1. THE PROBLEM WITH FAKE OR NON-GENUINE NEWS

Fake News: It’s when someone puts together “so called” facts to create a narrative that people will believe so that they act—or vote—in a certain way.

• trying to tell us what we should think about
• trying to appeal to our emotions
• trying to manipulate us
• trying to polarize us against others

Proverbs 18:17 The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.

2.THIS PROBLEM IS NOT NEW. The Bible reveals a story that started in the Garden of Eden.

• A choice is given to us
• An enemy introduces misinformation

Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?”

3. WHAT IS TRUTH?

•  All truth ______________.
• Truth is manifest through the _______________.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

• Truth is a _______________.

John 14:5–7 5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.”

• Jesus offers truth to us.

John 10:2–4 2The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

• The truth can _______________.

John 8:31-32 31To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

4. WARNINGS ABOUT FAKE NEWS OR MISINFORMATION

2 Peter 2:1–3 1But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping.

2 Timothy 3:1–7 1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. 6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

5. THE SOLUTION

Colossians 3:1-2 1Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Romans 12:2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Philippians 4:8-9 8Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

PRACTICAL STEPS

1. We don’t believe what the world is selling.

2. We know the Scriptures and where truth comes from.

3. We know the good news—not the fake news.

4. We know how to live because we are sanctified by the truth.

QUESTIONS TO DISCUSS IN LIFE GROUPS AND WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Passages to consider: 2 Timothy 3:12-16; Proverbs 18:17; Psalm 1; Psalm 119:105

1. Share what challenged or inspired you from the sermon.

2. Read 2 Timothy 3:12-17 and Proverbs 18:17. What is important to know and practice from these passages?

3. What sources of information play a consistent part in shaping how you view people, situations, and events around you? A) How do you measure what you hear and believe with what God says is real and true?

4. What helps you be aware of agendas that news and media sources, and information agencies, might have? (This is not a question about what the agendas are but how you discern them.)

5. How do you seek out God’s perspective and truth? You might share with each other habits and resources.

6. If you have kids, how are you helping them be shaped by God’s perspective of truth and reality? A) What help and resources do you need? (Those without kids in the home, consider your role with grandkids, nieces/nephews, friends with kids.)