glorifying god through entertainment small group handbook

Glorifying God Through Entertainment

Small Group Handbook

Let’s Talk About Video Games and

God!

Lesson 1 Before We Begin

Read and discuss: 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 • What does ‘prophecy’ (vs. 21) mean? • What does it mean to not treat prophecies with contempt?

The Danger of saying, “God says."

Read and discuss: Deuteronomy 18:14-22 • What is God saying through Moses? • What does God say about those who come in His name? • Are Christians held to a lower standard than the Old Testament prophets who they

came declaring, “thus says the LORD…” but Christians only come declaring “the bible says…”? Are unbelievers held to a lower standard when listening to a Christian over a prophet?

Testing Prophecy

• What is the theme in how followers of God (cf. Deuteronomy 18:20-22; 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22) are to test ‘the word of the LORD’?

• In the context of Deuteronomy 18:20-22 and 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 how might the word ‘prophecy’ be applied to entertainment?

Conversation

● How ought we approach such prophecies about entertainment?

Holding On To Good and Approaching Evil Wisely

● How ought we approach all evil regarding entertainment and hold onto what is good regarding entertainment?

● What methods can be employed so that we may practice holding on to what is good, rejecting evil and testing all views being offered on a subject (e.g. video games)?

Write your answers and notes in the lines provided and use separate paper

if needed.

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Lesson 2 Book Introduction

● General reflection of the book’s introduction (pg. ix): Jot down your views or thoughts on the book’s introduction.

Reflection

● Why should we enter a civilized conversation? ● What is your approach to entering a civilized conversation?

Be correct. Do not compromise. Be a Berean Read and discuss: 1 Peter 1:13; 1 Peter 3:15c ● How might Peter’s words, in 1 Peter 1:13 apply to civil conversation? Read and discuss: 2 Timothy 2:15 - 3:17 ● Why should we properly represent Scripture? How might a civil conversation impact

the proper representation of Scripture over video games (and entertainment in general)?

Read and discuss: Proverbs 24:6 ● How can this passage apply to the discussion of conversation and how might a

conversation over entertainment go? Read and discuss Acts 17:10-15

● How might this passage apply to the discussion of a Biblical approach to entertainment?

Conversation Discuss with the group a critical, Biblical and loving approach to conversation about entertainment. Offer your thoughts and rationale as to why the others in the group ought to consider your position to have merit and listen to them and consider the merits of their views. Discuss a game plan on how you are going to hold a constructive and civil conversation that is centred on critical thinking and Scripture, the next time you have one.

Being an ambassador ● A part of critically thinking about a subject is to identify errors when they happen. Help

fortify each other’s strengths and correct errors. What advice were you given by your group to accomplish this two-part task?


if needed.

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Lesson 3 Chapter 1

● Discuss views of video games held by Ben Reeves in the Gamers category (pg 2) with at least one other person from the Religious People (pg 3) and Secularists (pg 5) categories. Jot down your thoughts. Do you agree with their assessment? If so, why? If not, why? (Be sure to support the reasons for your position with reason and where available data [evidence].) If you disagree: What correction would you have to offer these folk to put them on the right track?

Time To Listen Read and discuss: James 1:19-27 ● How do you understand each third of vs. 19? How should you understand each third

of vs. 19? Why should we practice vs. 19? ● How do you understand verses. 22-27? How should you understand verses. 22-27? ● Summarize James 1:19-27 in its context and then again in light of our neighbours,

re:entertainment.

Conversation

● Revisit and discuss a critical and Biblical look at the three people you chose to look at earlier: the gamer, religious person and secularist. Apply James 1:19-27 as you approach them and their views. Offer your thoughts and rationale for why you agree or disagree with their views. What changes (if any needed) are you going to make in your approach to these folk after hearing the insights of other people in your group?

Being an ambassador

Read and discuss: 1 Peter 2 ● Summarize 1 Peter 1:13-3:15 in its context then again in light of entertainment. ● What is your game-plan to represent Jesus in light of Peter’s exhortation, both in life

and regarding entertainment?


if needed.

