TOPIC: Dealing With Addictions [Sunday, 11th February 2018]
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 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?
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
BIBLE PASSAGE: Proverbs 31:2-7
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.
7 Let him drink, and forget his poverty, and remember his misery no more.
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. According to the American Society of Addiction Medicine, addiction leads to characteristic biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations.
LESSON OUTLINES:
1. Types of addictions
2. Overcoming addictions
TYPES OF ADDICTIONS:
1. Substance Addictions (Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; Isaiah 5:11-12; 28:7-8) e. g. drug abuse (cocaine, opioids-heroine, amphetamines, benzodia-zepines), alcoholism, smoking (cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine), caffeine (coffee, coke, cola), etc.
2. Behavioural or Process Addictions (1Kings 11:4-5; Proverbs 31:3; 1Peter 4:3): This is addiction to mood-altering behaviours such as gambling, sexual activity (masturbation, sex, pornography, etc.), eating disorders, spending, shopping, watching television, etc.
3. Position Addiction is a kind of addiction associated with power, influence and affluence (Proverbs 28:15). Just as with every other type of addictions, the position addict enjoins his power, influence or affluence at the expense of others. Examples are King Saul (1Samuel 19:1; 8-10). And King Hezekiah (Isaiah 39:1-8).
OVERCOMING ADDICTIONS:
1. 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 while acknowledging that you cannot help yourself (Psalm 51:1-4).
2. Seek help (James 5:13-16). You must open up to God (Proverbs 3:4-5; 1Peter 5:7) and to people who can be of help in breaking the evil habit. Surrender yourself for proper screening and therapies (pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and spiritual therapy).
3. Avoid relapse. Relapse is to addiction what backsliding is to sin and its episode is usually worse than before the treatment/deliverance (Matthew 12:43-45; 2Peter 2:20-22).
4. Keep your heart with all diligence (Proverbs 4:23) and renew it daily (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:22-23). Addiction is really a battle of the mind.
5. You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers (1Corinthians 15:33; 2Corinthians 6:15-20; Ephesians 5:11-12).
6. Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory (Hebrews 10:24-25).
CONCLUSION:
Withdrawal from addiction often comes with a myriad of challenges usually referred to as withdrawal syndrome. It is incumbent on the brethren not to cast away (Psalm 38:11) the victim at this critical time but to show him/her love and encouragement until the victory is won (2Timothy 1:15-16; Psalm 133:1-3).
QUESTIONS:
1. What are the types of addiction we have around us?
2. How can one overcome addictions?
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