As an introduction to this study, read Popular Pornography.
Game of Thrones, an HBO series filled with graphic sex and evil violence, recently ended after a successful eight-year run.
It left its filth on everything it touched, even an ancient city in Croatia.
Having lived in Budapest for five years, we sometimes vacation in Croatia and especially love visiting the ancient walled city of Dubrovnik.
Since some scenes from Game of Thrones were filmed in and near the medieval walls of beautiful Dubrovnik, Game of Thrones tours, gift shops, costumes, and signs now pollute the city.
It should be no surprise that shows like Game of Thrones are incredibly popular with our fallen world.
But I am surprised the way Game of Thrones and other immoral entertainment is defiling my fellow Christian brothers and sisters.
Dear Christians, we need to ask ourselves these questions in regard to our entertainment:
1. Do I violate biblical principles by watching this show/movie?
"I will not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do; I will have no part in it." Psalm 101:3
“But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart. So if your eye—even your good eye—causes you to lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.” Matthew 5:28-29
Matthew 5 says we should want to cut out our eye rather than use it to sin!
2. Am I guarding my heart from things that produce ungodly thoughts and attitudes?
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23
Can you watch explicit sex scenes and have pure thoughts? When we watch shows that glorify immorality, we definitely lose our vision for right and wrong. Despite denials by the entertainment industry, research shows that the things we watch affect both attitudes and behavior: Does Media Violence Lead to the Real Thing?
We shouldn’t need to have this truth confirmed from secular sources when God’s Word already stresses it.
See also Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5, and Philippians 4:8.
3. Sexually explicit entertainment is an idol in our modern world. Can we watch shows that glorify immorality and then read 1 Corinthians 6:17-18 with a clear conscience?
“Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the LORD. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.”
4. Can we watch shows like Game of Thrones and read Ephesians 5 with a clear conscience?
If it's shameful even to talk about evil things, how can we justify evil entertainment?
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Image: Creative Commons
copyright, 2019, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com
Bible Love Notes
This message really cuts into mainstream and popular media with origins in the USA. You provide plenty of biblical scripture, teaching and principles to illustrate that this kind of entertainment is ungodly and it should be avoided by professing Christians. I only came to faith in Christ and accepted him as Lord of my life recently (4 years ago) and because I have been so blind and mislead all the years of my previous life (50 years) it is hard to come to terms with this truth but if one listens to Paul's words and reflects on them, it becomes obvious he is speaking truth. Game of Thrones is really just one of many examples, what about the music industry with pop dancers that are immorally suggestive, punk rock and heavy metal rock music with people that dress in Gothic fashion with piercings and tattoos that project dark and sinister qualities. Even prime time tv shows that glamorize adultery, wealth and fame. If Paul were present in our society today I think he would fall to his knees and cry out to God - how is it that these people have been so consumed by the ways of the world and the prince of the kingdom of air! Have you not sent your disciples 2,000 years ago to spread your word and help build your kingdom here on earth! And yet it is just as in the days before Noah when wickedness was rampant throughout the earth.
ReplyDeleteOur politics are no better. In fact I would argue our country has become entertainment for the rest of the world. A president who constantly speaks at the same level as tyrants, congress men and women who are like children arguing and playing tit for tat, government officials coming and going at an unprecedented rate. Lord help this world!
I totally agree with you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. Resonates with what I've been feeling for some time now.
ReplyDeleteI have learned a lot from this study. I pray for myself a d evryone out there who doesn't recognise the truth yet. Thank you
ReplyDeleteIt's truly a breath of fresh air to hear this. I feel alone at times as a Christian in this world as I try not to conform but to be separated and a light for Christ. Its so hard to raise kids in these very dark times. I'm continually asking them what they are watching or reading on their Kindel. I'm so thankful that both of my children have come to know Christ as their savior. They do a good job protecting there hearts and minds of filth that is everywhere now. It's heartbreaking that here in America at least, it is very hard to see a difference in Christians and non-believers in the way they live.
ReplyDelete