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Lesson 4 Chapter 2

● How do you approach video games and how should you approach video games? ● How do you approach your neighbour’s entertainment of choice and how should you

approach your neighbour’s entertainment of choice? ● What are the four approaches indicated in this chapter (pg. 12)? Do you agree with

these approaches? If so why? If not why? ● How do you think violent video games should be approached? In your answer

consider the discussions on video games from an academic point of view in chapter 1, (pg. 7-10) and from Daphne Bravlier and Todd Friel’s concerns from his Christian faith (both in chapter 2, pg. 12-13). What insights about video games do you learn from these various insights? Have these insights helped you see and approach video games differently? If so, how? If not, how?

Time To Trust Read and discuss: Luke 16:10 ● Why might it be important to be faithful in secondary or tertiary issues? Applying

these words of Jesus to entertainment, how might we understand His words in Luke 16:10?

Conversation

Discuss with the group a critical and Biblical look at what has been discussed thus far (Introduction - chapter 2). Has your view of a Biblical view of entertainment changed? If so how?

Being an ambassador How might a critical, Biblical and civil conversation go with a neighbour in a conversation about entertainment? If your answer doesn’t discuss video games, apply the form of entertainment you are talking about.


if needed.

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Lesson 5 Chapter 3

● Do you agree that, when it comes to loving your neighbour, it is important to get to know the uniqueness of their pastimes; (eg. not just video games but the specific video game or genre of video game they are into, [pg. 18])? Why?

● I write that “[showing] an interest in my preferences of video games will show that you are interested in me.” If you do not agree, why? How am I wrong? Offer a counter-1

response to the hypothetical rebuttal noted in the second paragraph on pg. 18. If you do see the benefit of getting to know the exact forms of entertainment that your neighbour is into, what benefit do you see?

● What discussion, on pages 19-22, do you find interesting or thought provoking as a means of loving your neighbour regarding their video games? Do you agree with any of the discussions? If so, which one(s) and why? Do you disagree with any of the discussions? If so, which one(s) and why?

Time To learn Read and discuss: Proverbs 19:2

● Is there a connection between the discussion on familiarizing yourself with your neighbour’s entertainment and Proverbs 19:2? What is the connection? What are some wise ways we can ward off haste so as to fulfill our desire to love our neighbours more regarding their preferences in entertainment?

Read and discuss: Proverbs 12:25 ● Do you see how getting to know entertainment (e.g. video games) may reveal issues

that are beneath the surface in one’s life? (p.g. 20-21)? ● What issues might one’s choice of entertainment (e.g. video games) reveal? What

solutions might you have to offer? If not, why do you disagree with my suggestion that one’s entertainment choices might reveal issues?

Read and discuss: Luke 11:33-36 ● Reflect on the message offered under the subtitle: ‘Be aware of negative

perspectives’ (p.g. 21-23). Do you agree with the premise of this section? If so, why? (e.g. Have you seen this premise manifest itself in real life?) If not, why? (e.g. How is this premise in error?)

● What relationship might entertainment have with this verse in Luke? How do you see it manifesting itself in one’s life via their preferred pastime activity?

Conversation

● Discuss any further reflections you may have.

Being an ambassador ● As a good ambassador for Christ why might it be good to learn the details of your

neighbour’s entertainment habits? As an ambassador how might you accomplish this task?


if needed.

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Lesson 6 Chapter 4

● Another way to properly approach your neighbour’s entertainment is to get to know the community that surrounds that genre of entertainment, (e.g. the gaming community). One way to do this is to get to know the internal language or lingo spoken in the community. Before reading ahead explain what the blurb (pg. 24) regarding video games means. Then read the explanation given on page 27. How did your initial understanding fare compared to my explanation?

Think Before You Speak

Read and discuss: Proverbs 18:13 ● As both a member of society and a Christian, why might crossing the communication

divide regarding your neighbour’s pastime aid in loving them?

Read and discuss: Proverbs 18:15-16 (discuss each verse on its own). ● What relationship does Proverbs 18:15-16 share with each other? How might these

verses play out in one’s life regarding entertainment? ● What ‘gift’ (vs. 16) might you give your neighbour by crossing the communication

divide regarding their appreciation or even passion for their preferences in entertainment?

Read and discuss: Proverbs 18:21 ● How might this proverb make an impact on your relationship regarding the topic of

entertainment? How might this proverb make an impact on your Christian witness regarding the topic of entertainment?

