Peer Pressure

Introduction

1. As iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. (Pr. 27:17)
2. Peer pressure can be both a hindrance and a help.
3. Bible is clear about the consequences of both types.
4. Bad peer pressure = temptation, good peer pressure = encouragement.

1. Examples of Bad

   1. Gen. 3 - Eve tempted by serpent, Adam tempted by Eve - Fall of Man
   2. 2 Chr. 10:8 - Rehoboam listens to friends' advice - Divided Kingdom.
   3. Gal. 2:11-13 - Peter withdraws from Gentiles, other Jews follow him - Segregation.
   4. John 12:42 - ..many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they be put out of the synagogue.

2. Examples of Good

   1. Gen. 39 - Joseph denies Potpher's wife - (goes to prison) Exalted in Egypt.
   2. NT epistles - Paul encourages and exhorts many congregations - Growth.
   3. Matt. 4 - Jesus tempted - Devil gives up, James 4:7 Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Conclusion

1. We cannot conform to the world, what our friends want us to be, James 4:4
2. Bible is our standard for living, not the world view.
3. Proverb 13:20, He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companions of fools will be destroyed.
4. We have to have faith and rely on God to lead us in the right direction. Heb 11:24,25

   By faith, Moses when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharoah's daughter. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.

5. Are we looking for acceptance from our peers, or the eternal reward from God's acceptance?