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TIKTOK TEACHING SERIES

LESSON 2

Writer: Dan Mattson

Project Supervisor: Nick Diliberto
Editor: Angela Ivey

Created by Ministry to Youth

ministrytoyouth.com

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TIKTOK TEACHING SERIES

Lesson 2: TIKTOK FAMOUS

Bible: Luke 6:24-26; Proverbs 22:4
Bottom Line: Fame and popularity are temporary, but the love and total acceptance of
God is never ending. Jesus’ alternative to popularity is humility.

OPENING GAME (IN-PERSON AND ONLINE VERSION)


Who’s the CEO? [TikTok Edition]

(See GAME SLIDES folder in Lesson 2’s folder for step-by step instructions of
how to play and for images referenced below.)

Game Prep:

! Find 8-10 pairs of videos on TikTok about various things that students would enjoy
(life hacks, fail videos, tricks, silly adventures, cooking, dancing challenges, etc.).
You’ll have to find these videos on your own. They’re not included.
! Pull those videos into a PowerPoint presentation (or similar), using the game graph-
ics in the “Game Slides” folder for this week.
! Use the main title slide for the beginning, in between, and end of your show.
! Place the TikTok videos on the blank slides or side-by-side format, whichever works
best for you and your leaders.
! In Editor, black bar out the number of likes/hearts for the video so the students can’t
see how popular it was.
! On a blank slide, place the video that has the most likes/hearts on that one to reveal
the answer.

How to Play the Game:

● Tell your students that you are going to show them two TikTok videos, side by
side (or one after the other) and they will have to guess which one had the most
views or is the “CEO” (slang term for: is the best at…).
● Ways of Play:
- Split into small groups and play trivia-style and awards points to teams.
- Call up a student to guess and win a prize (small prize) for guessing the
right one.
- Call up leaders to play in a “hit the buzzer” type format.
● The team/person/student/group that guesses the right video(s) wins!
● See “Game Instructions - Who Da CEO” document in Game Slides folder in Les-
son 2’s folder for step-by-step instructions of how to play.

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TEACH

Supplies/Props:
• JH application
o Fan foam finger
o sticker name tag that says “[your name]’s Friend!”
• HS application
o letterman jacket or high school award for a popular accomplishment
o 2 sticker name tags that say: “your name” & “Child of God”...

Hey everyone and welcome to another week, here at [your ministry’s name]!

I’m so excited to be here with you today, and I hope you enjoyed last week’s introduc-
tion to the new series that we started on TikTok.

In this series, we will look at one of today’s most popular social media apps and talk
about how our faith is more than just the challenges we face or the likes/hearts we get.
We will also discuss how to use something so popular in a way that influences others to
learn more about God and His plan for their lives.

So, as we continue in this series, it is my hope that you can come to know more about
your faith and how you can face trials, stay humble, keep your focus on what is true,
and learn to make an impact on those around you for God.

So, let’s pray and then we’ll jump right in.

Opening Prayer

PERSONAL STORY

Share a story about a time when you witnessed or experienced the good and bad of
popularity when you were younger. It could be from a friend’s perspective or experience.
You can use the one below or use this one as reference point for your own story.

When I was in middle school, my school had banners in the cafeteria that recognized all
the best athletes in the school for each year.

At the end of the year, the coaches from each sport would pick their best athlete to be
recognized at an all-school assembly and get a certificate, pin, and their name on the
sports banner that would be put up in front of the whole school for many years to come.

It was quite an honor and something that showed that you were the best.

As I got to know more about the banners, I came to realize that they were really about
who was the most popular.

And the most popular kids in school also happened to be some of the best athletes on
the school’s sports teams.

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During my eighth-grade year, I ran cross country and played softball for my school.

I knew I wasn’t going to get my name on the banner because I was not the most popular
kid in school.

However, when the last two weeks of school came, we had our annual sports banner
assembly and to my surprise, I was picked as the best male athlete for cross country for
my class.

Some of my teammates, who were more popular, got angry at me.

So, I asked my coach about why he chose me to be on the banner.