Conversation

Discuss any further reflections you may have.

Being an ambassador

● How might you become a good ambassador for Christ by learning your neighbour’s entertainment lingo? As an ambassador, how might you accomplish gaining this knowledge?


if needed.

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Lesson 7 Chapter 5

● What is your attitude towards money? How does your attitude manifest itself in your life?

● The Globe and Mail wrote in its March 1, 2021 article that in Canada the video game industry generated an estimated “$3.6-billion in revenue.” Apart from video games 2

as a product sold for profit, the industry also gains plenty of income from additions for a video game, called DLC. Besides the two ways expressed in the book, how else have you seen DLC been expressed?

● As a member of your neighbour’s life, how might discussing financial transactions regarding their video gaming aid in loving them?

Money

Read and discuss: 1 Timothy 5:17-21 ● What relationship does the discussion on the video game industry have with the

discussion in 1 Timothy 5:17-21? Read and discuss: Proverbs 22:7; 1 Timothy 6:9-11 ● What relationship might they share? Read and discuss: Deuteronomy 8:17-19 ● In God, Games and My Neighbour read the section on ‘loot-boxes’, (pg. 30). How

might Proverbs 22:7 manifest itself regarding loot boxes? What advice would you have for your neighbour-gamer regarding proper stewardship of one’s money in light of Proverbs 22:7 and 1 Timothy 5:17-21; 6:9-11?

● What perspective of money should we develop in light of Deuteronomy 8:17-19? Read and discuss: Proverbs 3:9 ● How might you advise your neighbour to make the perspective discussed in Proverbs

3:9 a reality in their life (and yours)? In general, how can you show honour to God through money? Regarding video games (and other forms of entertainment) how can you show honour to God through money?

Conversation

● Discuss any further reflections you may have.

Being an ambassador

● How might you become a good ambassador for Christ by counselling your neighbour on money regarding their entertainment?


if needed.

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Lesson 8 Chapter 6

● “All of us are prone to misunderstanding each other over one thing or another; including the appeal of a form of entertainment such as video games.” Do you agree 3

with this statement? Have you seen a misunderstanding over a subject such as a form of entertainment? If so, how did it manifest itself? If you disagree with the statement, why? If you have seen a misunderstanding over a subject such as a form of entertainment, how did you handle it? (What method did you have to find a solution to the misunderstanding?)

● Do you agree with the point of view expressed under the subtitle, ‘True importance can be objective,’ (Pg. 34)? If so why? How does it make sense to you?

● Most people accept that it is wrong to discriminate against people; why is it wrong to discriminate against entertainment? What selfish gain might one seek in discriminating against entertainment? Is there a time when discriminating against an activity like video games is good?

● Describe an ‘unchecked passion.’ Do you agree with the discussion on ‘unchecked passions,’ (pg. 36-37)? If so, why? How have unchecked passions manifested themselves in your life? What was the result? What steps will you take to keep the reins on your passion?

● How have unchecked passions manifested themselves in your neighbour’s life toward you? How will you approach your neighbour in the future so as to counsel them regarding their passion? What steps will you take to ensure that your counsel isn’t criticism spinning from apathy?

● What is the negative consequence, according to page 35 of God Games and My Neighbour, that giving into one’s unchecked passions may result in? Do you agree? If so, why? If not, why? What other negative consequence can you foresee giving into one’s unchecked passions resulting in? How do you see these negative consequences affecting your life as a follower of Jesus? How could keeping your passions in check be beneficial for your Christian witness?

● Describe your game-plan to accomplish keeping your passions in check. ● Read about Jim Sterling’s response to those who caused conflict with him over his

disagreement with their views of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild video game (pg. 37). Do you agree with his approach?

● Read the section titled, ‘Biblically handling disappointment.’ Do you agree with this approach? If so why? If not, why? How would you correct me?

Misunderstanding Read and discuss: James 3:1-12 ● James paints the picture of us not being perfect with tongues that are akin to wild

animals with mighty power - power that can cause much damage; damage such as hypocrisy. What is his point? Why does he suggest that many of his readers ought not to become teachers?

● Why is hypocrisy a problem for Christians?

