Toxic Christianity – Cynicism – August 27, 2023
Welcome, Introduction, and Opening Prayer
SHARE – Icebreaker – In this sermon series, we are exploring some of the toxic behaviors that we experience in the church. This Sunday we are looking at cynicism. Do you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist? Why?
STUDY - Text: John 1:43-51 (NRSV)
43 The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the Law and also the Prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
In Edelman’s 2022 Trust Barometer, nearly 60% of respondents across 27 countries reported that their default is to distrust others. This statistic points out an overall cynical view of other people. Where do you fall on the trust barometer? Do you think your default is to distrust others? Why or why not?
Cynicism is contagious and subtle – spreading secretly from one person to the next. It’s something that grows within you slowly. Do you think you have become more cynical over the years? Have you lost some of your idealism and optimism as you have grown older?
When Philip shares the news that he has found the messiah who is Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael says, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Would you consider Nathaniel to be skeptical or cynical? Is there a difference? If so, what is it?
Christians should be the least cynical people of all… Why? Because we have a message of hope. Have you ever experienced cynicism in church or among Christians?
What can we do this week to deal with the cynicism in our lives? How might you restore your hope in Christ?
SUPPORT - Blessings and Burdens: What has been life-giving for you this week? What has been life-draining for you?
Closing Prayer