Challenges Facing Our Young People

Choosing the Right Kind of Friends –P–Proverbs 12:26; I Corinthians 15:33 Daniel chose to associate with Shadrach, Meshach, & Abedengo instead of all the other young Jews (Daniel 1:3-8). Look for companions that fear God and respect His Word (Psalm 119:63).

Pressure to Go Along With the Crowd –M–Micaiah was pressured to speak an “encouraging” message (I Kings 22:13-14). –D–Daniel faced pressure to eat and drink what the king had appointed (1:10). –D–Daniel’s three friends were pressured to worship gold image (Dan. 3:8-15).

Definition of Peer Pressure –“–“Peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by a peer group in encouraging a person to change his or her attitudes, values, or behavior in order to conform to group norms.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

Definition of Peer Pressure –“Social pressure exerted by a group or individual in a group on someone to adopt a particular type of behavior, dress, or attitude in order to be an accepted member of a group or clique.” Wiktionary, The Free Dictionary

Definition of Peer Pressure –“The process of using verbal or mental intimidation to force an individual to comply with a form of conduct determined by friends, family, and secular acquaintances, and that undermine an individual's right to make their own decisions.” The Connecticut Adult Learner

Pressure to Go Along With the Crowd –“–“Come with us, let us…” (Prov. 1:11) Go to the party and drink beer. Smoke a cigarette. Go to the school dance. Curse, swear, and blaspheme. Not abstain from sexual immorality. Challenges Facing Our Young People

Being Excluded by Fellow Peers –J–Joseph was envied, excluded and hated by his brothers (Genesis 37:2-4, 11). –I–It’s a good thing to be different from those in the world (Romans 12:2; I Peter 4:3-4). –I–Instead of seeking the acceptance and approval of peers, seek to please God (John 12:42-43; Galatians 1:10).

Courage & Conviction to Stand Alone –J–Joshua 1:9; I Corinthians 16:13 Elijah thought he was the only one in Israel still loyal to God (I Kings 19:10, 18). Paul had to stand alone (2 Tim. 4:16-17; cf. Romans 8:31; Heb. 13:5-6). Shine your light brightly (Matt. 5:13-16)!

To Be Spiritually Focused & Engaged –R–Remember and serve God in the days of your youth (Eccl. 12:1). –J–Josiah sought God “while he was still young” (2 Chronicles 34:3). –B–Be genuinely interested (Matt. 5:6). –B–Be spiritually minded & grow (I Peter 2:2).

Choosing the Right Kind of Friends Pressure to Go Along With the Crowd Being Excluded by Fellow Peers Courage & Conviction to Stand Alone To Be Spiritually Focused & Engaged Challenges Facing Our Young People

“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:9-11). Challenges Facing Our Young People