Read and discuss: James 3:13 ● What might cause hypocrisy?

Read and discuss: Proverbs 1:1-6 ● According to Proverbs 1:1-6, how can we gain wisdom? ● What relationship does Proverbs 1:1-6 share with James 3:13?

Read and discuss: James 1:5 & Proverbs 1:7 ● What relationship does Proverbs 1:7 have with James 1:5? What relationship does

Proverbs 1:1-6 and James 1:5 have with understanding your neighbour regarding their entertainment? What relationship does Proverbs 1:7 and James 1:5 have with understanding your neighbour regarding their entertainment??

Discrimination ● What does discrimination mean? Is all discrimination bad? How might Proverbs 4

1:1-6 help with understanding and dealing with discrimination?

Read and discuss: Proverbs 28:21 & Proverbs 6:16-19 ● According to this verse when might discrimination turn bad? How should you

understand this passage regarding discrimination? And how might this apply to entertainment? How do the two parts of Proverbs 28:21 work together?

● In verse Proverbs 6:16 God describes what He hates, what is it? In relation to vs 16, how might verses 17 & 19 relate to discrimination and how might it relate to the discussion on Proverbs 28:21? In light of these passages how might conflict arise? How might all this apply to entertainment? How can you love your neighbour in light of your application of this verse to their entertainment?

Value

Read and discuss: Ephesians 1:3-10 ● Reflect and comment on verse 4. How should verse 4 be understood? In light of

verse 4 how should verse 5 be understood? In light of verse 4-5 how should verse 7 be understood?

● Highlight 4-5 and 7: what conclusion ought to come to mind as it relates to God and us?

Read and discuss: Matthew 6:25-34, Genesis 1:31 and Romans 5:8. ● What message might both Matthew 6:25-34 and Genesis 1:31 offer? Incorporate

Paul’s words in Romans 5:8 into the story that God wants us to know using Ephesians 6:3-11, Matthew 6:25-34 and Genesis 1:31?

Read and discuss: Exodus 20:5; Genesis 4:1-14 ● Is our value to God subjective or objective? What is the impact on Exodus 20:5

regarding either choice? ● Reflect on the above passages. How might entertainment be applied? From an

evangelical perspective what harm might come from devaluing someone’s choice of entertainment?

● What are some things about your neighbour that you think you can learn about valuing their entertainment?

● What is your game plan to resolve a lack of value in your life for your neighbour’s entertainment so to pave a way into their life for evangelical purposes?

Unchecked passions and conflicts Read and discuss: Proverbs 16:32 ● How should unchecked passions be understood in light of this proverb; and,

therefore, what is the message that the proverb is offering the listener? How can this proverb apply to entertainment?

Conflict

Read and discuss: Proverbs 18:2, Proverbs 13:10 and Proverbs 4:23. ● Choose and defend an answer to this question. It is best to:

A. Discuss the disagreement over entertainment. B. Agree to disagree and thus live and let live. C. Both (A) & (B).

● What might be the cause of opposing opinions being problematic? ● What are other reasons opposing opinions may lead to strife?

● How might pride lead to conflict, (cf. Proverbs 4:23)? ● How can conflict over opposing opinions be resolved?

Conversation


Being an ambassador

How might you practice any of the discussions in this lesson so as to become a good ambassador for Christ?


if needed.

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Lesson 9 Chapter 7

● Why do you believe people may (or may not) spend long times over their pastime? ● Which phrase do you feel is more accurate? Why?

A. Entertainment is experience. B. Entertainment offers experience.

● Have you learned anything new about video games from this chapter? If so, what did you learn?

Nature

● “Many gamers spend a lot of money and time organizing their gaming rigs, which consist of fast computers with top-of-the-line graphic cards, powerful sound systems and monitors that are at least Full-HD.” How do you see these technological facets 5

of video games playing a role in the video game experience?

Self

● “The sense of self contributes to the development of experience.” Do you agree? If 6

yes, why? (What role do you believe or observe the sense of ‘self’ plays in the development of your experiences?) If not, why?

Community

● “At times, the deepest elements of our experiences arise from relationships with other people” Do you agree? If yes, what role or roles do you see ‘community' playing in 7

entertainment (be it video games, movies, sports, etc.)?

