.Return to Bible Studies

Entertainment

(Download ".pdf" lesson)

Six experts in neuroscience and cognitive psychology – Daphne Bavelier, C. Shawn Green, Doug Hyun Han, Perry F. Renshaw, Michael M. Merzenich and Douglas A. Gentile – were asked, “Does playing video games have negative effects on the brain and behavior?”  On this issue, the jury is essentially unanimous: intensive play of high-action games has been shown to have negative cognitive effects … Games with anti-social or violent content “have been shown to reduce empathy, to reduce stress associated with observing or initiating anti-social actions, and to increase confrontational and disruptive behaviors in the real world.”

http://www.scilearn.com/blog/video-games-brain.php

 

Can Jesus watch, read, or listen to what you do? Would He approve? You might have thought that the Bible was silent when it came to entertainment, but that is not quite true. Let’s discover what is has to say.

1.    At what cost should we seek eternal life?

And if thy right ___ offend thee, ______ it out, and cast it from thee: for it is __________ for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.” (Matt. 5:29)

Jesus wants us to realize that what we focus on will determine our fate in the end. He concludes that it is better to give up anything that hinders your salvation.

2.    How are our characters formed?

“But we all, with open face __________ as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are __________ into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor. 3:18).

Long ago, the Bible implied that you are changed into the image that you see or focus on. With the entertainment world feeding us a diet of violence, immorality, blasphemy and debauchery, is it any wonder then that our society is filled with same?

3.    What did Peter tell us to abstain from?

“Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from ________ lusts, which ____ against the _______.” (1 Peter 2:11)

4.   What eight things should government your choice when selecting entertainment?

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are ______, whatsoever things are ________, whatsoever things are ______, whatsoever things are ______, whatsoever things are ________, whatsoever things are of _____ report; if there be any ________, and if there be any _______, think on these things.” (Phil. 4:8)

This is the TRUE Christian’s guide for choosing all entertainment. Solomon gives us a reason why. He says, “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he...” (Prov. 23:7).

5.    What are we told to follow after?

“Beloved, ________ not that which is evil, but that which is ______. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God” (3 John 11)

A very simple principle: follow good to become good.

6.    What are we told to be holy in?

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of ____________.” (1 Peter 1:15)

Conversation is used to mean lifestyle. Every aspect of the Christians must be sanctified. Paul said, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly” (1 Thess. 5:23).

7.    How does God view the “scorner”?

The thought of foolishness is sin: and the scorner is an _____________ to men.” (Prov. 24:9)

The witty, wisecracking and insult giving character on that hit comedy show is the scorner. They are loved, emulated and made into idols. Yet, God considers them an abomination because they teach an unprofitable, useless, and thus, a pernicious lifestyle. And Jesus said, “That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” (Matt 12:36)

8.    What seat are we told not to sit in?

“Blessed is The Team that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the ________.” (Ps. 1:1)

Watching television programs that teach you to laugh at other’s expense are not Christ-like since He came to save those who were often downtrodden and in need.

9.   What happens to us if we bring abominable or cursed things into our homes?

“Neither shalt thou bring an abomination into thine house, lest thou be a _______ thing ______  ___: but thou shalt utterly detest it, and thou shalt utterly abhor it; for it is a cursed thing.” (Deut. 7:26)

Way back in the Old Testament, God said that we become like the things we keep in the house. It might be time for some of us to clear out the garbage.

10.  What happens if we keep these cursed things?

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” (Ps. 66:18)

To regard iniquity, is to hold on to what God says is bad.

11.  What did the believers do in apostolic days when they discovered that they had cursed things?

“And many that believed came, and ___________, and shewed their deeds. Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and ________ them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.” (Acts 19:18, 19)

If you have something that God declare cursed, get rid of it. It is better to get into heaven without it, than to be sentenced to hell with it.

It might be time for many of us to junk some DVDs, turn off the television, change our radio station, discard some books or magazines, so that we don’t keep these cursed things any longer.

12.  What did King David purpose NOT to do?

I will ___  __  _____ thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me.  A froward heart shall depart from me: I will _____ know a _________ person.” (Ps. 101:3-4)

Those who love Jesus will not set wicked things before their eyes by watching entertainment that contains elements that are against His principles.

13.  What will “evil communications” corrupt?”

“Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good _________.” (1 Cor. 15:33)

How many parents have seen the result of this passage? They sat their children in front of the television set only to discover that their children learned the bad habits that the television showed. What they did not realize was that the word “communications” (as used here) represented companionship. Who does not know the results of bad company?

14.  Is it possible to disregard Jesus and be on His side?

He that is ____ with me is ________ me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matt. 12:30)

Jesus does not leave room for neutrality. You are either wholly with Him or wholly against Him.

 

15.  Are you willing to follow Christ’s standards when choosing your entertainment?

Answer ___________________

  Bible Studies:

    - The Bible

    - The Origin of Sin

    - Salvation

    - Heaven

    - Faith

    - Prayer

    - Oil of the Spirit

    - Baptism

    - Destination of Evil

    - The Christian Life

    - Death

    - Happy Happy Home

    - The Law and Grace

    - Jesus

    - The Sabbath

    - Change of Sabbath

    - The Seal of God

    - The Second Coming

    - The True Church

    - Not Enough Room

    - God's Health Plan

  Everyday Bible

  Studies:

    - Speaking in Tongues

    - Forgiveness

    - Morality or Immorality

    - Entertainment

    - Christian Dress

    - Victory Over Sin

    - His Righteousness

    - Guaranteed Security