Peer Pressure

Romans 2:2 (KJV)
² But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.

Introduction: “Pressure – a constraining force, a squeezing” That how Websters defines the word. Young people face face all kinds of pressure, but peer pressure – the force exerted by others their own age – is the greatest pressure they face.

The desire to belong, to be part of the group, to be accepted, is probably the greatest motivating force in the life of a youth. To a young person, feeling alone, being isolated from the group is a fate worse than death itself it seems. The Christian young person has an uphill battle because most of his or her peers are either not Christians or do not that their relationship with Jesus seriously.

So that parents may better understand youth, and that youth may discover a force within that is greater than the pressure without, let us look at three parts of peer pressure to which Christian youth are subjected.

1. The pressure of drugs
   • One does not have to look very far to see that the pressure to try and use drugs is of epidemic proportions. Youth are subject to this pressure from the youngest of age.
   • The pressure to use drugs becomes much greater when the person is operating in a vacuum of feeling or being alone.
2. The pressure of alcohol usage is defined in scripture in Proverbs 20:1 (KJV) “Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.”  (While alcohol is considered a drug, its usage is so widespread it deserves its own separate consideration here.)
   • The reality of the pressure of alcohol use is identified in the Bible. It was a problem then and it remains with us today.
   • The reason of pressure to use alcohol is because it is in so much widespread use for young and old alike that it has become the norm.
   • The remedy of relieving that pressure is:
     1. Be ever vigilant and alert to the pressure and temptation to drink.
     2. Build your own foundation and convictions based upon Biblical understanding of what alcohol is and does. Understanding that it is not ever wise to begin with and clinging to that conviction is key.
3. The pressure of sexual experimentation downplays the importance of honoring ones own body and for the Christian is referenced in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (KJV) “Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.  What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
   • Sexual experimentation reveals chronic immaturity. In this day and age of “everything goes”, the pressure for youth to give in to this desire leads them into the danger of STD’s and unwanted pregnancies to name a couple.
   • Sexual experimentation results in a loss of respect for ones self. It all too often leads to:
     1. Overwhelming guilt
     2. The feeling of being “used merchandise”
   • Sexual experimentation often leads to confusion in the marriage relationship which lessens chances of a happy and secure marriage, because there it often leads to trust issues.
   • Sexual experimentation damages everyone involved. It does not come without consequences, if not immediate, then down the road.
4. The power to resist pressure from without comes from within by the grace of God. As you allow God to you will find yourself asking these questions.
   • Why do others do this?
   • What happens to them?
   • Do I want to become that kind of person?

Conclusion:  When the pressures of this world would squeeze you into its mold, let God “remake you”. If you have already been squeezed into the wrong mold, God can remold and reshape your life. Now is the time to start over.