Temptation
Your friend dares you to lie to a teacher. How do you respond?
Tell the truth. God wants honesty.
Proverbs 12:22 – “Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, But those who deal truthfully are His delight.”
Brag about a grade
Be humble.
Proverbs 27:2 – “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth; A stranger, and not your own lips.”
Skip homework to play
Do your responsibilities first.
Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Don’t do chores
Don’t do chores
Colossians 3:23 – “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Nervous about a test
Pray and do your best.
Philippians 4:6–7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Cheat on homework
Do your own work.
Colossians 3:23 – “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.”
Jealous of a friend’s reward
Rejoice in their blessing.
Philippians 2:3 – “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.”
Friends make fun of someone
Stand up or do not join in.
Proverbs 31:8–9 – “Open your mouth for the speechless, In the cause of all who are appointed to destruction. Open your mouth, judge righteously, And plead the cause of the poor and needy.”
Skip Bible study
Attend; spiritual growth requires effort.
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some…”
Fear speaking in class
Isaiah 41:10 – “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you…”
Watch inappropriate content
Avoid it; guard your eyes and thoughts.
Philippians 4:8 – “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble…meditate on these things.”
Want everyone to notice your good deeds
Do good quietly for God’s glory.
Matthew 6:3–4 – “But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret…”
Friends want you to do something morally wrong
Refuse; God’s way is best.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able…”
Avoid helping in church tasks
Serve faithfully.
1 Peter 4:10 – “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Fear rejection for following God
Matthew 5:10 – “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Gossip about a classmate
Speak kindly or remain silent.
Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Think you’re better than others and avoid helping
Serve humbly.
Mark 10:44 – “And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all.”
Break a minor church rule once
Obey God’s rules.
Hebrews 10:25 – “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another…”
Put off schoolwork or personal spiritual cultivation
Proverbs 6:6–8 – “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, Which, having no captain, Overseer or ruler, Provides her supplies in the summer…”
Afraid to point out sin/wrongdoing
Speak truth kindly.
"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one." Col 4:6
Want to retaliate in anger
Forgive and trust God to act.
Romans 12:19 – “Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
Compare yourself constantly
Trust God’s plan for you.
Psalm 139:14 – “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”
Pressured to lie to protect a friend
Speak the truth in love.
Ephesians 4:15 – “But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head- Christ.”
Make excuses to avoid responsibilities
Take responsibility.
Luke 16:10 – “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.”
Feel hopeless about spiritual growth/making it to heaven
Keep trusting God; He strengthens you.
Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles…”