Drugs, alcohol and smoking

Intro: What are you looking forward to the most this new year of 2014 ?

Study

  1. 1 Cor 10:13, Prov 20:1 Some of the most common temptations that come at youth and young adults today are the temptations of drinking, smoking and doing drugs.
    1. Prov 16:25 Many young people drink, smoke and use drugs because they think its the right way to escape pain, depression, hurt, and problems in life.
      1. Exodus 23:2 Others turn to these temptations because of peer pressure, to have friends, or because they think it will be fun.
      2. 1 Peter 4:3-4 Many youth and young adults struggle with these temptations because “everyone else is doing it”, and they feel peer pressure to join in.
    2. 1 Tim 4:1 There are many people around us today and some even in church who are full of compromise and think it is o.k. to party, drink, and smoke marijuana.
  2. Eph 5:18, 1 Cor 6:9-11 The bible tells us clearly to not be drunk, and that when we accept Christ, that there is to be a change in who we are, and how we live.
    1. Mt 7:13-14, John 8:44 Satan’s lies seem so convincing, telling people they can escape their pain, that they will feel better, that they just need to “have fun”.
      1. James 1:5 The results of drugs, alcohol, and smoking are addiction, depression, broken relationships, and even death.
      2. Gal 6:7-9, John 10:10 Gods standards are not meant to keep us from fun, but to protect us from the destruction of sin, and allow us to have a truly blessed life.
    2. 2 Cor 5:17, Eph 5:11 The good news is that when we repent, and turn from these sins, God will forgive us, restore us, and use us to reach those who are still lost.

Discussion

  1. Why do you think that so many youth and young adults today drink, smoke and do drugs? What do you feel is the most effective way we can reach out to them in evangelism?
  2. What are some of the results that you have personally seen from those who have fallen into the temptations of drugs, drinking and smoking?
  3. Have you ever personally struggled with any of these temptations? Is there anyone here tonight who is currently struggling with alcohol, drugs, or smoking?
  4. What are some things that we can do personally that will help us stand firm, and resist the temptations of drinking, smoking, and drugs?

End: Pray for any who are struggling with the temptations of drugs, alcohol or smoking and want to repent, and surrender to God, then take prayer requests.