Table of Contents
PRAYER
As we gather, let’s focus on building relationships and learning how to walk together in what God has called us to be and do. Let’s open with prayer.
Does anyone have prayer requests or testimonies of how God has been moving in your life that we can celebrate together?
YOU HAVE A PART TO PLAY TOPICS
Fame Culture :: Homelessness :: Creation Care :: Politics :: Modern Day Slavery :: Our Common Humanity
THIS WEEK
In this week’s message on Fame Culture, we asked the following questions:
- What does God’s Word say about Fame Culture?
- What does God’s Word say about our struggle to be known and maintain a perfect image, whether we’re famous or not?
- Everyone wants to be known for something—but what should you desire to be known for?
Reflecting on these questions, how has your life been influenced by Fame Culture and your desire for validation and connection over the past week?
How have you resisted or struggled with this Fame Culture influence?
OPENING THOUGHT
Ask one person to read this aloud:
“In today’s society, many people seek fame as a way to feel validated and connected. However, this pursuit often prioritizes visibility over real accomplishments, leading to a culture where being noticed matters more than making a meaningful impact. Fame Culture rarely satisfies our deep need for connection and validation. As followers of Jesus, we are called to resist this. Our value comes from our relationship with God, who offers a profound and lasting significance far beyond the fleeting attention of others.”
What stands out to you most about this thought, and why?
SCRIPTURE
As we read 1 Peter 1:22-25 aloud, focus on how this passage highlights our part in resisting Fame Culture and living as difference makers:
"Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart. For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, 'All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord endures forever.' And this is the word that was preached to you." —1 Peter 1:22-25
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Reflect on these questions as we explore how to resist Fame Culture and embrace God’s purpose:
Reflect on Maya Angelou’s quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
What do you remember most when you think about those who have passed, either in your personal life or the world around you?
Do their accomplishments mean much if their character didn’t leave a lasting, positive impact?
What do you hope people will remember about you?
In 1 Peter 1, Peter explains that a Christian’s faith is more valuable than gold, which still perishes despite being refined by fire. Even in the face of trials and rejection in a broken world, this faith can lead to praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed and made known through us.
What are you seeking in your pursuit of validation and connection?
Why do we strive for something “better”?
Is what you’re searching for truly better than what God offers through Jesus? Why or why not?
Fame is seen as a relationship between those who are famous and the audience that gives them attention. As technology advances, Fame Culture has evolved, often distracting people from real-world issues and hindering the development of healthy identities within community. The constant pursuit of attention and glory can take precedence, whether openly acknowledged or not, affecting relational growth and connection with God and others.
Who are you seeking attention from as your audience?
Is the attention you’re receiving fulfilling your desire for validation and connection? Why or why not?
Do you struggle to believe that God, through Jesus, is the only One who can truly fulfill your need for validation? If so, how? If not, how has this truth impacted your life?
3 C’s to Resist Fame Culture
Character — understanding that who you are and who you become is far more important than what you accomplish.
Community — being known is one of the greatest gifts we can both receive and give to others.
Calling — recognizing what God has asked you to do, focusing on excelling in that, and releasing the desire for fame.
Reflecting on this, how have you seen these three C’s—Character, Community, and Calling—take shape in your life over the past week?
In what ways have they been challenging to embrace?
CLOSING THOUGHT
Just as Peter encouraged early Christians to endure rejection and focus on God’s eternal glory, we too can seek unfading glory from God rather than chasing worldly fame. We are called to live for something greater—God’s eternal purpose. Fame Culture doesn’t define us; instead, we are defined by God’s glory, which never fades.
What aspect of Fame Culture is God asking you to let go of in exchange for His eternal glory through Jesus, so you can become a true difference maker, bringing heaven to earth through how you live?
BIBLICAL ENCOURAGEMENT TO RESIST FAME CULTURE
Here are some Bible verses that challenge and encourage us to resist chasing fame and instead place our complete trust in Jesus:
- Matthew 6:1 – “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Don’t seek attention for doing good, but aim to please God, not others.
- John 3:30 – “He must become greater; I must become less[,]” emphasizing humility and Christ’s glory over our own.
- Galatians 1:10 – “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Prioritize God’s approval over seeking validation from people.
- Proverbs 27:2 – “Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.” Let others praise you, not yourself, fostering humility.
- Colossians 3:23-24 – “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Work for the Lord, not for human recognition, trusting Him for your reward.
Alvin Brown, the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church Fort Worth, brings over a decade of pastoral ministry experience and more than 20 years of operational and technical leadership expertise. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Telecommunications Management from DeVry University and an MBA from Keller Graduate School of Management. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Mallary, and their three children and contributing as a writer to various media outlets.
