RCCG YAYA Sunday School Teacher 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)
OPENING PRAYER: Father, give me quality friends in Jesus‘ name. (Scroll down for RCCG YAYA Sunday School 7 December 2025)
PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE: The teacher should allow the assistant teacher to review the lesson for the previous week.
MEMORY VERSE: “Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.” – 1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: 2 Chronicles 10:3-11 (KJV)
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 AIM: To encourage students to stand firm against negative peer pressures.
TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this lesson, students should be able to:
a. Define peer pressure.
b. Identify peer pressure.
c. Learn how to stand firm in the face of negative peer pressure.
TEXT REVIEW: 2 Chronicles 10:3-11.
A. After King Solomon died, his son, Rehoboam became the King. All of Israel came to ask him to reduce their burden/tax. V3 & 4.
i. The king asked them to come back ……………….. days. V5.
B. Rehoboam took counsel from the elders who served King Solomon his father. V6.
What advice did they give him?
ii. ………………. V7.
C. But he forsook the counsel that the old men gave him, and took counsel with the young men who were brought up with him (his peers).
D. What was their counsel in verses 8 & 9?
iii. …………….. V10.
iv. ……………….V11.
LESSON OUTLINE
1. IDENTIFYING PEER PRESSURE
2. STRATEGIES TO STAND FIRM
LESSON OUTLINE 1: IDENTIFYING PEER PRESSURE
A. The teacher explains that:
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).
B. People susceptible to peer pressure are:
i. Younger individuals.
ii. Those lacking firm values.
C. The categories of people listed above 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.
D. Examples include:
i. 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).
ii. 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).
iii. 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.
iv. 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.
CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Was there any time you were influenced by your peers to do things against your wish? Tell the class how it happened.
LESSON OUTLINE 2: STRATEGIES TO STAND FIRM
The teacher should explain that:
A. 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).
B. The teacher should highlight these practical steps to standing firm:
- 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 Friends: 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).
C. By growing spiritually and staying true to your values, you can resist peer pressure and make decisions that honour God.
CLASS ACTIVITY 2: What lessons have you learned from King Rehoboam in our Bible Passage? Share with the class.
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.
EVALUATION: Briefly discuss how to resist negative peer pressure.
CLOSING PRAYER: Father, please give me the inner strength to withstand negative peer pressures in Jesus’ name.
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?
