Week 20: Peer Pressure
Weekly Reading:
II Chronicles 11 - 31
Opening Prayer
Father God,
Thank you for surrounding me with those who love You. However, I also surround myself with those who do not. Father, I pray that you help me discern what pressures are godly versus worldly and help me lean into the godly peer pressures that are food and drink for my soul.
Amen
Study
I recognized it immediately, and you may have as well, 2 Chronicles 18:12-13; peer pressure.
The messenger who had gone to summon Micaiah said to him, "Look, the other prophets without exception are predicting success for the king. Let your word agree with theirs, and speak favorably." But Micaiah said, "As surely as the Lord lives, I can tell him only what my God says." 2 Chronicles 18:12-13
Go along with the crowd. If you disagree, Micaiah, something terrible will happen to you.
Going back to the beginning of II Chronicles 18, we see how the story unfolds. Jehoshaphat, one of the Lord's servants (2 Chronicles 17:3–6), meets with Ahab of Israel. Jehoshaphat allied his kingdom to Ahab's through the marriage of their children.
In II Chronicles 18:3, Ahab entices Jehoshaphat to recover Ramoth Gilead. Jehoshaphat agrees but says, first, let's consult God to see if it is God's will. Ahab agrees and summons 400 prophets, none of which are of the Lord. When Jehoshaphat questions if any of the 400 are a prophet of the Lord of Abraham, Ahab scoffs and says, heck no, there's only one, and I hate that guy because he never prophecies my will (2 Chronicles 18:7).
Jehoshaphat scolds Ahab and tells him that is not how a leader should speak, and Ahab summons Micaiah.
While the prophets not of the Lord prophesied victory, a messenger went to Micaiah and told him to promise victory like the others (verse 12), but Micaiah replied that he would only report what God said (verse 13).
Micaiah told the assembly that Ahab would die if he were to go into battle. Micaiah further said God prompted the false prophets to promise victory and speak lies. Ahab's prophets were furious; one slapped Micaiah, who went to prison until Ahab returned.
As you continue to read, we see Ahab die by a randomly shot arrow, which found the most vulnerable spot in his armor.
We see several peer pressure events:
Verse two: Ahab enticed Jehoshaphat to go into battle against Ramoth Gilead to reclaim it.
Verse four: Jehoshaphat said they must consult God before going into battle
Verse seven: Jehoshaphat scolding Ahab on what he said about one of God's prophets.
Verse twelve: the messenger seeking out Micaiah tells him to parrot the other prophets.
Peer pressure is both positive and negative actions.
Throughout the Bible, we see peer pressure
Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20
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
For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ. Galatians 1:10
"Don't be fooled by those who say such things, for "bad company corrupts good character." Think carefully about what is right, and stop sinning. For to your shame I say that some of you don't know God at all." 1 Corinthians 15:33-34
"My child, if sinners entice you, turn your back on them!" Proverbs 1:10
"But Peter and the apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than any human authority." Acts of the Apostles 5:29
Ahab and Jehoshaphat both knew God and what God has in store for them if they would follow God. One king found the peace of following God's will while the other did what he wanted to do. How much easier is it to follow God's will when you surround yourself with other believers who encourage you via peer pressure to do right rather than being in the midst of those who seek worldly riches, fame, and ease?
Closing Prayer
Father God,
Thank you for sending godly people to surround me, providing positive peer pressure and support. Please guide me so that I can discern between negative and positive pressure. Help me prune those who offer only negative peer pressure or guide my conversations with them so that I can be a blessing to their lives so that they can turn to You.
Amen
Homework
Who surrounding you provides positive, godly peer pressure?
Who surrounding you provides negative, worldly peer pressure?
How can you make changes to surround yourself with more positive than negative peer pressure?
