As a writer, I have no problem filling a page with words. And as a blogger for Christian teens, I have no problem turning those words into advice. But sometimes more words aren’t needed. For example, when it comes to standing up to peer pressure, the Bible already speaks volumes.
You just have to know where to look.
That’s where this post comes in. God offers a multitude of powerful directives for Christian teens facing peer pressure, many of which I highlight here. You might be familiar with a few. Maybe even most. But have you ever considered the power all of these verses together will bring you in the moments you most need to stand firm?
Pummel peer pressure with the powerful word of God!
Hi, I’m Lauren Thell, author of Christian YA fiction and blogger for teens who are ready to exceed the world’s expectations.
In This Article
Bible Verses About Peer Pressure
Don’t Be Misled!
The best defense against negative peer pressure is to choose friends who won’t pressure you into doing things you shouldn’t do!
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.
Proverbs 13:20
Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
1 Corinthians 15:33
But even if you have great friends with high morals, that’s no guarantee they won’t occasionally pressure you into something you know is wrong. That’s the power of the sinful nature. Which is why it’s so important to study your Bible and know what God commands.
There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12
It’s okay if not everyone likes you. In fact, you should expect to be despised by some.
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.
Matthew 10:22
Does it help to know you’re not alone? Thousands of teens like you face the same pressures you face every day. Find strength in their numbers.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
1 Peter 5:8-9
Remember Whose Opinion Matters Most
The power behind peer pressure lies in the fact that we care what others think about us. You want approval and acceptance, right? Be careful of who you’re seeking approval and acceptance from. As much as you might respect your peers, their opinions are not your top priority, as these verses point out.
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:10
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
Matthew 10:28
Choose Holiness
As a Christian, you were made to stand out. The more comfortable you are being uncomfortable, the less of a hold peer pressure will have on you.
Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong.
Exodus 23:2
Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans 12:2
Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!
Psalm 119:115
Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22
Examples of Peer Pressure in the Bible
Guess what! Some of the coolest people in the Bible faced life-and-death peer pressure and stood the test. Christian teens facing peer pressure today can gain resilience through their stories.
Of course, there are also examples of peer pressure in the Bible where someone caved—to his detriment.
- Jehoshaphat: 2 Chronicles 18
- Rehoboam: 1 Kings 12
Stand Firm! God’s Got Your Back
God doesn’t dish out commands that are impossible to follow. On the contrary, every one of his ordinances was made for your benefit. But if that’s not enough to pull you back, remember this: He’s the one who gives you the strength to stand your ground, and he promises to be there with you.
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.
James 4:7-8
In God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
Psalm 56:11
Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ.
2 Corinthians 1:21
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.
1 Peter 5:10
Don’t forget! Jesus was just as human as you. He understands peer pressure. Check out Hebrews 2:14-18.
Need a prayer? Call for help with standing up to peer pressure using the words of Psalm 141.
Where to Look in the Bible When Peer Pressure Arises
Boost your courage, resilience, and willpower with these Psalms:
Heed the Call
God is well aware of all the temptations this life holds for you. Which is why his Word reminds you again and again not to be pulled into the deception of sin.
My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.
Proverbs 1:10
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way.
Proverbs 4:14-15
So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold fast to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:58
Standing Up to Peer Pressure Gets Easier When You Zoom Out
In the heat of the moment, all you can think about is how much people are going to laugh at you or despise you if you don’t follow along. If this is a big issue for you, I suggest doing a mental fast-forward to 10 or 20 years from now (see my post A Slideshow of the Future). Are you going to care what they thought of you today? Unlikely.
Now fast-forward to eternity. Suddenly, the opinions of man don’t matter at all.
When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.
Proverbs 10:25
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Matthew 16:26
A Golden Nugget For Christian Teens Facing Peer Pressure
It might be a bit unreasonable to assume you can memorize every verse in this post and recall them all in every instance of peer pressure you encounter. I encourage you to mark them in your Bible and return to them often to bolster your stamina against outside pressure. But here’s one that pretty much sums up everything you’ve read so far, and it’s so short, you could memorize it right now.
Stand firm, and you will win life.
Luke 21:19
For Further Study
You don’t have to have all the answers.
But, hey, why not?
Bring me your questions about faith, life, God, the Bible… and I’ll help you find the answers.
Jesus gives a phenomenal stand-firm pep talk to his disciples in Matthew 10. Check it out!
More resources for Christian teens facing peer pressure:
Wow, this is great. Will share with Minister Dan as this is such good encouragement for our young people…. And for old birds like me too! Thanks Lauren. God bless your ministry.
You’re right, peer pressure doesn’t end when you step out of high school. 🙂 Thanks for your encouragement!
Sharing this!! Thank you Lauren!!
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