December 15 | Standing Against Evil Entertainment

Series | The Life of Revival

Scripture | Matthew 5:29, “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.”

Lesson 15 | Standing Against Evil Entertainment

Did you know that the average American spends almost 34 hours each week watching TV?  That is almost 5 hours a day!  Plus, most Americans spend another 17 hours a week online, which is an average of about 2.5 hours a day.  Certainly, some of this time is spent “multi-tasking” by surfing the Internet while watching TV, but nonetheless the time we waste every week is staggering!  Not to mention the time spent at the movies and concerts each year.      

Also, did you know that much of what is viewed on “public primetime TV” used to be considered “pornographic” or “horrific” just 50 years ago?  For example, (1) Two girls (or guys) kissing on a sitcom is now the new norm for our culture; (2) Seeing a couple make love under the sheets exposing almost everything for extended periods of time is common; (3) Excessive blood and guts being splattered all over the screen has replaced the “ole’ western one shot to the chest,” and lastly, (4) The use of many vulgar words that once were taboo in public come now from the mouths of babes! 

From graphic sex scenes to open homosexuality and everything in between we must make a stand not to allow perverted entertainment to cause us to sin.  Plus, with all the death and blood shed on TV disciples have to war against the spirit of violence in this age and not imitate evil.  Not to mention the debase nature of most of today’s music, including all styles like rap, rock, pop, country, and dance.  Jesus said in Matthew 6:13 we should pray to the Father to, “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Therefore, here are three ways we can stand against evil entertainment: (1) Cut off all forms of entertainment that entice and tempt you to sin- including TV shows, movies, video games, music videos, and dirty songs; (2) Only watch and listen to that which is good and wholesome.  We can change what Hollywood produces if we reject the bad and keep choosing the good; and lastly, (3) Pray for actors, producers, entertainment companies, and musicians to get saved. 

Reflection | Do you believe evil entertainment can negatively effect people’s walk with God?

Action | (1) Explain from the Bible why evil entertainment is sinful.  (2) Pray that God will use you to reach out to those who are engaging in the deeds of darkness by their choices in entertainment.  (3) Lastly, for more information regarding standing against evil entertainment read the following books, “Meaning at the Movies,” by Grant Horner and “Hollywood Worldviews,” by Brian Godawa.

One Year Reading Plan (Optional) | Micah 1:1-4:13, Revelation 6:1-17, Psalm 134:1-3, & Proverbs 30:1-4. Click here to read online.