Spirituality

● “[We] out to remember that … mediums for messages are not off-limits to spiritual forces.” Do you agree? If yes, what role you see ‘spiritual forces' playing in 8

entertainment (be it video games, movies, sports, etc.)?

God

● How important have you been told experiencing God is? Do you agree with what you have been told? If so, why? If not, why?

● How important to you is experiencing God? ● What elements of experience noted above do you see playing in the development of

your experience with God? ● “Many Christians don’t want to just read about God’s love - they want to have a real,

almost tactile experience of God’s love.” Do you agree? If yes, what role - if any - do 9

you see God’s love playing through entertainment?

Conviction

● How do you think our experiences are developed? ● Awareness, understanding and judgment can lead to strong conviction one way or

another. How can we approach this conviction?

Being aware and understanding

● What relationship do the ‘understanding’ and ‘being aware’ aspects share when it comes to experiences, such as with our neighbour’s entertainment?

● How might you find it difficult to stop to give an honest and logical look at something you experienced and accept a change in your ‘understanding’ of that experience?

Experiencing

● That feeling of disgust or happiness: a spiritual event. What spiritual experiences do you get when you see your neighbour’s entertainment? What do you think causes these spiritual experiences?

Judging

● Do you agree with the way the fictional character, Freddy Non-gamer, noted on pages 49-50, addressed his understanding, awareness and experiences with violent video games? If not, how might you counsel him for the next time he is in a similar situation? What makes your counsel better than his approach?

Biblically approaching the development of experiences

Read and discuss: Proverbs 27:2, 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 & Ephesians 2:10 ● Connect the relationship between Proverbs 27:2 and 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.

● Self: Consider Paul’s words to the Ephesians noted above. How can we use the ingredient of one's sense of self to glorify God?

● Community: Consider Paul’s words to the Ephesians noted above. How can we use the ingredient of community, whether we are popular or not, to glorify God?

● Consider 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, Proverbs 27:2 and Ephesians 2:10. How might your active use of entertainment fit?

Read and discuss the proper understanding of: Romans 14:1-2, 5-9, 13, 19-21 ● Awareness, understanding and judgment can lead to strong conviction one way or

another. How might these passages be applied to the topic of entertainment? ● What may cause a conviction over something such as a form of entertainment to

manifest itself one way and not another? ● What is the solution Paul is offering to aid in you and me keeping our convictions in

check? ● What is the call to action Paul is making to aid in you and me keeping our convictions

in check? What is the difficulty in translating this passage to the topic of video games? How can we translate this passage to the topic of video games?

● How can we prevent a form of entertainment from harming us?

Conversation


Being an ambassador

● How might you become a good ambassador for Christ in light of the effect that entertainment and video games in particular has on the person?


if needed.

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Lesson 10 Chapter 8

● “How we see the world around us all have an impact on how we act in the world…” 10

Again: “how we perceive the world around us will have an impact on how we act.” 11

Do you agree with this view? If so, why? If not, why? ● How do you think perceptions develop? ● The development of perceptions asserted on (pg. 47-48), do you agree? If so why? If

not, why? ● What are some perceptions of video games you have heard? What are your thoughts

on them? Do you agree? If, so why? If not, why? ● How do you perceive video games? How did your perceptions develop? ● Read the negative attitudes towards video games noted on pages 52-55. Do you

agree with some of the responses? If so, what are they and why do you agree with them? If which ones do you not agree with and why?

● How are interpretations developed? ● Critically look at this phrase and respond to it, ‘everyone has their interpretation on

things.’ (Consider pg. 62, to aid your answer.) ● In your opinion, do the interpretations offered on pgs. 56-59 help shed light on why

perhaps video games are so attractive - at least for some people? Which ones catch your attention and why?

● In your opinion, do the interpretations offered on pgs. 60-61 help shed light on why perhaps strife may develop over video games - at least for some people? Which ones catch your attention and why? What solutions might you offer to resolve conflicts where video games are involved?

Perception

Read and discuss the proper understanding of: Proverbs 1:1-7 and Proverbs 20:12 ● How do proverbs help with the development of perception? ● What is the relationship between Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 20:12? ● Hearing vs. listening: What is the difference? Looking vs. seeing: What is the

difference?

