Turning Peer Pressure Around

05/20/2019 Turning Peer Pressure Around

Series: The Story Of The Bible 

https://vimeo.com/334593356

What Does The Bible Say?

Daniel

4 “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.” 5 The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service. (Daniel 1:4–5 NLT) 

The world challenges us to change our thinking.

8 But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods. 9 Now God had given the chief of staff both respect and affection for Daniel. (Daniel 1:8–9 NLT) 

17 God gave these four young men an unusual aptitude for understanding every aspect of literature and wisdom. And God gave Daniel the special ability to interpret the meanings of visions and dreams. (Daniel 1:17 NLT) 

20 Whenever the king consulted them in any matter requiring wisdom and balanced judgment, he found them ten times more capable than any of the magicians and enchanters in his entire kingdom. (Daniel 1:20 NLT)

Young people can resist peer pressure.

17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17–18 NLT) 

Biblical faith does not compromise, because true faith displays as obedience.

4 Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. 5 So they concluded, “Our only chance of finding grounds for accusing Daniel will be in connection with the rules of his religion.” (Daniel 6:4–5 NLT)

Is your faith the worst thing people can say about you?

28 Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!” (Daniel 3:28–29 NLT)

26 “I decree that everyone throughout my kingdom should tremble with fear before the God of Daniel. For he is the living God, and he will endure forever. His kingdom will never be destroyed, and his rule will never end. 27 He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.” (Daniel 6:26–27 NLT)

God wants to use your life as an example for others to find Christ.

11 Dear friends, I warn you as “temporary residents and foreigners” to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls. 12 Be careful to live properly among your unbelieving neighbors. Then even if they accuse you of doing wrong, they will see your honorable behavior, and they will give honor to God when he judges the world. (1 Peter 2:11–12 NLT)

How Can You Obey:

Never Compromise Your Faith!

Question 1 of 5

Give an example of when you said, “I draw the line here and will not cross it.”

Question 2 of 5

Daniel did not take credit for interpreting the king’s dream. In what ways can we be tempted to take credit for what God does? How can we give Him the glory instead?

Question 3 of 5

Have you ever faced (or are facing) real pressure to compromise biblical truth?

Question 4 of 5

In the furnace these Hebrew boys discovered they were not alone. Has there ever been a time in your life where God showed up in a very personal and powerful way?

Question 5 of 5 

Where is one place in your life that God wants His light to shine through you? A place where you will not compromise your faith in your obedience to God.