WHO’S PUSHING ME?

 

OPENING LINES:

Frank was home alone during school vacation, when Johnson one of his class mates visited and he suggested they call one of the popular girls in their school. Frank called, and she invited them to a party in her house. “My parents are out of town, and it’s going to be a blast”, she said. Without too much hesitation, they went.

When they arrived, they were overwhelmed by all the sports cars parked outside, once inside, Frank was even more baffled. He had never seen such cool-looking youths in his life. The girls were all awesome, and the guys were good-looking too. It was almost as if he had found himself among movie stars.

As the party progressed, so did the drinking of alcohols. Though Frank still felt that taking alcohol is not right for him as a Christian, but he was afraid he’ll look odd among this sophisticated set of people if he declines the offer.

Later, he stumbled into a room filled with bodies and blue smoke. It suddenly hit him that they were all getting high. Before he could think of what to do, Johnson handed him a joint and said, “C’mon, Frank, go ahead; this stuff is incredible!” Everyone in the room was suddenly looking at him. All the sophisticated faces were staring, waiting to see if he is “cool”. Hey! don’t tell me you’re too holy for us, said one of the guys. He sheepishly sat down, and was initiated into the world of drugs that evening against his wish.

The following morning being Sunday, Frank couldn’t go to church. He was overwhelmed by guilt from yesterday’s incident, especially, remembering how he messed around sexually under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

 

BETWEEN THE LINES:

What do you think Frank would’ve done,? These people were all rich and seemingly famous. Anyone else could have cared for their approval and acceptance, so saying no was out of the question because; they would have thought he was a Colo!

 

What do you think are the unique peer pressures Christian youth faces today the most as a result of being Christians?

 

What exactly do you think Solomon meant in Proverbs 29:25, when he says “fear of man”?

In 1 Samuel 15:24, King Saul explains why he disobeyed God’s command. What can you pick out from this passage about peer pressure?

 

Do you see the truth of Proverbs 29:25 in your own life? When in your life have you been ensnared by compromising your standard as a Christian because of the fear of what people will think or say about you? Explain.

Have your action in anywhere led others astray? (Galatians 2:11-13)

 

What practical things do you need to do from now onward to be able to handle the heat of peer pressure?

Surround yourself with support – Dan. 3:16, Eccl. 4:12

Stick to what is right – Dan. 3:18, Isaiah 1:17

Put your trust in God – Dan. 3:17, Prov. 3:5

 

CLOSSING LINES:

The reason it’s called peer PRESURE is because it’s tough…if it wasn’t tough, it wouldn’t be called pressure!  But you know what right in the situation…has the guts to do it! Secondly, only you really make the decisions about whom you will allow to be your influential peers, and to what degree they will make demands on you. Not only do you conform to please them, they also control you. I guess that’s not what you want!

 

Just Because You’re FACING the FIRE Doesn’t Mean You’re Going to Get FRIED!