Topic: It Is Inside You [TREM’s Daily Sunday February 11, 2018]

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:”  2 Peter 1:3 (KJV)

All that pertains to life and godliness has been given to you. It is inside you. All that God had to do was to put it there and your part is to recognize it and appreciate it. The communication of your faith becomes effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing inside you. That is your own assignment! If you fail to recognize it, nothing happens. When Elisha said to the widow woman, what do you have in your house? The woman only remembered a pot of oil. When Elisha said go borrow vessels, he was saying to her, let me open your eyes because what you need is in your house. In other words, don’t let the environment dictate to you. Your environment will tell you it won’t work. Shut down and just obey my instructions.  And she began to pour and oil began to flow and she could pay her debt and live off the rest.

Gideon also never realized that he had it inside him. God came to him and said, “the Lord is with you thou mighty man of valour.” Gideon was still wondering, is he talking to me. God said to go in this thy might. In other words, you have something inside you. And Gideon became the man that blew the trumpet and the entire city followed him. This was a man that was hiding; he didn’t know it was inside him. It took a prophet to let him know it was there.

As a prophet, I come to let you know today, that you have what it takes to shake your world. You have what it takes to succeed and to do exploit. I challenge you to put it to work.  You will not die unsung.  The world will hear from you.

Further Reading: Philemon 1:6, Judges 6:1-23, 2 Kings 4:1-6

Daily Bible Reading: Morning- Leviticus 11-12; Evening- Matthew 26:1-25

Written by Dr. Mike Okonkwo; Is the Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM); a versatile man of God with over 30 years of dedicated service unto the Lord.

Topic: The Proofs Of Passion For God [Seeds of Destiny Sunday February 11, 2018]

Scripture: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. Galatians 6:9

Thought For The Day: It does not matter what the devil has done against you, if he has not touched your prayer life, he has done nothing.

The greatest conspiracy of the enemy is the conspiracy against a person’s devotional life. The enemy always seeks to attack your prayer life, your study of the Word, and your praise and worship life.

That was the conspiracy against Daniel. The conspiracy was to stop him from praying; a decree was made to that effect (Daniel 6:6-9).
Sometimes, the devil would draw your attention to certain things that seem not to be working in your life in order to discourage you from praying, worshipping or studying the Word of God. What the devil is trying to do is to water down your relationship with God so that you do not pray, worship and study the Bible, but he will not succeed.

Beloved, there is no wasted prayer labour with God (2 Chronicles 15:7); your answer will come and your story will change. It does not matter what the devil has done against you, if he has not touched your prayer life, he has done nothing. But if the enemy succeeds over your devotional life, he has succeeded over your destiny.

Also, note that any assignment or job that has reduced your devotional life, your commitment in church, or hardens your conscience to do evil, is a satanic calculation to arrest your destiny, both physically and spiritually and send you to hell.

Remember this: It does not matter what the devil has done against you, if he has not touched your prayer life, he has done nothing.

Assignment (S):

1. Determine to pray, worship and study the Word of God despite confrontations.
2. Determine to pray until something happens; do not give up.
3. Start your day with prayer and the study of the Word before any other thing.

FOR FURTHER UNDERSTANDING, GET THIS MESSAGE: FROM CONFRONTATION TO PROMOTION.

Prayer: O LORD, I have made up my mind to love, worship and serve You till the end of my life, no matter what. Let me experience Your wonders in my life, Lord, in Jesus’ Name.

Daily Reading: Exodus 32:1 to 33:23, Matthew 26:69 to 27:14, Psalm 33:1 to 11, Proverbs 8:33 to 36
QUOTE: Your life of today is a product of your prayer of yesterday and your life of tomorrow is being determined by your prayer today. Culled PRINCIPLES AND POWER OF PRAYER by Dr Paul Enenche.

Amazing Fact: Goats have rectangular pupils.

Today In History: 11/02/1826 – University College London was founded as University of London

Don’t Forget To Attend: The Sunday Service in 6 over-flooded services by 6:00am, 7:20am, 8:40am, 10:00am, 11:20am and 12:40pm tomorrow. Endeavour to come to Church with your friends and loved ones. God bless you.

Today’s devotional was written by Pastor Paul Enenche of the Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), headquartered at Abuja, Nigeria, with Pastor Paul and Becky Enenche, as the Senior Pastors. It is a power-packed arena where God’s Presence, Principles and Power are at work for the salvation, healing and restoration of human destinies and dignities.

