The Scrolls is a weekly Bible study written by pastors and other leaders at Central Bible Church, based on that week’s sermon topic. Use The Scrolls as a personal Bible study tool, for family devotions, and for small group discussions. You can read part of it below. The downloadable PDF also includes discussion questions, more in-depth commentary, end notes, and a kids’ page designed for families to study the topic together. This lesson goes with the sermon "Bulletproof."
Cancel culture… we know the drill. A rising star with an impressive message, perky personality, compelling package, and powerful impact catches the attention of multitudes. Books are written, movies are promoted, media abounds and millions are made. But then come the “gotcha” interviews or the scandalous exposés. Careless words may be spoken or reckless decisions may be made. The “influencer” may have done nothing wrong but is at risk if the choice is made to swim against popular opinion. If disqualifying words are not found, then scandals are uncovered and pundits shake their heads in disbelief. Even with unilateral apologies, PR professionals directing high-dollar damage control campaigns and rebuttals made galore, cancellation is often the inevitable result. An impressive and compelling message can be easily and irreversibly gutted by ill intentions, hypocrisy or sloppy language. The hero may be trapped, tricked or a victim of his own vices; cancellation is often the inevitable result. Sometimes cancellation can happen regardless of your intentions or your integrity.
Jesus has won the battle over sin and death. Our faith is secure. If the enemy of our Lord cannot defeat the Chrisitan faith with logic he will often seek to silence it with shame, reproach and the removal of any and all communication platforms. Cancellation is perhaps more effective than restriction of freedoms or rights. If a reputation can be tarnished or an argument dismissed because of peer pressure, no measures of enforcement or eradication are necessary. A message that implodes under the weight of its own messengers requires little effort or few resources from its opposition. Stopping a message by disqualifying its messengers is often more strategic and efficient than counter-messaging.
Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, is a great biblical example of being cancelled (Gen. 37-50). Joseph also serves as a pattern for overcoming such an unfortunate predicament. Joseph was a “star” among his brothers and had all the favor of his father. He was despised by his siblings and ultimately disappeared by them. Sold by his brothers as a slave into Egypt, Joseph was never to be heard from again by Jacob or his sons. While a forgotten slave, Joseph rose to prominence in the house of Potiphar, becoming large and in charge due to his competency and efficiency. Joseph caught the eye of his master’s wife and was tempted with scandal. He resisted but was falsely accused by those in power over him. As a result, he was cast into jail, again cancelled. In prison, Joseph again rose to prominence through his diligence, but lived in forgotten silence when his fellow prisoners failed to plead his case before the Pharoah. How did Joseph finally prevail? By his continued service and faithfulness, God exalted him in Pharaoh’s court. Joseph’s personal integrity and faithful service of others saved a nation and even his own treacherous brothers from starvation. The best counter many times to cancel culture is living faithfully and loving others whether you are given recognition for doing so or not. Joseph reversed his cancellation by loving God and loving his neighbors. Keeping the Greatest Commandment is the best antidote for cancellation.
Serving God and others in a way that is beyond expectation can cause jaws to drop and heads to shake in wonder. “Why are you doing this?” is often the response of unbelievers to Christians who are quietly living out their faith, despite injustice or unfairness. When we live for God and love our neighbors well, we are creating a showcase for God to display the good news of his grace. Consistent piety and compassionate service to others may be the best way to generate genuine questions from those fluent in cancel culture. 1 Peter 3:15 states, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15). Preparing an answers for cancel culture may require more focus on living our faith consistently in private and serving others with little or no glory for ourselves. This may be the best way to silence those who slander us (1 Peter 3:16).
Central Message of the Text:
Because of your identity as born again foreigners in this world, push away from and cease soul-harming habits by doing good for God’s glory, even for those who hate you.
Family Talk:
We’ve all seen the cute little videos of kids that really stand out in a crowd—the preschool ballet dancer who goes entirely rogue or an elementary child who performs at his school choir concert with extreme passion. Most of our elementary kids just want to blend in with the crowd. They want to wear the same clothes, have the same hair style, carry the same name brand backpack and speak with the same vernacular as the rest of the kids in their class. As parents we need to realize that asking them to stand out is asking a whole lot. We often forget they don’t have the same confidence that an adult has. Which is kind of ridiculous because adults can really struggle with this as well. If you have a hard time going against the cultural grain and standing up for your Christian beliefs, imagine the panic your child feels when asked to do the same thing. But we know this is the right way to live and we want to encourage our kids to stand strong on the foundation of biblical truth at a young age as practice for the teen and adult years. There are some things you can try that will be helpful. Encourage an ongoing and open dialogue with your child to talk through their struggles. Give them a safe place to express their worry and concerns. Pray with and for them regularly. Celebrate the wins. Also, pray for your kids to trip up and then use these times for positive coaching with overflowing grace. We’re cheering you on and praying for you!