MESSAGE NOTES, 8/3/25

Following Jesus isn’t just about Sunday mornings or spiritual moments—it’s about surrendering your whole life to Him.

This series explores how every area of our ordinary lives—resources, relationships, health, and careers—is meant to be lived fully with and for God’s glory.

This week, we focus on how to partner with God as we steward the content that we watch, read, listen to, and scroll.

CONNECT 

  1. What’s the last movie, show, or video you watched that you thought would be great—but totally let you down?

REFLECTION

  1. In Hebrew thought, the “heart” (lev) wasn’t just about emotions—it included your mind, will, conscience, and desires. It was the control center of your life. As you reflect on these verses, what do they have in common and what are they warning us about? Proverbs 4:23, Romans 8:6, Psalm 81:12 How do these verses challenge you to think differently about guarding your mind and heart through your daily content habits? How is this counter-cultural and personally challenging?
  2. How we receive content has radically changed in the last 25 years compared to prior to the year 2000. Below, read the Understand Dopamine & Brain Science section. What is new to you, what is a refresher? How do you see the impact personally and in our society?
  3. Consider this statement, “Your content shapes your thoughts and emotions, which then drives your attitudes & actions.” Refer to the diagram below. Cross out the word “circumstances” and write the word “content.” Reflect and share how certain content impacts you and how it either causes you to respond or react?
  4. Read Philippians 4: 4-8. What is Paul trying to help his reader understand? Why do you think he is so specific about how we should think (dwell) on things? Which of the words detailed in 4:8 stands out to you the most regarding what the world needs? And which one do you want to live into more?
  5. God is providing a way to free us, honor Him and rewire our minds  through Paul’s words. Below, as you review the Content Audit & Detox questions, which ones are you drawn to the most and why?
  6. How will you ask God to help you so that you are not left to your own strength?

 

PRAYER

God, I confess that I often let my mind feast on what leaves us empty. But You offer me something better. A renewed mind. A peaceful spirit. A heart full of joy. Help me to think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. Govern my mind with Your Spirit—and lead me into life and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

 

Understand Dopamine & Brain Science

Dopamine is not bad in itself. It helps us pursue good goals, feel pleasure, and experience anticipation. When we scroll, binge, or click through stimulating content our brain releases dopamine—a feel-good chemical linked to motivation and reward.

But with repeated use, your brain adapts —the spikes weaken and the cravings grow stronger.

This means you need more stimulation just to feel “normal” again. This creates a vicious cycle causing us to seek the next hit like a slot machine for the soul. We chase dopamine in the next movie, show, book, video reel, meme, news feed, article or social media because the content promises relief—but leaves us empty.

Too much dopamine becomes bad because it drives compulsivity and addiction—even when there’s no illegal substance. In the end, it leads to emotional flattening, anxiety, diminished attention, and spiritual dullness. It rewires your reward system, making everyday joys seem flat and unsatisfying.

“The relentless pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain leads to a dopamine deficit state, where we feel worse and crave more just to feel normal. We’re overstimulated — but under-satisfied, numb, tired, and disconnected. The smartphone is the modern-day hypodermic needle, delivering digital dopamine 24/7 for a wired generation.” Anna Lembke, Psychiatrist

Rewire your Mind – Content Audit with God

  1. Is this content true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable?
  2. Is this making me more loving or more anxious/angry?
  3. Is this entertainment life-giving, neutral or draining?
  4. Would I be embarrassed if Jesus walked into the room right now?
  5. What’s the first and last thing I consume every day?

 

Rewire your Mind – Content Detox with God

  1. What content do I need to eliminate? Why?
  2. What limits (when/where/how long) on content are needed?
  3. What Philippians 4:8 content do I need to add in?
  4. What beauty will you add into your content?
  5. Who will ask you – what are you feeding your mind with?

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