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

On that day Jesus went out of the house and was sitting by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around Him that He got into a boat and sat down, while the whole crowd stood on the shore.
– Matthew 13:1-2 (HCSB)

Then Jesus went to all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness.
–Matthew 9:35 (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)

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)

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)

“When you give your kid a phone, you’re not just giving them access to the world; you’re giving the world access to them.”

HALT.
Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.

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

1. Pastor Josh mentioned getting his first smartphone in 2011. If you have a smartphone, do you remember when you got your first one? What was it like realizing how much tech capability was suddenly in your pocket?
2. The message takeaway was: “Learn to use your phone wisely, or it will use you.”
Pastor Josh framed the message in two parts - positive and negative. Let’s start with the positive.3. Now let’s consider the other side of the message with point two: “Be aware of and on guard against the harmful aspects of technology.”
God’s Word shows us we don’t just battle technology — we battle three powerful influences:

• The world (1 John 2:15–17)
• The flesh (Galatians 5:19–21)
• The devil (John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8)

4. What is one specific next step you plan to take to use your phone and tech more wisely - so it doesn’t end up using you?
5. End by praying together. Ask God for wisdom and help in how we use technology - for His glory and our good.

Each week, a new devotional will be available. This devotional is based on the previous Sunday's message, and it aims to take the message further and help you dive deeper into the topic. You can find the devotionals at the link, or sign up to receive weekly emails.

You can watch or listen to past messages online!

Your financial gift to support what God is doing at The Ridge makes ministry possible. Thank you for your generosity. We cannot do any of what God has asked us to do here at The Ridge without your faithful and cheerful giving.