He told me, “You were the best consistent runner on our team this year. You not only ran
well, but you also were humble and encouraged your teammates at each race. To me,
your attitude is what sets you apart, not your popularity.”

I walked away feeling good about what he said, and it also made me realize that being
popular isn’t as important as being a good example and example of God to others.

But popularity is more about being publicly recognized for just about anything, isn’t it?

I mean, look at our culture today.

Whether it’s sports, social media, movies and Netflix shows, or even the things that pop
up on our Spotify playlists, what’s most popular gets the most views and the most visibil-
ity.

And this is especially true for TikTok.

It’s not a new thing for apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to use algorithms that
generate posts and videos on your feed from the same types of things you look at the
day before.

It’s true; what you watch and click on will pop up more in your stories, feeds, and notifi-
cations.

And it’s not just what you click on and watch, it’s also the most liked content of that
genre or style that you will most likely get.

So basically, once again, popularity can gain the most attention.

And this isn't just social media.

You also know this to be true in social cliques, in people, styles, trends, slang terms,
and music.

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The eye-catching nature of what’s popular has such a forward drive in our American cul-
ture today.

It’s interesting when you think about it.

And another thing about popularity is that what’s popular doesn’t mean it’s good or
bad.

What’s popular is just the most viewed, seen, and liked.

Not what is good, wholesome, or even bad.

It’s just…. popular.

And that can be dangerous.

So today, I want to talk to you about how the dream to become TikTok famous may be
something that most users aspire to. And while it may be fun, it is only temporary.

What is more than just temporary is the character you have and the ability to be humble.
What is eternal is making God famous, more than making yourself famous.

So please join me in opening your Bibles to the Gospel of Luke, chapter 6.

Last week, we began looking at Jesus’ Sermon on the Hill (or on the Mount - for
Matthew’s account) and how Jesus began changing the narrative people were used to
living with.

Jesus wasn’t about pushing the same narrative; He came to change it.

And as we will see in today’s passage, Jesus also has a word for the other side: the
Pharisees and the entitled people of the society.

So, let’s look at what Jesus says and how this can relate to our conversation about Tik-
Tok and seeking popularity over humility.

This is what Jesus says in Luke 6:24-26 (ESV),

But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.
Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.
Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false
prophets.

What I love about Jesus is that Jesus changes His language for a different audience.

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Jesus had a way of talking in one way to the broken and hurting and then another way
to those that were behind the injustices of society—those who were only out to gain
popularity and status and nothing more.

In this passage, Jesus flips the script and says the same thing to the religious leaders
who are listening to Him, just in a more negative way.

He gave care and compassion to those that were hurting and broken, while also giving
a warning to those who could help, but didn’t.

Not only did they not help; they were boastful about it, too.

And it wasn’t that Jesus was being bi-polar. He just knew what each group of people
needed to hear.

It’s like Jesus is that friend who knows exactly what you need to hear at the exact mo-
ment that you need to hear it.

It’s that older and wiser voice in your life that, in the middle of your pride, gives you a
dose of humility that brings you down to a clearer level.

And so, Jesus gives clear warnings to the religious leaders and tells them that “woe
is them” for what they have been privileged. While oppressing the Jewish citizens, they
have had luxuries.

The religious leaders didn’t give much attention to the voices of anyone less than them.

They saw division, not unity.

They saw higher class and lower-class people.

They saw God-appointed and God-outcasted people.

And what made it worse was that the narrative, as we saw last week, was repeated until
the citizens of the first century came to believe that as their own identity.

It’s like that today with social media.

How many people have made money or have grown in status because of social media?

And what have they done other than make videos and post them?
Now, I know some people have used social media for good, but for the sake of our con-
versation today, I am just talking about those who have gained popularity for what they
post that is more centered on them than on others.

And that’s the very thing Jesus saw as an issue that the religious leaders couldn’t see.

They had built up a society that benefited them more than it did everyone else.

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And Jesus was not going to be a part of that narrative.

And so, in the last part of our passage, again, Jesus says, “Woe to you, when all people
speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”

In this last warning, Jesus compares the religious leaders to false prophets.

Now, why would Jesus compare them to false teachers?

