INTRODUCTION

1. A dictionary defines peers as those persons who are “of the same rank, value, quality, ability, etc…”

a. In what way are all of God’s people peers of one another?

b. How are teenagers peers of one another?

2. “Peer pressure” is a common way to describe the influence that peers can and do have on one another.

a. Such “pressure” or influence can be good or bad.

b. Such peer pressure can be for the building up or destruction of souls!

I.  A CLOSER LOOK AT PEER PRESSURE

A. The influence we have on one another as peers can and should be for each other’s good.

1. List at least five examples from Scripture of people who were good influences on their peers.

2. Give at least five ways you are and can be a good influence on your peers.

B. Peer pressure can also be sinful.

1. How can peer pressure be sinful?

a. As to the way the pressure is applied? (Read Proverbs 1:10ff; Zechariah 4:6)

b. As to what one is being pressured to do? (Discuss Romans 12:1,2)

2. Give examples of how peers pressure one another sinfully:

a. With regard to:

1. Clothing/appearance.

2. Sports, music, television, movies, etc…

3. Talents (for example: if you are smarter than other people in the class, do you feel pressure to “play dumb” just to be liked?

4. Friends/dating

b. What about right now: give some examples of peer pressure you see or feel at this convention.  Are you putting this pressure on others?

II. VICTORY THROUGH FAITH OVER SINFUL PEER PRESSURE

A. There are various principles or truths to remember when dealing with peer pressure.

1. The believer seeks to please God first of all, and not people (Read Luke 12:31; II Cor. 5:9; II Timothy 2:4).

a. Pleasing God is our chief joy. How does knowing this help us resist peer pressure (cf. Genesis 39; Psalm 84:10; Hebrews 11:24-26)

b. A good way to resist peer pressure is always to set before one’s mind the difference between a peer and Almighty God, and peer “pressure” and the grace and love of God. How do you think being conscious of this difference will help?

2. The believer has the right attitude about himself.

a. What do you need to know about yourself in relation to God and to your peers if you are to resist going along with the crowd in sin? (cf. Matthew 22:37-40; Romans 8; I Corinthians 6:19, 20; 7:7; chapter 12)

b. How does the biblical truth of “contentment” relate here?

3. The young Christian has the proper view of his parents.

a. Often in pleasing peers we clash with our parents. Why is this so? Give some examples.

b. How should we relate to our parents, even when they seem so “old-fashioned” or “strict”? (Read Exodus 20:12; Heidelberg Catechism Q. 104; Proverbs 1:7-9)

4.  Regarding other values:

a. What is the Christian view of friendship? How can we tell which peers are our friends, and which are not? What is it to be a true friend? What is it to have a true friend?

b. What is true strength? How will true strength show itself in reaction to peer pressure?

B.  As we live by these principles we have victory through faith over sinful peer pressure and can ourselves be a positive influence on others.

1. A few things to remember about LIVING by the principles of God’s Word with regard  to peer pressure:

a. Grow in the knowledge of the Bible! How do you do this?

b. Take a stand on the truth – not on popular opinion! Be firmly resolved in your own mind about what is right and what you ought to do or not to do before the temptation of peers comes your way. Give some definite positions that you take or that you could take to help you resist peer pressure.

c. Pray to God! How can this help us with regard to peer pressure?

d. If you are in a position among peers to lead them, lead them well! How can one be a good leader?

e. Believe this: God will give the victory with regard to peer pressure! How does God assure us of the victory?

2.  Discuss some of the following situations or others from your experience:

a. Someone asks you to go to a party where there will be alcohol.

b. You feel that you will be left out, a “misfit” if you are not asked to the banquet.

c. Every one of the guys except you has the best name-brand sneakers.

d. You are taking a test and the person next to you asks for some of the answers.

e. Your friends ask you to go out on Saturday night and your parents expect you to be home by 10 p.m.

f. Some of the popular people in school have been to the latest movie. One of them asks you if you have seen it.