Topic: Fault Lines [Our Daily Bread 11 Sunday February, 2018]

Read: Acts 6:1–7, Bible in a Year: Leviticus 11–12; Matthew 26:1–25

They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. So the word of God spread. Acts 6:6–7

An influx of refugees to our community has led to new growth in area churches. That growth brings challenges. Church members must learn how to welcome these newcomers as they adjust to a strange culture, new language, and different worship styles. All this change can create some awkward situations.

Misunderstandings and disagreements occur everywhere we find people. Church is no exception. If we don’t handle our differences in a healthy way, they can harden into divisions.

The early church in Jerusalem was growing when a dispute arose that broke along a cultural fault line. The Greek-speaking Jews (the Hellenists) had a complaint against those Jews who spoke Aramaic. The Hellenist widows “were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food” (Acts 6:1). So the apostles said, “Choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (v. 3). The seven chosen all had Greek names (v. 5). In other words, they were Hellenists, members of the group being neglected. They best understood the problem. The apostles prayed over them and the church thrived (vv. 6–7).

Growth brings challenges, in part because it increases interactions across traditional barriers. But as we seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we’ll find creative solutions as potential problems turn into opportunities for more growth.

Prayer: Father, help us to recognize the barriers that keep us from living in the unity You desire for Your church.

Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success.

Insight

Spirit-filled people are needed when dealing with issues in the church. It was Spirit-filled men who got the call when a challenge arose within the new community of believers in Acts 6. When we think of the “filling of the Spirit” we may think of empowerment to speak about Christ or some other gospel-related witness. Yet the primary characteristic of those who were tasked with resolving the conflict surrounding the distribution of food was “to be full of the Spirit and wisdom” (v. 3). This situation called for those whose lives displayed the fruit of the Spirit: “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23). Being Spirit-filled means being under the Spirit’s control. The Spirit helps us navigate situations that can get out of hand and be costly in terms of time and energy.

How can you help resolve problems that could impede the progress of the gospel? Arthur Jackson

This message was written By Tim Gustafson [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Topic: Beyond What You Can Ask or Think [Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Sunday January 11, 2018]

I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all. – 1 Corinthians 14:18

Few things in the Bible have created more fuss than the issue of speaking in tongues. Churches have split over it. People have been persecuted for doing it. People have even been killed for it.

Who’s behind all the trouble? Satan himself. He’s so frightened of our ability to pray in tongues that he’s continually trying to steal it from us through persecution and strife.

You see, the devil knows (even if we don’t) that praying in tongues is the only way you and I can pray beyond what we know. It’s the tool God has given us to use to tap into the mind of the Spirit.

When we pray in tongues, we activate the Holy Spirit within us and He begins to teach us and enlighten us. If you want to see an example of what praying in tongues can do, look at the Apostle Paul. He said he prayed in tongues more than anyone in the whole Corinthian church and he was responsible for writing most of the New Testament!

Another example is the first church at Jerusalem. They didn’t yet have any of the New Testament to read. They couldn’t turn to Ephesians and find out what God’s plan was for them. They just had to pray in tongues until the revelation light of God dawned in their hearts. That’s all the equipment they had. So they used it and turned the world upside down.

Some years ago God began directing me to spend an hour a day praying in tongues. After I did it awhile, I began to talk to other Christians who’d been directed to do the same thing. God was speaking to believers all over the world to spend time praying in the spirit.

If you haven’t made a commitment to spend some time each day praying in tongues, make one now. Set aside all the disagreements and confusion the devil has stirred up about it and just say, “Lord, I’m going to do it. I don’t care what the devil says. I don’t care what any man says. I know You have plans for me that are so good my human mind hasn’t even conceived them—things that are beyond what I can ask or think. And by praying in the spirit, I’m going to receive them.”

Don’t let the distractions of the devil disturb you. Tap in to the mind of God. Speak forth His wisdom. Pray in the spirit today.

Scripture Reading: Isaiah 28:9-12

This message was written by Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, the leader of the Kenneth Copeland Ministries (www.KCM.org) that specializes in teaching principles of bible faith – prayer, healing, salvation and other biblical topics.

Topic: God Looks Inside [Andrew Wommack’s Daily Sunday February 11, 2018]

John 4:19, “The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet.”

Text: John 4:4-26

This didn’t take any great discernment on the woman’s part. Jesus had just “read her mail”. He told her the most intimate details of her life. Anyone could have perceived Jesus was a prophet after something like that.