Because when God called prophets to preach the message that God wanted them to
deliver to His people, it was usually met with hostility.

Think of John the Baptist or other minor prophets who spoke to the nations and Israel,
reminding them to turn from their wicked ways and repent before God.

The people didn’t want to hear this message, so those prophets were usually cast out,
threatened, and even killed.

But for false prophets it was different.

They preached another kind of message.

A message that was met with a more positive response.

Why?

False prophets grew in popularity because they preached what others wanted to hear.

And that gained them more status and recognition.

That’s interesting, isn’t it?

That giving people what they want is better received than giving them what they may
need or should have.

(Note: For the following section of the teaching, we have provided two options.
One for primarily a junior high youth group, and another for a mostly high school
audience. Feel free to choose which option would work best for your students, or
use a mix of both.)

****************************************************************************************************

JUNIOR HIGH APPLICATION

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*Visual: Call up two leaders to come up on stage for this visual. Give one leader a fan
foam finger and the other a sticker name tag that says, “[Name]’s friend”. Use this to
show the importance of having a friend rather than a fan.

So, the religious leaders looked more to what their status could give them and spoke
the words that people wanted to hear, rather than speaking truth to guide people in their
faith or considering what they could give back to the community.

Jesus saw right through that false ideology. He spoke truth right into it, and it made
people uncomfortable.

Humility is best served when it’s uncomfortable, isn’t it?

When it’s a bit raw so that it forces change, a new perspective, and an opportunity to
shift away from ourselves for a second and over to something else.

And that something else is the WHO behind the WHAT.

Jesus’ alternative to popularity is humility.

Popularity doesn’t bring people closer to Jesus and doesn't help us in our journey of
faith.

Think of it this way (call up two leaders and give them their props).

We have two leaders up here. One of them is a fan, and the other a friend.

Which one would you choose to have in your life?

The friend, right?

Well, the fan makes you feel great, cheers you on, and tells others how amazing you
are.

The downside is, they don’t know you that well and don’t really care when you are hav-
ing a bad day or need support. They don’t know when you want to be open and honest
about something in your life.

Then there’s the friend.

They don’t care about how many followers and fans you have, because, well, they are
already your biggest fan all the time.

They just care about you.

They want to know you and help you. They want to be there for you.

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But if we focus on having more fans (lean and point to the fan leader) than friends, that
doesn’t do anything for you except show others how many people watch your videos of
your greatest moments. It’s not going to help you through your greatest lows.

And, again, that might feel good, look cool, and be fun—for a season.

But it is only temporary.

That feeling of approval and being noticed and accepted will only last until it is gone
again, and you will need to get more from others.

It is a cup that always runs dry.

It will never stop, and you will never stop.

So don’t seek the approval of others, but rather enjoy the closeness, total accep-
tance, and never-ending love of God.

God accepts you as-is. His love is bigger and wider than you can ever imagine.

If we look to Jesus, our relationship with Him will satisfy our desire to be known and ac-
cepted. We don’t need to look to others for approval or a feeling of importance.

A close relationship with Jesus is what will truly satisfy us!

When we accept that truth, we’re able to use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to ex-
press our love for God and His work in our lives so that others would see God in us.

God transforms us from the inside out.

To be humble and not proud.

To be FOR others instead of FOR ourselves.

To be FOR the kingdom instead of being FOR our likes and our fans.

Here’s the deal…there will always be another popular person.

Like famous athletes and movie stars, there will always be another upcoming actor or
player. There will always be the “next big thing.”

But you only have one lifetime to know and help others know God.

……………………………………………………………………………………………..

HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATION

*Visual: Use a letterman’s jacket or popular high school award recognition and a sticker
name tag for this application for high schoolers. Use them to talk about how, in college,

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your high school achievements don’t matter as much as they used, and that God values
you by WHO you are and not WHAT you’ve done.

So, the religious leaders looked more to what their status could give them and spoke
the words that people wanted to hear, rather than speaking truth to guide people in their
faith or considering what they could give back to the community.

Jesus saw right through that false ideology. He spoke truth right into it, and it made
people uncomfortable.

Humility is best served when it’s uncomfortable, isn’t it?

