If your class is meeting online, invite your students to bring an index card or piece of paper, along with a pen or pencil, with them to class.
Earlier we learned false powers are not from God. Those evil powers can surround us through books, TV shows, movies, people, and places. The people of Ephesus experienced the same thing and burned their magic scrolls, spells, and incantations to show they were done with those evil powers. We also learned that God has all power over everything. And that same God and His same power lives in us who believe. His power is greater than the one who is in the world. Our job is to learn to spot false powers from the true power of God.
If you’ve spent any time scrolling through television channels, social media, or bookshelves, you’re sure to discover very quickly that our culture is obsessed with magic. Whether it’s titles like Twilight, American Horror Story, Supernatural, or the biggest of them all, Harry Potter, Hollywood loves the idea of dark and mysterious powers beyond our control.
- What are other books and shows that depict these same types of powers? (Answers may include: Wizards of Waverly Place the TV show; Hocus Pocus the movie, Voldemort the movie; Eragon and School of Wizardry book series, etc.)
- What does God think about these types of powers? (Answers: He wants His followers to have nothing to do with these false powers, etc.)
While these magical powers may seem innocent, we have to be able to know that this type of power and magic isn’t from God! Although media today paints witchcraft and magic as nothing more than harmless fiction, there is some very real and dangerous evil at play in our world. Magic and dark power are so captivating that some people have lived their lives in pursuit of mastering them.
When we see magic and powers like these displayed in media, we can asked ourselves these questions: Is wizarding or casting spells something we’re supposed to be involved with? Where do these powers from? Powers that don’t come from God are evil.
- What are some ideas for media (books, TV shows, movies, songs, etc.) that will glorify God instead of evil or dark magic? (Students may share some ideas, however some may not be aware there are alternatives.)
If students cannot take notes on their smartphones or devices: Hand out one index card to each student and a pen/pencil. If your class is meeting online, invite students to have their papers and pens or pencils ready.
Allow students time to use their smartphones (if applicable) or work as a group using the classroom computer to search for God-honoring media (examples can be include books, video games, television, YouTube videos, and Netflix). As preteens find alternative resources, they should record options they find interesting or want to look into further outside of the classroom with their parents’ permission. When everyone’s finished, have students share their finds and make a class list for future reference.
You have an amazing list of God-powered alternatives to look into this week. Go home, talk to your parents about what resources we’ve found here today, and start working toward incorporating God’s power into your daily life in a very practical way. Just as the Ephesians were surrounded by false powers, so are we! We have to constantly ask ourselves, where is that power coming from? And if it isn’t of God, should I be participating in it? What are other Christian alternatives I can turn to? Remember, the incredible true power source from God lives in us who believe in Jesus as Lord and Savior. Ask God to give you His eyes to spot His Truth wherever you are.
Pray to close.
