RCCG JUNIOR ZEAL FOR AGE 16-19 MANUAL 16 MARCH 2025

LESSON TWENTY NINE (29)
TOPIC: DEALING WITH ADDICTION
MEMORY VERSE: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ that strengtheneth me”.
BIBLE TEXT: Psalm 46:1-7.
[1](To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
[2]Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
[3]Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
[4]There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
[5]God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.
[6]The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
[7]The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

LESSON AIM & OBJECTIVES: To equip students with knowledge on the dangers of addiction and practical steps towards recovery. Through the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Understand the reality of addiction.
2. Rely on God for strength to overcome addiction.
INTRODUCTION: Addiction can be something that has control and power over you, something that controls your being, controls your personality and eventually could lead to a destructive action or tendency.
Addictions come in many forms. We immediately think of alcohol and drugs when we hear the term but people can become addicted to many things: food, gambling, shopping, work, cigarettes, pornography, the internet, video games, smart phones, texting, pain medication and so on. That could almost be a mantra for any addiction. It’s always that way. Whether it’s alcohol or something else, it’s always the best thing until it becomes the worst thing.
OUTLINES
A THE REALITY OF ADDICTION.
B. TURNING TO GOD FOR STRENGTH.
A. THE REALITY OF ADDICTION
Addiction is like a black hole. It pulls in everything good and only leaves feelings of hopelessness and loneliness. There are many ways to describe the progression of addiction and how a person becomes addicted, but let’s outline four-step process that seems to cover the main bases. Addiction begins with hurt, which leads to escape, which leads to deception, which leads to slavery.
i.) Hurt (Proverbs 18:14)
Addiction begins with hurt. It may be loneliness, guilt or shame, but at the heart of every addiction there is a deep and lingering hurt that has never been resolved. i. ————————————————————————-
————————————————————————-
ii.) Escape (James 1:13-14)
This is part of the cycle of addiction. We cannot bear the emotional pain, and so we seek escape in our addiction. And we find escape in something that seems so wonderful, something that makes us feel good for a change, something that soothes all the bad feelings and numbs the pain.
iii.) Deception (Jeremiah 17:9)
Next comes deception. This is one of the most insidious parts of addiction, the lies we tell each other and the lies we tell ourselves. We become experts at hiding our addiction.
We hide it because we are afraid it will be taken away from us if it is discovered. And we don’t know that we can live without it. So we lie, we deceive, we manipulate, we blame, and in the process we lose all true sense of self. Jeremiah 17:9.
iv.) Slavery (Genesis 4:7; Proverbs 23:29-35; Romans 6:16)
Addiction begins with hurt, which leads to escape, which leads to deception, which leads to slavery. And this is really the main problem with addiction. It is bondage; it is dependency; it is slavery.
B. TURNING TO GOD FOR STRENGTH.
1. Recognition of Sin: Acknowledge addiction as a manifestation of sin. In Romans 7:18-20,
2. ————————————————— 1 John 1:9
3. ————————————————- Romans 12:2
4. Seeking Help: Seek support from fellow believers, pastors, or counselors. Galatians 6:2 encourages believers to carry each other’s burdens.
5. Filling the Void: Replace addictive behaviors with healthy, God-honoring activities.Ephesians 5:18.
6. Guarding Against Temptation: Guard yourself against temptation by fleeing from it. 1 Corinthians 10:13.
8. ——————————————— Ephesians 4:32.
CONCLUSION: Addiction is a serious problem that affects society, families and individuals. If you are struggling with an addiction this morning, you need help. There’s no quick fix to your problem. It will take time and determination, but with God’s help and by applying these principles from God’s Word to your situation, you can have victory. Will you give your addiction to God this morning?
QUESTIONS:
1. Mention things that one can get addicted to?
2. What are the practical ways to come from addiction?
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
Sunday – John 1:16-30
Monday – John 1:31-15
Tuesday – John 2:1-15
Wednesday – John 2:16-25
Thursday – John 3:1-15
Friday – John 3:16-36
Saturday – John 4:1-15