When it’s a bit raw so that it forces change, a new perspective, and an opportunity to
shift away from ourselves for a second and over to something else.

And that something else is the WHO behind the WHAT.

Jesus’ alternative to popularity is humility.

Popularity doesn’t bring people closer to Jesus.

Think of it this way, I have a letterman’s jacket here (borrow one and mention who it be-
longs to, or your own if you have one. Put it on.)

This jacket shows others what you have accomplished and, for most schools, how ex-
ceptional you are.

When I was in high school, guys and girls who lettered were basically in a group of their
own.

They were the popular kids and the kids who were looked at as being cool, hip, athletic,
and talented.

But when you get to college, that doesn’t matter as much.

How many letterman jackets do you see people wear as an adult?

Not many (take off the jacket).

(Put on a sticker name tag that says your name and another that says “Child of God”)
But what does matter to God is WHOSE you are, not so much WHAT you’ve done.

And while being popular, either at school or on social media, might feel good, look cool,
and be fun for a season, it is only temporary.

That feeling of approval and being noticed and accepted will only last until it is gone
again, and you will need to get more from others.

It is a cup that always runs dry.

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It will never stop, and you will never stop.

But God is the eternal one.

Everything in Him and for Him and from Him are eternal.

And He sees you as His child, not the famous athlete or popular social media influencer
that you might strive and hope to be.

So, think about what truly matters.

You are more valuable than your followers.

More valuable than your likes and more treasured than your accomplishments.

So don’t seek the approval of others, but rather enjoy the closeness, total accep-
tance, and never-ending love of God.

God accepts you as-is. His love is bigger and wider than you can ever imagine.

If we look to Jesus, our relationship with Him will satisfy our desire to be known and ac-
cepted. We don’t need to look to others for approval or a feeling of importance.

A close relationship with Jesus is what will truly satisfy us!

When we accept that truth, we’re able to use platforms like TikTok and Instagram to ex-
press our love for God and His work in our lives so that others would see God in us.

God transforms us from the inside out.

To be humble and not proud.

To be FOR others instead of FOR ourselves.

To be FOR the kingdom instead of being FOR our likes and our fans.

Here’s the deal…there will always be another popular person.

Like famous athletes and movie stars, there will always be another upcoming actor or
player. There will always be the “next big thing.”

But you only have one lifetime to know and help others know God.

Like famous athletes and movie stars, there will always be another up-and-coming actor
or player, the “next big thing.”

But you only have this one lifetime to help others see and know God.

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Fame is just temporary.

But if you want to make an incredible impact in the world, then show God to others
through your life, your faith, and your compassion and care for others.

On TikTok, being popular may be exciting.

But know that God desires you to make Him even more exciting.

Life will have challenges and life will have temptations.

But know that God desires for each of us to trust in Him in those challenges, to be hum-
ble and make His name known throughout the whole world.

The author of Proverbs 22, verse 4 writes: “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord
is riches and honor and life.”

So, choose humility over popularity and know that there is no amount of likes or fans
that you can accumulate that is ever going to satisfy you.

But with God, all things are eternal.

And His message of love, hope, and grace is worth making popular more than our-
selves.

Let’s pray together.

Closing prayer & dismiss to small groups.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

1. Who are some Tik-Tok-ers that you follow? What has made them famous and
popular?

2. Who do you know, in your personal life, that is popular? Why is that?

3. What do you think about popularity versus being humble? Do you agree with to-
day’s message? Why or why not?

4. Do you think that you can be a humble Christ-follower and be popular? Why or
why not? In what ways can or can’t that work? Explain if any parts of that are
temporary or eternal.

5. How easy or hard is it to be popular?

6. How easy or hard is it to be humble?

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7. READ: Psalm 25:8-10 and talk about what stuck out to you. What did you think
about this passage? How does this apply to what we are talking about today?

8. How can you choose to be humble and faithful to God over popularity and seek-
ing the world/s approval?

9. What would you say to a younger version of yourself, regarding popularity vs.
humility?

10. How can your group support each other in choosing to be humble and not boast-
ful or seeking the world’s approval?

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