● What does approaching entertainment Biblically have to do with the relationship between Proverbs 1:1-7 and Proverbs 20:12?

● Why ought we consider the perception that one’s views are correct and ours are wrong - or vice versa?

● What obstacles do you see hindering your ability to adjust your perception? What is your game plan to overcome these obstacles?

Conversation Discuss with the group any further reflections you may have.

Being an ambassador

How will you attempt to change your perception on issues, such as but not exclusively to, entertainment, so that you might become a good ambassador for Christ?


if needed.

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Lesson 11 Chapter 9

● Eve Birch’s neighbours “taught her ‘a belief in a different American Dream — not the one of individual achievement but of neighbourless.’” How might Birch’s new 12

outlook help us love our neighbour better in light of entertainment? ● People have a wide variety of needs, ranging from first priorities such as food, clothes

and shelter to those that will not kill us if they are not met, but are equally valuable. How might the need of community be an equal value in one’s life as food, shelter and clothing? How might entertainment fit in this need for community?

● Give a testimony of something that happened in your life when the need of community was being met. What activity, (if any) was the community centred around? How big of a role did the choice of activity that the community was centred around play?

● What is being met through the need of community?

Community

Read and discuss: Hebrews 10:19-25, 1 Corinthians 11:17-26, 1 John 1:5-9 - 2:1-2 ● What do you think the author of Hebrews is encouraging his readers to do? What is

suggested in the plea to maintain community (Hebrews 10:25)? What was the apostle Paul upset about in his letter to the Corinthians? How does the author’s plea relate to the apostle Paul’s plea? How can his plea be applied to entertainment?

● Do you agree with my exegesis of 1 John 1:5-9 - 2:1-2 on pgs. 66-67? If so, why? If not, why? (If you do not agree be sure to offer me a correction and support your views with facts.)

● How do you see the role of sin in a conversation about entertainment?

Conversation Discuss any further reflections you may have.

Being an ambassador

How will you incorporate entertainment into your socialization with your neighbour so that you might become a good ambassador for Christ?


if needed.

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Lesson 12

Chapter 10

● Where do the Biblical view and the ‘unbelieving worldly’ view on love agree? Where do these two perspectives disagree?

● What does it mean that love is active?

Community

Read and discuss: Luke 11:1-13, Romans 3:10-11, Matthew 22:37-39

● Breakdown the points of the Lord’s prayer (cf. Luke 11:1-4). Connect Luke 11:5-8 and Luke 11:9-13. How do you understand the relationship between the ability to be a good person by giving good gifts and the characterization of evil, (cf. Luke 11:13?); and how should Paul’s words in Romans 3:10-11 in light of what is said in Luke 11:13 be understood?

● How do you understand the philosophy of a love for God being of first importance as indicated in Matthew 22:37?

● How do you understand the philosophy of ‘self-love?’ ● In light of your understanding of ‘self-love’ do you agree with the exegesis offered on

pages 71-75 about self-love? If so, why? If not, why? ● Examine Matthew 22:39. Which understanding of self-love - your view or the view laid

out in the book - is more reasonable? Why? ● Discuss how the nature of love for God as first importance and self-love might be

used towards our neighbour regarding video games (or entertainment?)

Conversation


Being an ambassador

How will you strive to love God first and neighbour second so that you might become a good ambassador for Christ?


if needed.

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Lesson 13 Chapter 11

● Is passing judgement right? If so, why? If not, why? ● If passing judgement is right, is it always right to do? If not, under what circumstances

might it be right to do? Under what circumstances might it not be right to do? ● Why might someone get offended when their choices are judged? ● The approach to passing judgement indicated in the book is judging people’s choices,

not judging people? Do you agree? If so, why? If not, why? ● What are the roles of judge, jury and counsellor? How can the roles of judge, jury and

counsellor as described above be applied to entertainment? ● Here are two mental and emotional objections to the idea of passing judgemental:

1. They feel personally attacked. Their choices reflect them and so believe that if their choices were negatively characterized, such as stupid, then they feel they are being called stupid people.

2. Their choices reflect their desires and so they believe that when their choices were negatively characterized, such as stupid, they feel like they are being told what to do or what to believe, or vice versa.

