Title: Under Peer Pressure
Memorize: And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-2 (Nkjv)
[1] I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
[2] And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Message:
The pressure to conform to the world from peers can be tough, but staying true to your faith matters more than fitting in.
The reason many young people succumb to negative peer pressure is that they love pleasing men other than God.
I heard a young man call people who easily succumb to peer pressure ‘bootlickers’, which I find to be so degrading.
You should be a God pleaser and stand firm in who He has made you to be.
Apostle Paul asked in Galatians 1:10 (Nkjv), “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.”
He was saying that pleasing God is greater than following the crowd.
My dear child, do not give in to peer pressure of any kind to obtain favours from people, have a sense of public acceptance, or look good before men.
I want you to always stand for the truth and ask God for the grace to overcome any societal pressure.
Additionally, you must ensure that you choose friends who share your values and will help you grow spiritually.
You were not created to please men but God, so focus on doing only the things that will make God proud while you live at peace with all men.
Key Point:
You were created to please God and not men.
HYMN 4: REVIVE THY WORK, O LORD
1 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
Thy mighty arm make bare;
speak with the voice that wakes the dead,
and make Thy people hear.
Refrain:
Revive Thy work, O Lord,
while here to Thee we bow;
descend, O gracious Lord, descend!
O come and bless us now.
2 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
now let us thirst for Thee;
and hung’ring for the bread of life
may all our spirits be. [Refrain]
3 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
exalt Thy precious name;
and, by the Holy Ghost, our love
for Thee and Thine inflame. [Refrain]
4 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
give pow’r unto Thy word;
grant that Thy blessed gospel may
in living faith be heard. [Refrain]
5 Revive Thy work, O Lord,
and give refreshing show’rs;
the glory shall be all Thine own,
the blessing, Lord, be ours. [Refrain]
Bible In One Year: Mark 2, Leviticus 26-27
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye