SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

O how I love Thee well,

I am happy, it makes me glad

To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Thy friendship suits me well,

Both young and old will sing Thy song,

We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Christ was Thy first teacher,

The Holy Spirit, great teacher,

Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

This testimony is sure,

That God, the Father Almighty,

Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Though the sun be so bright,

Or if the clouds be black with rain,

I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day

I rejoice to see Thee,

Will thou pass over me today?

Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:2-6.

[2]What, my son? and what, the son of my womb? and what, the son of my vows?

[3]Give not thy strength unto women, nor thy ways to that which destroyeth kings.

[4]It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

[5]Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

[6]Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto those that be of heavy hearts.

MEMORY VERSE: “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the LORD.” Isaiah 52:11.

INTRODUCTION: Addiction is a compulsive tendency developed over a period of continuous and repeated actions or exposures to a certain substance. It can result in loss of willpower and self-esteem, loss of or shift in focus, social and emotional disconnect, poverty, death, etc.

OUTLINES:

1. TYPES OF ADDICTION

2. OVERCOMING ADDICTION

1. TYPES OF ADDICTION

There are two main groups of addiction: Substance and Non-substance addiction. Substance addiction is also known as substance use disorder. It refers to a condition in which an individual is unable to control the use of a substance despite experiencing negative consequences. Substance abuse is the excessive use of psycho-active drugs/substances such as skunk, marlin kush, molley, Cocaine, opioids-Heroine, amphetamines, benzoic, diazepam, codeine, Colorado, ice, alcohol, cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine, dequadin, caffeine, zombie, etc. These substances could lead to physical, social and emotional harm (1 Corinthians 3:17).

Non-substance addiction (Behavioural or process addiction) is the addiction to mood-altering behaviour such as gambling, sexual activity – masturbation, sex, pornography (1 Kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3), eating disorders, reckless spending (Luke 15:13-14) and shopping, watching television, etc. It could also be position addiction. The addict enjoys his power or affluence at the expense of others. Some examples of power addicts in the Bible include King Saul (1 Samuel 20:30-31) and King Herod (Matthew 2:1-3, 16).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss any form of addiction they have been involved in.

2. OVERCOMING ADDICTION

The following are guidelines on how to overcome addiction:

i. Take a stand. You must first of all acknowledge that addiction is an affliction and you are already caught up in its web. Then, you must be willing to break free from its bondage. (Luke 15:17-18).

ii. Seek help. Acknowledge that you cannot help yourself. You must open up to God and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit (James 5:13-16; 1 Peter 5:7). Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies: pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and spiritual therapy.

iii. Avoid relapse. Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome. You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers (1Corinthians 15:33; Ephesians 5:11-12). Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before treatment/deliverance took place (2 Peter 2:20-22; Matthew 12:43-45).

iv. Keep your heart with all diligence and renew it daily (Proverbs 4:23; Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-23) because addiction is a battle of the mind.

v. Keep company with those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory (Proverbs 13:20; Hebrews 10:24-25).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you or anyone you know overcome addiction? Share the tips that helped you or the person with the class.

CONCLUSION: It is incumbent on the brethren not to cast away the victim at this critical time (Psalm 38:11) but to show him/her love and encouragement until victory is attained (2 Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3).

QUESTIONS

* Explain the two main types of addiction.

* State the guidelines for overcoming addiction.

ASSIGNMENT: Write out five behavioural addictions and the way out. (2×5=10 Marks).