Give in to pressure

Kids

Proverbs 29:25 CSB

25 The fear of mankind is a snare, but the one who trusts in the Lord is protected.

bunny snare

Intro

1st broken arm - pushy pressure

Sagging Pants - pull-y (vacuum) pressure, sucked me into something goofy (careful)

Arriving in Hawaii and seeing best friend

College - good pressure that

Pressure is filled with possibilities.

series -

Week 1: Think Short Term

Week 2: Refuse Wise Counsel

Today, not just 1 bad decision but 3 that give facets of another way to make a bad decision and that is to give in to pressure.

The possibilities of pressure are described well in Romans 12:1-2

Romans 12:1–2 CSB

1 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in view of the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your true worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.

two options: be conformed or be transformed

when we conform sometimes it’s merely a matter of a divided heart that likes to pursue things that aren’t actually good for us in the long term. But it’s often a mix of both our heart pulls and the pushy and pull-y pressure of people.

Why does people pressure have so much power on us?

Body

When we conform to people's pressure it’s usually an attempt to...

Avoid disappointment like Aaron.

Moses, with the help of his bro Aaron and sister Miriam had led the people of Israel out of slavery in Egypt...

Read Exodus 32:1-4, 21-24

Aaron had been the spokesperson, the confident one. But here we see why Moses was the man for the job. Aaron, in his attempt

None of us like to disappoint people. We want at least their appreciation

Secure affection like Samson.

Read Judges 14:15-17

Read Judges 16:15-17

Samson was never comfortable in his calling. And rather than accept the affection of God himself he kept chasing it in women.

It’s one thing to avoid disappointing people. It’s another for them to really like us.

Often we chase people’s approval

Display competence like Saul.

Saul is always trying to look religious.

unlawful sacrifice - Read 1 Sam 13:6-13

rash oath - Read 1 Samuel 14:45-46

incomplete obedience (disobedience) - Read 1 Samuel 15:15-19, 23b, 24-25, 30

We move from wanting appreciation, to affection, to admiration. The admiration of other is powerful.

So how do we resist the power and avoid being conformed?

To resist the pressure and be transformed:

Cast off the weight of hiding.

2 of these guys at different points were called out and came up with lame excuses for their sin - they shifted the blame from themselves to others.

Proverbs 28:13 CSB

13 The one who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy.

Matthew 11:30 CSB

30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Rest in God’s commendation.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 CSB

4 Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts.

2 Corinthians 10:12 CSB

12 For we don’t dare classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But in measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves to themselves, they lack understanding.

2 Corinthians 10:18 CSB

18 For it is not the one commending himself who is approved, but the one the Lord commends.

Steep yourself in God’s ways.

Proverbs 9:9–10 CSB

9 Instruct the wise, and he will be wiser still; teach the righteous, and he will learn more. 10 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 13:20 CSB

20 The one who walks with the wise will become wise, but a companion of fools will suffer harm.

We are transformed by the renewing of our minds - something God himself does in us, but he does it as we make ourselves available.

Conclusion

What happens when the pressure comes?