This woman suddenly realized that she was dealing with more than just a man. God was speaking to her. What was her reaction? She changed the subject. She brought up a doctrinal issue concerning the proper place to worship–anything to get Jesus’ attention off of her.

We all have a tendency to build walls of privacy around the intimate details of our lives. We are afraid to let anyone, especially God, look inside. But God already knows and He wants all of our heart.

Jesus brought this woman right back to the subject of her personal relationship with God. The place of worship or the forms of worship weren’t important. God was looking for people who would open their hearts–even the hidden parts–for Him to inhabit.

Likewise today, Satan tries to get us occupied with everything except the one thing that counts. God wants us to worship Him in spirit and truth. Anything less than that is not enough.

This message was written by The Association of Related Ministries International (ARMI) is an extension of Andrew Wommack Ministries (AWM). ARMI is a unique partnership committed to providing resources to help like-minded ministers succeed in a spirit of excellence and to draw from the experience and expertise of both the AWM and Charis Bible College staff. (www.awmi.net).

Topic: His Timing Is Perfect [Billy Graham’s Daily Sunday February 11th, 2018]

. . . that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. — Romans 12:2

God has a plan for the life of every Christian. Every circumstance, every turn of destiny, is for your good. It is working together for completeness. His plan for you is being perfected. All things working together for your good and for His glory. As a young Christian, Ruth, my wife, wanted to be a missionary, as were her father and mother. But God had other plans for her life.

Changing circumstances revealed God’s will to her, and she was happy where God had placed her. So many of us ask God to change the circumstances to suit our desires, instead of us conforming our wills to His. Don’t let circumstances distress you. Rather, look for the will of God for your life to be revealed in and through those circumstances.

Prayer for the day: How often I want to run ahead of Your leading, Father. Let me trust You completely and realize that in the midst of all the events of this day, You are working out Your will for my life.

Written by Billy Graham, Founder of Billy Graham Evangelistic Association(BGEA). BGEA exists to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ by every effective means and to equip the church and others to do the same.

Topic: Avoid The Ultimate Disappointment [Open Heavens 11 Sunday February 2018]

Memorise: “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” – Revelation 3:18

Read: Luke 13:24-30 (KJV)

24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.

25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:

26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.

27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.

28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

30 And, behold, there are last which shall be first, and there are first which shall be last.

Bible in One Year: Exodus 39-40, Romans 14:13-15:13

MESSAGE

In plain terms, disappointment is sadness caused by unmet expectations. Although it is disheartening when a person’s expectations are not met, it is much more grievous when the disappointment experienced is of the ultimate or irreversible type. For example, it could be disappointing for someone to miss a train or bus but much more disappointing if the missed train or bus happens to be the last one for the day, it simply means such a fellow is stranded. My prayer for you is that you will not experience what it is to be stranded ultimately in Jesus, Name.

Our Lord Jesus Christ counsels His church in today’s memory verse to do some things that would prevent us from experiencing the ultimate disappointment. He gave us this counsel because according to His promise, the Church is eventually expected to be with her Lord in eternity (John 14:1-3). It would therefore be a great disappointment, an ultimate one for that matter, if He returns and what we hear from him are the words of Luke 13:27:

“I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.”

This will not be your portion in Jesus’ Name. For this not to be your portion, you must take certain precautions. First, you must strive to enter in through the strait gate. This is not an easy adventure, and thankfully, the Lord Jesus Christ has put us on notice about this. He forewarned us that many shall not be able to enter in through this gate because of persecution, the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches (Matthew 13:21-22). The Lord Jesus Christ also said that those who will suffer the ultimate disappointment will be surprised at His verdict on them because their expectation would be to rceive his commendation, due to their closeness to the altar of God and the abundance of their activities in church. Matthew 7:22-23 says:

“22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

What a terrible disappointment this would be! In order not to be counted in the number of those who will experience this ultimate disappointment, let us watch and pray, and let us examine ourselves to see if we are actually in the faith. May the Lord grant you understanding in Jesus’ Name.

Action Point: Consider the counsel of the Lord in today’s memory verse and yield to the wisdom of His counsel.

hymn 5: I Have Decided to Follow Jesus

1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

2. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.

3. Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
Though none go with me, still I will follow;
No turning back, no turning back.

4. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.

5. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
Will you decide now to follow Jesus?
No turning back, no turning back.

Flatimes’ Notice Board: Please do not prolong your salvation if you have not repented. Many are going home daily and tomorrow maybe too late.

