Living with Integrity Under Pressure
Preached to: High School Students
Speaker: Pastor Amanda Hahn
As the school year winds down, pressure ramps up—exams, final projects, and a busy schedule can leave students feeling overwhelmed. This past week at Amplify, we tackled a topic that hits home for everyone: integrity.
We kicked things off with a lighthearted challenge—disco dancing, chicken impersonations, and spontaneous poetry (yes, really!)—to show how easy it is to say you’ll do something, but harder to actually follow through. That led us to this core truth:
Integrity is doing what’s right—even when no one’s watching.
We explored how Jesus stayed calm and honest under pressure in Mark 12, how Proverbs 10:9 reminds us that integrity brings security, and how Paul encouraged a young Timothy to be a bold example in 1 Timothy 4:12.
Students had a chance to reflect on real-life situations—cheating, gossip, inappropriate texting—and wrote their own game plans to grow in integrity this week. The challenge wasn’t just to feel convicted, but to take action.
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Night 1: Integrity Under Pressure
Starter Question:
What does the word integrity mean to you?Discussion Prompts:
Share a time when you felt pressured to do something wrong. How did you handle it?
Why do you think it’s so hard to make the right choice when no one is watching?
Read Proverbs 10:9 (NLT): "People with integrity walk safely, but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed."
What do you think this verse means in your everyday life?
Wrap-Up Thought:
Integrity is who you are when no one else is around. How can we encourage each other to live that way?Night 2: The Example of Jesus
Starter Question:
What would you do if someone tried to trap you into saying something wrong—like they did to Jesus?Discussion Prompts:
Read Mark 12:13–17 (NLT) together. How did Jesus respond to pressure from the Pharisees?
What are some situations at school or work where we might feel "trapped" or tested in our values?
How can we be bold in our faith without being harsh or sarcastic?
Wrap-Up Thought:
Jesus didn't just speak truth—He lived it. How can we do the same in the small, daily decisions we make?Night 3: Living It Out
Starter Question:
Has anyone ever apologized to you but didn’t change their behavior? How did that feel?Discussion Prompts:
Why is it important to not just say “I’m sorry,” but to actually make a change?
Read 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT): “Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live…”
What does it look like to be a young person (or parent!) who sets an example in integrity?What’s one area where you want to grow in integrity this week?
Wrap-Up Thought:
Everyone struggles sometimes, but we serve a God who offers forgiveness and strength to grow. Let’s make a game plan and pray for each other! -
STARTER:
Students shared how they're feeling stressed and under pressure at the end of the school year. A fun game challenged volunteers to follow through with silly prompts, introducing the idea of integrity—doing what you say you’ll do.MESSAGE:
Living with integrity means doing the right thing, even when no one is watching. Under pressure—like tests, gossip, or peer influence—it’s easy to compromise, but Jesus modeled how to respond with truth and integrity even when trapped or challenged (Mark 12:13–17). Proverbs 10:9 and 1 Timothy 4:12 emphasize that those who walk in integrity are secure and can set an example regardless of their age.DIG DEEPER:
Students discussed real-life scenarios (cheating, gossip, inappropriate texting, hidden social media) and reflected on how integrity is tested in each. They also talked about the influence of peer pressure and how walking with integrity sets you apart as a Christ follower.APPLY:
In small groups, students identified a recent moment where they may have compromised their integrity and wrote a personal game plan for how to do better moving forward. The challenge was not just to say "sorry," but to show repentance by taking steps toward change and growth in Christlike character. -
1. Mark 12:13–17 (NLT)
The Pharisees Attempt to Trap Jesus
13 Later the leaders sent some Pharisees and supporters of Herod to trap Jesus into saying something for which he could be arrested.
14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know how honest you are. You are impartial and don’t play favorites. You teach the way of God truthfully. Now tell us—is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?
15 Should we pay them, or shouldn’t we?”
Jesus saw through their hypocrisy and said, “Why are you trying to trap me? Show me a Roman coin, and I’ll tell you.”
16 When they handed it to him, he asked, “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17 “Well then,” Jesus said, “give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God.”
His reply completely amazed them.2. Proverbs 10:9 (NLT)
People with integrity walk safely,
but those who follow crooked paths will be exposed.3. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
4. 1 John 1:9 (NLT)
But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.
