Talk about the world and distractions: The world is full of distractions. The world is full of things that may distract us from following God. The devil appeals to every group of individuals differently. As for Junior High and High School students, the world tends to show them and tell them things that may seem appealing at the moment. They are told that they can look better, they can do things to make themselves seem better, and they are told that it is alright to lust. As for college age individuals, they are typically told by the world that they are not good enough, even if they try their best. It might say that you must do this to cope with the stress of the world. Drugs, premarital sex and other unhealthy coping mechanisms are often directed towards that group. When you are older, distractions can come from every angle of anything. Even when you feel like you have accomplished something, the devil reminds you of something small that is wrong with your marriage, your kids, your job, your social life, your sanity, etc. Do not let these distractions take hold of you, though. Listen to what the Bible has to say.
Read Proverbs 1:8-9…Parents are there to support and love you. Instead of listening to the world and what it offers you, listen to the teachings, instruction and warnings of your parents and elders. They will do their best to guide you through this deceiving world.
Ask about the media: What does the media try to show us (e.g. on social media, on commercials, on the news)?…Be a rebel, do what makes you happy (without thinking of the potential dangers), fear everything, etc.
Read Proverbs 1:10-14…It is so easy to give in to peer pressure. It has the potential to destroy you.
Talk about falling into peer pressure: At any age, it is easy to fall into peer pressure. At some point in our life, we all have been victims of peer pressure. We have all done things to “fit in”. This includes intentionally putting others down for our own gain, lying to others, and talking about other people behind their back for the sake of fitting in.
Talk about sin and peer pressure: Some people may want you to sin (e.g. spread rumors, premarital sex) with them for the sake of the short-term reward (e.g. inflated pride, sexual pleasure). Just remember that the sins of this world have the potential to harm everyone. God warns us of that many times in the Bible.
Read Proverbs 1:8-19
What tends to happen when we get involved in the lives of others who lead a life of deliberate sin? When we get involved in the lives of others who lead a life of deliberate sin, we may be led into a life of sin as well, ultimately turning us away from living a life for God.
Read Proverbs 1:19…Going after “ill-gotten gain” is one of Satan’s surest traps. It begins when he plants the suggestion that we can’t live without a specific possession or more money. Then that desire fans its own fire until it becomes an all-consuming obsession. Ask God for wisdom to recognize any greedy desire before it destroys you. God Will Help you overcome it if you do so genuinely and wholeheartedly.
Read Luke 12:13-21
Ask about greed being harmful: How can greed be harmful?…Greed can make us hyper focus on the temporary treasures of the world rather than the everlasting heavenly treasures that come from God Himself. We may waste our life away by pursuing material wealth while turning away from a faith in Christ.
Read Matthew 6:33
Talk about the traps of this world: Don’t let one thing of this world consume you. Let God be the center of everything you do. Ask God for wisdom to recognize any greedy desire before it destroys you. God will help you overcome unrighteousness if we seek Him honestly.
Read 1 John 2:15-17
Ask about worldliness: Does worldliness only include our worldly possessions?…Some people think that worldliness is limited to external behavior—the people we associate with, the places we go, the activities we enjoy. Worldliness is also internal because it begins in the heart and is characterized by three attitudes: (1) the lust of the flesh—preoccupation with gratifying physical desires; (2) the lust of the eyes—craving and accumulating things, bowing to the god of materialism; and (3) the pride of life—obsession with one’s status or importance.
Ask about distractions in your life: Is there anything in your life that is distracting you from God?…As mentioned previously, seek God first, turn away from people living a life of deliberate sin, and resist temptation that may entice you. When we follow these steps, potential distractions become easier to deal with. The most important step, obviously, is to seek God first in everything.
References:
Bible Study Tools. (2017). Retrieved from http://www.biblestudytools.com/
NIV Life Application Study Bible. (2011). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: New Testament. (2004). Colorado Springs, Colorado: International Bible Society.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament. (2004). Colorado Springs, Colorado: International Bible Society.
Unger, M. F. (1976) Unger’s bible disctionary. Chicago, IL: The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.