Open Heavens 11th February 2018, Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer’s Ministries.

iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC.

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?

TOPIC: DEALING WITH ADDICTIONS [SUNDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY 2018]

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 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?

OPENING PRAYERS:
Father, deliver those who are under one form of addiction or the other.
Save me from addiction.

BIBLE PASSAGE PROV.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.

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

LESSON 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.

TEXT REVIEW: PRO. 31:2-7

WARNING FOR THE KINGS AND PRINCES

The Bible passage literarily was directed at a king Lemuel by her mother. Pro 31:1. However the advice should go beyond the few people who are found in palaces of earthly structures; it should be embraced by all other persons who were referred to as Kings and Priest in Rev. 5:10 “and hast made us unto our God Kings and priest”.

What are the advice and why?
i. Do not dissipate your virility on women ( promiscuous women) because they will shipwreck such ruler/kings. Pro.31:3

ii. Do not drink strong drinks (mixed wine and alcohol which is capable of making a person lose sense or sleep away) because such king will pervert justice and judge wrongly under influence. Pro. 31:4-5

iii. Strong drink will lead a person to peril(ready to perish). Pro. 31:6

iv. Strong drinks makes person feel high. Feeling of being on top of situations when in actual fact the situations are pressing heavily upon the fellow. When he/she is out of the influence, he/her sorrow will return. It is therefore a temporary relief/sedative and not a curative. Pro.31:7

The scripture warns believers to run from mixed wine (mixed substance) that is deceptive in appearance but hurts like poison of serpent. Pro. 23:30-32. All kings/princess in the kingdom should heed the warning. All Levities and teachers of the word of God should NOT drink wine or strong drink and minister under such influence. The consequences of such recklessness is DEATH. Teachers/Priests/Pastors/Ministers/ must be holy and avoid unholy things. Lev.10:8-11

TYPES OF ADDICTIONS:

QUESTION:
What are the effects of the following substances/addictions on the consumers? Cocaine, opioids-heroine, amplictamines, benzoic, diazepam’s, alchohol, cigarette, tobacco, marijuana, nicotine, caffeine-coffee, coke and cola.

ANSWER:
They could harm and defile or destroy the body and soul of the consumer. Icor3:17.

Students should give other effects of substance addictions.

QUESTION:
What is behavioral or process addictions?

ANSWERS:
It is addiction to mood-altering behaviour such as gambling, sexual activity[masturbation, sex, pornography, eating disorders, spending ,shopping, watching television. Etc

QUESTION:
What do the following scriptures say on behavioral addiction?

1Kings:11:4-5 Pro.31:3; 1Pet4:3.

Teacher should give the scriptures to students and allow them to respond.

QUESTION:
what do you understand by position addiction?

ANSWERS
It is addiction that is associated with power, influence or affluence. The addiction enjoys his power, influence or affluence at the expense of others.

QUESTION:
Do we have some examples of power addicts in the Bible?

ANSWER:
Yes. We have King Saul, 1Samuel19:1;8-10; and King Hezekiah- Isaiah39:1-8

CLASS ACTIVITY 1:
Give any two example each of substance addicts, behavioural addict and position or power addict from the Bible.

OVERCOMING ADDICTIONS

i. Teachers should allow students to mention ways of overcoming addiction. This could be based on their knowledge or experience.

ii. Teacher should explain the following guidelines to overcome addiction:

a. 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 it bondage while acknowledging that you cannot help yourself. Ps51:1-4

b. Seek help. Jas.5:13-16. You must open up to God. Prov.3:4-5; 1Pet5:7 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.

c. 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; 2Pet2:20-22

d. Keep your heart with all diligence. prov 4:23 and renew it daily. Rom12:1-2; Eph 4:22-23. Addiction is really a battle of the mind

e. You must avoid exposures to all forms of triggers 1Cor.15:33; 2Cor.6:15-20; Eph 5:11-12

f. Keep the company of those who can encourage you in your journey to total victory. Heb10:24-25

CLASS ACTIVITY 2:
What warning did Jesus give concerning rebound or relapse in Matt 12:43-45?

SUMMARY:
Flee all manners of addiction

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, [Ps38:11] the victim at this critical time but to show him/her love and encouragement until the victory is won. 2Tim.1:15-16; Ps133:1-3

CLOSING PRAYER:
Father, let your love spring into the hearts of those who are caught in the web of addictions and set them free.

ASSIGNMENT:
Identify 5 helps the church can render to liberate and support the addicts around us.