Do you agree with the objections? If so, why? If not, why? Why do you believe people object to having their choices judged? ● Do you agree with the exegesis of Matthew 7:1-6 on pages, 78-80? If so, why? If not,

why? ● Do you agree with the section titled, ‘an alternative to judgement’. If so, why? If no,

why? ● Read the section titled, ‘an alternative to judgement’. Do you agree with the approach

to an alternative to passing judgment on your neighbour’s entertainment choices? If so, why? If no, why? If you do not agree with this alternative approach to judging your neighbour’s entertainment, offer a better choice.

Judgment

Read and discuss: Matthew 7:1-6

● Explain Matthew 7:1-2. ● Answer both Jesus’ questions (cf. Matthew 7:3-4.) ● How does Jesus’ rhetoric dealing with judgemental behaviour relate to hypocrisy? (cf.

Matthew 7:5.) ● Do you agree with the explanation of Jesus’ plant vs. sawdust analogies in the book

(pg. 79)? If so, why? If not, why? How would you explain Jesus’ analogy’s relationship to judgemental behaviour and hypocrisy?

● Explain Jesus’ analogies regarding throwing things that are sacred to you to dogs and your pearls to swine to judgemental behaviour and hypocrisy?

● How can these analogies be used to discuss entertainment and your neighbour?

Conversation Discuss any further reflections you may have.

Being an ambassador

Discuss the three points that are highlighted about passing judgement indicated on pages 76-77. How can you show them in your life as ambassador for Christ?


if needed.

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● Can you see entertainment as a real tool of glory for God? If so, how? If not, why?

Productivity

● How do you define productivity? What role do you see entertainment in a productive person’s life?

● “There is no sentence or paragraph in the Bible that defines its view of productivity.” 13

What role do you see entertainment in a productive Christian life? ● Do you agree with my perspective of a ‘productive day’ from a Biblical point of view

on pages 82-83? If so, why? If not, why? ● Read pages 86-87. Do you agree with the argument put forth to explain how a video

game (with or without ungodly themes) can be, but not necessarily is a form of evil? Do you agree with the argument put forth as it explains how the act of playing a video game (with or without ungodly themes) can be, but not necessarily is a form of evil? If so, why? If not, why?

● Read the subtitle ‘Fellowship’ on page 87. Do you agree? If so, why? If not, why?

Ungodly Games vs. Pornography ● Do you agree with the exegesis of the passages offered in the book, (pg. 88-91) in

light of approaching entertainment with ungodly themes? If so why? If not, why? As a means of offering me a correction explain how you understand those passages and their relationship with entertainment.

● What is pornography? ● Read the discussion dealing with pornography and its relationship to entertainment.

Do you agree with the message that is being put forth for consideration? If so, why? If not, why?

● Refer to the discussion on approaching video games with ungodly themes. Do the proposals made translate to the issue of pornography? If you agree, why? If you disagree, why?

God’s glory and entertainment

Read and discuss: 1 Corinthians 10:31, 1 Thessalonians 5:22. ● Paul says to flee from idolatry; and instructs his readers to be reasonable in how they

discern this will apply this in their lives. What is idolatry? How might it manifest itself in your life or your neighbour’s life regarding entertainment? Why is fleeing from idolatry reasonable?

● Explain ‘participants with demons’ in light of Paul’s rhetoric in 1 Corinthians 10:18-22. ● Explain 1 Corinthians 10:23-24 in context with verse 25. ● Explain 1 Corinthians 10:27-30. ● Explain 1 Corinthians 10:23-30 in light of entertainment; connect this conclusion to

verse 31. ● Do you agree with my exegesis of 1 Corinthians 10:14-31 as it is applied to

entertainment, and specifically video games? If so, why? If not, why? (See pages, 83-85).

● “Would playing a video game with ungodly themes be a form of evil? What should 14

be constituted a form of evil? A. The act of playing the video game with ungodly themes. B. The video game with ungodly themes. C. Both. D. Both (contingently) E. None of the above.

Read and discuss: Romans 12:2, 14:1-3, 15, Isaiah 5:20, Philippians 4:8-9, Ephesians 5:3. ● Is having in our possession and even enjoying a form of mainstream entertainment

that plays in the sandbox where pornography plays a violation of Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 5:3? If so, why? If not how?

