DUPED Wk3: Don’t Get Duped into Dehumanizing Others
Counterfeits for full life are as sneaky and as rampant as the best AI-generated media. It gets harder and harder to tell what's real and what's fake at a glance. This four-week series invites students to sharpen their discernment skills when it comes to embracing full life. Dupes are everywhere. We find ourselves chasing fake glory, fake religion, fake love, and fake fulfillment. Jesus reminds us of four truths: we are made in God’s image, a humble posture is better than haughty performance, God actually loves us, and we were made to really live.
BOTTOM LINE
Don’t Get Duped into Dehumanizing Others
SCRIPTURE
“I am sending you out like sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves” Matthew 10:16 ESV
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TAKE ATTENDANCE & INTRODUCE YOURSELF (If anyone is new)
FOR FUN: Take some time to catch up.
Remind Students – Reminder: ALIVE Wknd (*Reference the Card or Click Here) Friday – Worship & Late Night Fun >>> Saturday – Pancake Bar & Service Project
DISCUSS THIS:
1. If you had to rate these three things from 'Most Annoying' to 'Least Annoying' on a scale, what’s your order: A bad Wi-Fi connection, someone taking 5 hours to reply to a text, or getting left on 'Read'?"
2. Slang like "NPC," "cringe," "simp," or "broke" gets used every day. Why do you think it’s so easy and tempting to use these labels, even when we don't mean to be super mean?3. Trapdoor #1 is objectifying people—reducing someone to a joke, a label, or a mistake. What are some subtle ways people get treated like "props" or "tools" at school, in sports, or in group chats?
4. Trapdoor #2 is idolizing people—putting someone on a pedestal. How can caring too much about an influencer, a crush, or a "popular" friend group actually hurt the way we see ourselves and others?
5. Jesus said to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16). Which is one comes more natural to you... serpent or dove?
6. The crowd viewed Zacchaeus as a "rat" and a traitor, but Jesus stopped, called him by name, and spent time with him. Who are the "Zacchaeuses" in middle/high school today that people easily write off or ignore?
7. Look at Filter #2 ("Would I say this if they were standing right here?") and Filter #3 ("Am I using them or loving them?"). Which of those two filters is hardest to practice when you’re around your friends or online?
8. What is one practical step you can take this week to make "honor your default setting"—whether that’s in a group chat, at the lunch table, or on social media?
FOLLOW UP / PRAY REQUESTS
Pray.