RCCG YAYA SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR 14TH OF APRIL, 2024; DRUG/SUBSTANCE ABUSE

[6]Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

[7]Therefore do not be partakers with them. Walk in Light

[8]For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

[9](for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),

[10]finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.

[11]And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

[12]For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret.

INTRODUCTION: Drug or substance abuse is the maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress. People use illicit (hard) drugs for different reasons. Stimulants (cocaine, nicotine, caffeine, etc.) speed up messages travelling between the brain and the body. They make one feel awake and energized. Depressants (Alcohol, heroin, codeine, Tramadol, inhalants, etc.) reduce the level of stimulation and arousal. They slow down a person’s ability to respond to unexpected situations. Hallucinogens (ecstasy, cannabis, etc.) cause profound distortions in a person’s perceptions of reality, otherwise known as hallucinations. The usage of drugs in itself is not evil but abuse.

LESSON AIM: To learn about drug/ substance abuse.

TEACHING OBJECTIVES: Through this lesson, students are expected to:

a. Know the meaning of drug/substance abuse. b. Understand the excuses for and effects of drug abuse.

c. Identify antidotes to drug/substance abuse.

TEXT REVIEW: Ephesians 5:6-12.

According to the Apostle Paul’s admonition to the Ephesians;

A. Believers should be careful of deceitful words of men which attract…………v6.

B. He said they …………………………… v7.

C. He further said:

i. We were once ………………….………. v8a.

ii. But now ……………………….………….. v8b.

iii. We must therefore walk …………. v8c.

D. For the fruit of the spirit is ……………….v9.

E. Finding out ……………………………… v10.

F. We must have no fellowship ……… v11.

G. For it is shameful …………………… v12.

The teacher should ask the students the reasons for the prevalence of drug/substance abuse among youths.

The teacher should explain thus:

A. There are several excuses for the prevalence of drug/substance abuse among youths. Some of which include:

1. Peer Pressure (1 Corinthians 15:33; Proverbs 1:10).

2. Undue Exposure: Youths tend to practice what they watch others do (Exodus 23:2). Also, exposure to high-risk jobs could lead to drug misuse.

3. Curiosity: Many youths want to indulge in DIY (do it yourself) in order to have a feeling of the effect of the drugs (Romans 1:24).

4. Unpleasant situations: Wrong belief that drugs will ameliorate the seemingly unpleasant situation (Proverbs 24:10; Ecclesiastes 7:14).

5. Family Breakdown: Dysfunctional family may encourage drug abuse (Luke 11:17b).

B. The adverse effect of drug/substance abuse can be:

1. Biological (Liver damage, Cancer of the lungs, Diabetes, impotence, infertility, accidents, and eventual death);

2. Psychological (Depression, Psychosis, suicide, low self-esteem, personality changes, etc.);

3. Social (unfulfilled dreams, marital disharmony, financial difficulties, relational problems, irrational decisions, etc.);

4. Spiritual (Prayerlessness, lack of interest in the things of God, apostasy, spiritual death, etc.).

Summarily, destruction awaits anyone engaging in drug/substance abuse (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Students should disclose if they always consult a physician before using any drug.

The teacher should ask the students to suggest the antidotes to drug/substance abuse.

A. The teacher should explain as follows:

1. Christians are all required to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us including our earthly bodies (1 Peter 4:10). As Christians, our bodies are not our own – we “have been bought with a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

2. We need to be sober and avoid being ensnared through deception (1 Peter 4:7). 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells us that “…evil communications corrupt good manners.” It is therefore expedient to keep godly friends (2 Corinthians 6:14; Psalm 1:1) and flee from youthful lust (2 Timothy 2:22).

3. Parents/guardians must be positive role models and be familiar with their children’s friends (Titus 2:7).

4. Intentional teaching of the undiluted word of God (Romans 14:19), mentoring and discipleship, (2 Timothy 2:2) should be put in place to forestall the spread of drug/substance abuse.

B. Peradventure you are already involved, know that there is a way out.

i. Pray to God for forgiveness.

ii. Seek help from a pastor and/or professional.

iii. Do not let the devil deceive you that it is too late (James 5:16).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should make a conscious effort to reach out to anyone they know who is suffering from drug/substance abuse.

CONCLUSION: All hands must be on deck to fight drug/substance abuse.

EVALUATION: What is drug/substance abuse? 2. Mention two effects of drug/substance abuse.

CLOSING PRAYER: My God, I secure my loved ones against drug/substance abuse in Jesus’ name.

ASSIGNMENT

Suggest what the church can do to put an end to drug abuse (2×5=10 marks).