I Might Have a Problem - Part 6 [Notes]

You’re invited to join us for "I Might Have a Problem," a six-week series tackling real-life struggles that impact nearly everyone. Whether it’s spending too much time on your phone, struggling with money, running on empty, or dealing with thoughts you can’t seem to escape—this series is for you. We’ll explore what the Bible has to say about these challenges, and discover steps we can take to live with more purpose, peace, and freedom. Whether you know you have a problem—or just might have a problem—this series will help you, and the people you care about, take healthy steps forward. Modern problems. Biblical solutions.

14 years (5,110 days) x 4 hours a day = 20,400 hours (2.3 years)

I Might Have a Problem with My Phone 

The Digital Fast: Detox Your Mind and Reclaim What Matters Most
– Pastor Darren Whitehead

4. Do you find yourself spending more time texting, tweeting or emailing as opposed to talking to people in person?
5. Has the amount of time you spend on your cell or smartphone been increasing?
6. Do you wish you could be a little less involved with your cell or smartphone?

7. Do you sleep with your cell or smartphone (turned on) under your pillow or next to your bed regularly?
8. Do you find yourself viewing and answering texts, tweets and emails at all hours of the day and night—even when it means interrupting other things you are doing?
9. Do you text, email, tweet or surf while driving or doing other similar activities that require your focused attention and concentration?

10. Do you feel your use of your cell or smartphone decreases your productivity at times?
11. Do you feel reluctant to be without your cell or smartphone, even for a short time?
12. Do you feel ill-at-ease or uncomfortable when you accidentally leave your smartphone in the car or at home, have no service or have a broken phone?

13. When you eat meals, is your cell or smartphone always part of the table place setting?
14. When your cell or smartphone rings, beeps or buzzes, do you feel an intense urge to check for texts, tweets, emails, updates, etc.?
15. Do you find yourself mindlessly checking your cell or smartphone many times a day, even when you know there is likely nothing new or important to see?

Over 50% of U.S. adults, and 60% of teens, acknowledge that they are addicted to their phones. This addiction involves more than just frequent phone use; it’s characterized by an irresistible urge to use the phone, impacting relationships, finances, and mental health.
–The Center for Internet and Technology Addiction

Then He got into a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd stood on the shore.
– Matthew 13:2 (HCSB)

After this, Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, preaching and telling the good news of the kingdom of God.
– Luke 8:1 (HCSB)

He was preaching: “Someone more powerful than I will come after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals.”
– Mark 1:7 (HCSB)

I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some.
– 1 Corinthians 9:22 (HCSB)

Enjoy the good aspects of technology with intentionality and limits.

The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to Him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they went away in the boat by themselves to a remote place.    
– Mark 6:30-32 (HCSB)

“We continue to believe the Great Lie of the serpent in the garden that we can ‘be like God.’ Technology and our devices have reinforced that lie by promising to give us God-like qualities and allowing us, to a degree, to be all-knowing, ever-present, and all-powerful. But God created us with limits, and that is by His design and for our ultimate good. 
Instead of rejecting His design, God calls us to embrace our limits and live in alignment with Him in relationship and within the boundaries He has established for us. To live within our God-given limits is to live our lives the way they were always meant to be lived.”
– The Digital Fast, Pastor Darren Whitehead

The world, the flesh, and the devil.

Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything that belongs to the world-the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride in one’s lifestyle-is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world with its lust is passing away, but the one who does God’s will remains forever.
– 1 John 2:15-17 (HCSB)

Now the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar, about which I tell you in advance as I told you before that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
– Galatians 5:19–21 (HCSB)

 Be serious! Be alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour.
– 1 Peter 5:8 (HCSB)

Jesus said, “A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.
– John 10:10 (HCSB)

Distraction. Isolation. Exhaustion. Attention. Self-promotion. Comparison. Deception. Temptation.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control.
– Galatians 5:22–23 (HCSB)

Flee from sexual immorality
– 1 Corinthians 6:18 (HCSB)

HALT.
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.

Learn to use your phone wisely, or it will use you.

While they were traveling, He entered a village, and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who also sat at the Lord’s feet and was listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by her many tasks, and she came up and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to serve alone? So tell her to give me a hand.” The Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has made the right choice, and it will not be taken away from her.
– Luke 10:38-42 (HCSB)

Who Is Like the Lord // From the Inside Out // Courage // The More I Seek You

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