Revisit the discussion on perception. How ought we approach someone who perceives a form of mainstream entertainment to be pornographic or equal to pornography?

Conversation


Being an ambassador How should you perceive (and thus act on) these issues of video games, including those with ungodly themes, so that you can be an effective ambassador for Christ?


if needed.

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● How has this study aided you in the ability to be discerning? How has it helped you be a more discerning person? How has it helped you be a more discerning person regarding entertainment?

● “When society looks at the Christian, what they ought to see is the Christian mimicking Christ.” In your opinion would applying some or all of the philosophies 15

espoused in this book aid in your ability mimic Christ? If so, how? Give examples from some or all of the lessons learned. How might they actively show Christ-like behaviour? If not, why? Do you feel they may hinder your ability to properly mimic Christ? How?

● Reflect on your devotion to God. Does it mimic Christ’s devotion to His Father? If so, how? If not, what is hindering your devotion mirroring Christ’s devotion to His Father?

● Read, reflect and record your thoughts on the section on legalism? (pg. 97-98) ● How have you seen legalism play out in your social circles (both Christian and non-

Christian) and in your church? What has been the result or effect in these areas? ● How have you seen legalism play out in your life? What has been the result or effect? ● Read, reflect and record your thoughts on the section titled, Christian doctrine vs.

Biblical doctrine, (pg. 99-100). Do you agree or disagree? If you agree, why? If you disagree, why and offer me a correction.

● I record BibleMesh teaching “that 'Scripture suggests that God’s people should pursue wholesome entertainment.’” Do you agree or disagree with how I applied my 16

distinction between ‘Christian doctrine’ and ‘Biblical doctrine’ on page 100, ? If you agree, why? If you disagree, why and offer me a correction?

God’s glory and entertainment

Read and discuss: Matthew 21:24-27, 1 Corinthians 14:1-5, Matthew 26:42; Philippians 2:5-8, 1 Timothy 3:7, Luke 13:10-12

● What type of reputation should a Christian have in society so that it is Biblical, (1 Timothy 3:7)?

● Explain the nature of a reputation that a Christian ought to have in light of these verses. How might these passages be applied to dealing with our neighbour over their entertainment (and your entertainment?): ○ Matthew 21:24-27 ○ Matthew 26:42 ○ Philippians 2:5-8 ○ 1 Timothy 3:7 ○ Luke 13:10-12 ○ 1 Corinthians 14:1-5

● What is your game-plan to establish this Biblical described reputation in your life?

Conversation


Being an ambassador

● Read and reflect the section titled, Will playing video games bring me closer to God, (pg. 100-101). Respond to this statement: “A close relationship with God and glorifying Him are inseparable.” How might a close relationship with Jesus aid your 17

role as an ambassador for Christ? ● What is your game-plan for growing closer to Jesus? ● How might your entertainment bring you closer to Jesus?


if needed.

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Endnotes

Murray, Ian G., “God, Games and my Neighbour: Loving my neighbour through entertainment (Ottawa, Ontario, 1

Ian G. Murray, through Westbow Press, Bloomington IN, 2020), 18

Globe and Mail “Canada’s video game industry is a major player on the world stage”, March 1, 2021, https://2

www.theglobeandmail.com/business/adv/article-canadas-video-game-industry-is-a-major-player-on-the-world-stage/,

Murray, Ian G., “God, Games and my Neighbour: Loving my neighbour through entertainment.”, 333

“[The] act, practice, or an instance of discriminating categorically rather than individually.” (Merriam-4

Webster.com Dictionary, s.v. “discrimination,” accessed April 27, 2021, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discrimination.).

Murray, Ian G., “God, Games and my Neighbour: Loving my neighbour through entertainment.” 405

Ibid. 416

Ibid. 427

Ibid. 448

Ibid. 459

Ibid. 2210

Ibid. 5211

Ibid. 63-6412

Ibid. 8213

Ibid. 8614

Ibid. 9415

Ibid. 9916

Ibid. 10017

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discrimination

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/discrimination

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/adv/article-canadas-video-game-industry-is-a-major-player-on-the-world-stage/




glorifying god through entertainment small group handbook

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