of missing out. We are seeking after our own glory, and self-glory is never enough.
Galatians 5:16-18
16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
The Desires of the flesh. Only the Spirit enables us to overcome the flesh. If the Holy Spirit controls the body, then we walk in the Spirit. If the flesh controls the body, then we walk in the desires of the flesh. The Spirit and the flesh have different appetites, and this is what creates the conflict.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
If we are willingly led by the Spirit… The Holy Spirit writes God’s Law on our hearts.
Galatians 5:19-20
19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions.
The Acts of the flesh.
1) Sensual Sins
2) False Worship
3) Social Sins
We are to worship God, love people, and use things. But too often we use people, love self, and worship things.
All of our social-media platforms are designed to deliver us instant gratification. It doesn’t last.
