Peer pressure-
Understanding it is key to combating it
Part 2
TEXT:
1. "My son, if sinners entice you, do not give in to them. If they say, ’Come along with us..; do not set foot on their paths…" Proverbs 1:10, 15
2. "Be not deceived, (lead astray, set adrift), bad associations will corrupt the good in you. 1Corinthians 15:33
Introduction
1. What is peer pressure?
Peers- one of equal standing, applying pressure on another in a effort to make that person conform to their will
2. How do you identify negative peer pressure?
It forces you to…
a. violates your conscience and code of conduct
Romans 14:23, …for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
SIN- God’s term for danger
b. go against that which your parents have taught you
Ephesians 6:2- Children, Honor thy father and mother…
Honor- verb- 5506, (timaō), show respect, give recognition,
often implying actions to show that honor
A. Understanding peer pressure can help us combat it
1. Neil Bernstein, a clinical psychologist says, “No influence in a young person’s life is as powerful as peer pressure.
a. At its best, it can mobilize their energy & motivate them to strive for success.
At its worst, peer pressure can impair good judgment and fuel risk-taking behavior,
2. WHY is it so powerful?
1. They are struggling to define their own identities, and because they’re not yet sure who they are, they’re self-conscious and curious about how other people behave.
It’s natural for them to try to understand themselves by looking at their friends to see how others are resolving the same issues.
2. Adolescence brings with it much awkwardness and uncertainty, as teens find their bodies, interests, and priorities all changing at once.
Belonging to a group of friends affirms their self-worth and supports them..
3. As they distance themselves from their parents, they increasingly use their friends as their primary confidants and rely upon their advice and support.
Naturally, close friends are well suited to this role because those are the people most likely to rubber-stamp the individual’s feelings.
4. In a normal situation, a close group of friends offers a sounding board. But in a bad situation, teens adhere to their friends’ bad or ignorant advice instead of thinking for themselves or seeking informed council.
5. Becoming excessively dependent on their friends, they are robbed of their independence and own individuality.
B. Combating wrong peer pressure
1. Avoid negative talk-down and affirm their self worth as a person
a. Neal says, I have found in my practice that the more comfortable a person is with their identity, the less susceptible they will be to negative peer pressure.
2. Love and acceptance within the family unit aids in combating wrong peer pressure.
a. When parents and children enjoy intimate fellowship, children are more likely to confide in them
b. One of the plagues of a divorce crazed society is the destruction of our children
READ the statistics of divorce
3. Knowing who we are in Christ, will substantially aid in combating negative peer pressure
a. Paul reminded Timothy in 2 Tim. 1:5-7, of his godly heritage and told him to not be fearful of those who would intimidate him but to stand strong in the faith against it
Closing….
Who are you in Christ?
Do you know the extend of his love?
