Definition:
Peer pressure refers to the influence exerted by a peer group on its individual members to conform to the group's norms, values, and behaviors. This influence can be positive or negative, encouraging individuals to make choices that align with the group's expectations.

Biblical Context:
The Bible, while not explicitly using the term "peer pressure," addresses the concept through various narratives and teachings that highlight the importance of standing firm in one's faith and values despite external influences.

Old Testament Examples:
1. Daniel and His Friends: In the Book of Daniel, we see a clear example of resisting peer pressure. Daniel and his friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were taken to Babylon and pressured to conform to the Babylonian culture, including eating food that was against their dietary laws. Daniel 1:8 states, "But Daniel resolved in his heart that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or wine." Their steadfastness in the face of pressure serves as a model for resisting conformity to ungodly practices.

2. The Israelites and Idolatry: Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites often faced pressure from surrounding nations to worship idols. In Exodus 23:2 , God commands, "You shall not follow the crowd in doing evil." This directive underscores the importance of adhering to God's commandments rather than succumbing to the practices of neighboring peoples.

New Testament Teachings:
1. Jesus and the Pharisees: Jesus frequently encountered pressure from the Pharisees and other religious leaders to conform to their interpretations of the law. In Mark 7:8 , Jesus rebukes them, saying, "You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men." Jesus' example teaches believers to prioritize God's truth over human traditions.

2. Paul's Exhortations: The Apostle Paul often wrote about the importance of standing firm in the faith. In Romans 12:2 , he advises, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." This verse encourages Christians to resist worldly pressures and to seek transformation through a renewed mind in Christ.

Practical Application:
1. Choosing Friends Wisely: Proverbs 13:20 states, "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm." This proverb highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with godly influences that encourage righteous living.

2. Accountability and Support: Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "not neglect meeting together." Being part of a faith community provides support and accountability, helping individuals resist negative peer pressure.

3. Prayer and Discernment: James 1:5 promises, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Seeking God's wisdom through prayer equips believers to discern and withstand peer pressure.

Conclusion:
The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that address the concept of peer pressure, emphasizing the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith and values. By following biblical principles, believers can navigate the challenges of peer pressure and live lives that honor God.Romans 12:2
And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
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1 Corinthians 15:33
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
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1 Corinthians 10:13
There has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that you may be able to bear it.
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Proverbs 13:20
He that walks with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
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Of Stations, and of the Hours of Prayer.
... And so the "pressure" must be maintained up to that hour in which the orb ... says (the
writer), "should hear a man""(a man,) to be sure, the sun's peer, so long ...
/.../on fasting in opposition to the psychics/chapter x of stations and of.htm

Man's Bad Break.
... What we do not use we lose. The pressure of the foot is always necessary to a clear
title. ... Bring your microscope and peer with awe into that single act. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks about jesus/mans bad break.htm

Rest, Rest
... chambers of out text, place its words under the microscope, and peer into the ... happens
that their labor adds to their weariness beneath its pressure; they feel ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/rest rest.htm

In the Court of Babylon
... they compromise with wrong in this instance by yielding to the pressure of
circumstances ... could bestow; yet among them all, the Hebrew youth were without a peer. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 39 in the court.htm

Fifth Tractate. That the Intellectual Beings are not Outside the ...
... because it is measure and not the measured; it is no peer of other ... really no more
than the negation of plurality: under the same pressure the Pythagoreans ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/fifth tractate that the intellectual.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... the vessel may rock, and her deck may be washed with waves, and her mast may creak
under the pressure of the ... Did you ever peer into eternity with anxious eyes? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

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