RCCG YAYA Sunday School Students Manual 7 December 2025 Lesson 14 – Peer Pressure
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TOPIC: Peer Pressure (RCCG Sunday School Manual For Young Adults And Youths (YAYA)
MEMORY VERSE: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Chronicles 10:3-11 (KJV) (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 7 December 2025 HYMN)
3 And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spake to Rehoboam, saying,
4 Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore ease thou somewhat the grievous servitude of thy father, and his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve thee.
5 And he said unto them, Come again unto me after three days. And the people departed.
6 And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that had stood before Solomon his father while he yet lived, saying, What counsel give ye me to return answer to this people?
7 And they spake unto him, saying, If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, they will be thy servants for ever.
8 But he forsook the counsel which the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men that were brought up with him, that stood before him.
9 And he said unto them, What advice give ye that we may return answer to this people, which have spoken to me, saying, Ease somewhat the yoke that thy father did put upon us?
10 And the young men that were brought up with him spake unto him, saying, Thus shalt thou answer the people that spake unto thee, saying, Thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it somewhat lighter for us; thus shalt thou say unto them, My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins.
11 For whereas my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.
INTRODUCTION: Peers are individuals within the same social group, and peer pressure is particularly dangerous because it can strongly influence behaviour, especially for those whose personal convictions are not yet fully developed or established.
LESSON OUTLINE
- IDENTIFYING PEER PRESSURE
- STRATEGIES TO STAND FIRM
1. IDENTIFYING PEER PRESSURE
Peer pressure occurs when individuals in the same social group influence one another to engage in behaviours they might not otherwise choose. This influence can lead people to make decisions that contradict their values or beliefs (1 Corinthians 15:33). People, particularly younger individuals or those lacking firm values, may be more susceptible to conforming to the expectations or behaviours of their peers, even if those actions go against their own beliefs or morals. This kind of pressure can lead to choices that may harm their integrity, faith and long-term well-being. Individuals must develop strong convictions and a clear sense of identity to resist negative peer influence.
Examples include:
- Indecent Dressing: Social media and the internet promote trends like indecent dressing, pressuring individuals to abandon modesty and adopt worldly fashion standards (Romans 12:2).
- Pursuit of Wealth through Unethical Means: Some people are pressured to pursue quick wealth through fraudulent or immoral methods, disregarding good morals (1 Timothy 6:10).
- Misleading Peer Influence: Just as King Jehoshaphat was misled by King Ahab into a dangerous battle (2 Chronicles 18:1-18), people today may follow peers to ungodly places or engage in sinful activities to fit in.
- Influence of Ungodly Mentors: Some prioritise the advice of godfathers or mentors even when it contradicts God’s word, allowing peer pressure to guide their decisions.
2. STRATEGIES TO STAND FIRM
To resist peer pressure, it is essential to grow spiritually and allow the Spirit of God to guide you effectively (2 Peter 3:18; Isaiah 30:21). Here are practical steps to take:
- Believe in Yourself and Your Values: Dare to walk away from compromising situations, trusting your convictions (Proverbs 1:10-14).
- Prepare in Advance: Plan how to respond to various scenarios, knowing what to say or do ahead of time (Genesis 39:9-13).
- Establish a Secret Code: Create a way to communicate with a trusted adult, such as a parent or mentor, if you need help exiting a situation.
- Practice Saying No: Firmly say no without apologising or offering explanations (James 5:12).
- Surround Yourself with Supportive Friend Spend time with friends who share your values and avoid those whose influence is harmful (Proverbs 13:20).
- Seek Guidance: Talk about your challenges with a trusted person who can offer support and advice (Proverbs 11:14).
- Offer Alternatives: Suggest positive activities that steer clear of trouble.
- Be Honest: Share with your peers how their pressure makes you feel and stand firm in your decisions (2 Kings 2:3).
By growing spiritually and staying true to your values, you can resist peer pressure and make decisions that honour God.
CONCLUSION: Resisting negative peer pressure is essential for personal growth and maintaining integrity. By focusing on building yourself spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, you equip yourself to positively impact others.
QUESTIONS
- State three ways people experience peer pressure.
- Identify four things to do to stand firm against peer pressure.
FURTHER READINGS:
Sunday: Genesis 39:9-13 (KJV)
9 There is none greater in this house than I; neither hath he kept back any thing from me but thee, because thou art his wife: how then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? 10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. 11 And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out. 13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled forth,
Monday: James 5:12 (KJV)
But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.
Tuesday: Proverbs 11:14 (KJV)
Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
Wednesday: Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)
He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed.
Thursday: 2 Chronicles 18:1-18 (KJV)
Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honour in abundance, and joined affinity with Ahab. 2 And after certain years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. And Ahab killed sheep and oxen for him in abundance, and for the people that he had with him, and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramothgilead. 3 And Ahab king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat king of Judah, Wilt thou go with me to Ramothgilead? And he answered him, I am as thou art, and my people as thy people; and we will be with thee in the war. 4 And Jehoshaphat said unto the king of Israel, Enquire, I pray thee, at the word of the Lord to day. 5 Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the king’s hand. 6 But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of the Lord besides, that we might enquire of him? 7 And the king of Israel said unto Jehoshaphat, There is yet one man, by whom we may enquire of the Lord: but I hate him; for he never prophesied good unto me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the son of Imla. And Jehoshaphat said, Let not the king say so. 8 And the king of Israel called for one of his officers, and said, Fetch quickly Micaiah the son of Imla. 9 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat king of Judah sat either of them on his throne, clothed in their robes, and they sat in a void place at the entering in of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets prophesied before them. 10 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had made him horns of iron, and said, Thus saith the Lord, With these thou shalt push Syria until they be consumed. 11 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramothgilead, and prosper: for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. 12 And the messenger that went to call Micaiah spake to him, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one assent; let thy word therefore, I pray thee, be like one of their’s, and speak thou good. 13 And Micaiah said, As the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. 14 And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And he said, Go ye up, and prosper, and they shall be delivered into your hand. 15 And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the Lord? 16 Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace. 17 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Did I not tell thee that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? 18 Again he said, Therefore hear the word of the Lord; I saw the Lord sitting upon his throne, and all the host of heaven standing on his right hand and on his left.
Friday: 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Saturday: Proverbs 1:10-14 (KJV)
10 My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. 11 If they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause: 12 Let us swallow them up alive as the grave; and whole, as those that go down into the pit: 13 We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil: 14 Cast in thy lot among us; let us all have one purse:
ASSIGNMENT: Students should pray fervently to God to disconnect them from friends/acquaintances pressurising them into negative behaviours or actions (No Marks).
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
