HOW CAN THE CHRISTIAN ESCAPE PEER PRESSURE? Romans 12:1-2 1

 Speak smooth and soothing words so people will receive you with open arms.  Preachers who preach in a way that has the people emotional and spell bound.  Keep everyone comfortable by always maintaining the appearance of being approachable. (Make everyone feel accepted! )  Maintain friendships at all costs.  Make the people feel they are a part of you regardless of what they might believe or practice. 2

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose [them].” 3

Jesus spoke of the affects of one’s influence over another: "But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:6 4

“And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with the tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, "How [is it] that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?" Mark 2:16 5

 Young teenager argues that after all, even Jesus ate with sinners. Mk. 2:16  Adult argues, even Paul became “all things to all men.” 1 Cor. 9:22  Doesn’t Romans 14, teach that we should all get along, because it is all just a matter of opinion anyway? 6

 Romans 2:21, “You, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal?”  Colossians 4:5-6, “Walk in wisdom toward those [who are] outside, redeeming the time.” 7

 Matthew 15:7-9, 12, “Jesus didn’t you know they were offended?”  John 9:18-20, “He is of age ask him. He will speak for himself.”  John 12:42, “loved the praise of men.”  Galatians 2:11-14, “, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.” (But Barnabas was Paul’s friend) 8

 Beware of those who say, “don’t be judgmental!” (What about Righteous Judgments) Luke 12:57  Beware of those who say, “don’t be legalistic!” (2 Peter 1:3 “given us all things”)  Beware of those who say, “don’t be Pharisaical”  Beware of those who say, “don’t be nit-picky!” 9

“Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” 10

Who is Influencing Whom? “Be not deceived: Evil companionships corrupt good morals.” ASV 11

"And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,..But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." 12

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent,  I may hear of your affairs,  that you stand fast in one spirit,  with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 13

“ Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” 14

 Who is the greatest influence in your life?  Is it God your Father?  Is it Jesus your Savior?  Or has it become the people of this world?  Hebrews 13:7, “Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of [their] conduct.” 15