Goal
To help students understand God’s view of drugs, alcohol and tobacco; to help students realize that the use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco has negative consequences; and to motivate students to live a life that honors God.

Key Scriptures
2 Timothy 2:5; Psalm 119:9-11

Warm Up
Break up into small groups. Assign each group a scripture from the list of Bible references on the dangers of drinking. (See end of lesson for list of Scripture references.) Have each group determine a lesson to learn from its Scripture and how it relates to their lives. Ask two or three groups to share with everyone.

Watch
Show the Week 10 video — “Just Say ‘Know’”

Workout
In every sport there is a set of rules that governs play. To be successful in that sport an athlete must play by the rules or he/she will be penalized. The first step in successfully playing by the rules is knowing what the rules are. In 2 Timothy 2:5, it says, “Also, if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”

Just as athletic events are governed by a set of rules, so are our lives. Our lives are governed by God’s rules as set forth in His Word — the Holy Bible. If we are going to be successful in the game of life, we must play by God’s rules or we’ll be penalized. In other words, when we choose to sin we break God’s rules. This always results in negative consequences.

A major reason that so many are not successful in the game of life is that they don’t know God’s rules. Our main passage is Psalm 119:9-11, “How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping Your word. I have sought You with all my heart; don’t let me wander from Your commands. I have treasured Your word in my heart so that I may not sin against You.” The main issue is not rules, but God’s heart. When you know God has the heart to provide for and protect you, then you will begin to look at His rules as His way of bringing freedom and success to your life.

God’s Word gives us a set of rules concerning drug, alcohol and tobacco use. There are 55 references in the Bible that deal with this topic. In every reference, God shows us the negative consequences of substance use, as well as the positive results of abstaining from them. Clearly, God’s Word shows us His desire for us to play the game of life one way — alcohol and drug free.

Workout Questions

1. In what way has drug or alcohol use affected your life or the life of someone you know?
2. Now that you know what God’s Word says about drug and alcohol use (all 55 references), how will you apply this knowledge to your life?
3. In Psalm 119:9-11, it says you should hide God’s Word in your heart. What are some practical ways that you can do this?

Wrap Up
We have seen in God’s Word the negative consequences of using drugs, alcohol and tobacco. Many of us have seen these consequences in our own lives or in the life of someone very close to us. We know what drugs, alcohol and tobacco can do to destroy God’s plan for our lives. Still, we have choices to make.

To help us make the right choices we need to remember these three things:

1. God’s Word shows us that His desire is for us to live and play alcohol and drug free. When we are faithful in our commitment to live our lives in obedience to His Word, God is pleased with our lives (Psalm 1).
2. God’s Word tells us that we belong to Him (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Drugs, alcohol and tobacco cause a wide range of health disorders and relational problems. Alcohol is a major cause of death among young drivers and a huge factor in many pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases among young people. Treat God’s temple with respect!
3. God’s Word encourages us to set good examples for our friends (1 Corinthians 8:12-13). We are not to do anything to cause others to stumble. When we live out the commitment to be drug, alcohol and tobacco free, it helps our friends to do the same.

On the next page, choose one verse from the list of Scriptures and memorize it before next week. This will be a great way to hide God’s Word in your heart.

What the Bible Says About Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco

• Genesis 9:20-27 – The first “man of distinction” and the tragic consequences of his drunkenness.
• Genesis 19:30-38 – Drinking results in Lot’s immorality with his own daughters.
• Numbers 5:3 – The vow of the Nazirite excluded drinking wine and strong drink.
• Deuteronomy 21:20 – Drinking is one of the attributes of a stubborn, rebellious and disobedient son.
• 2 Samuel 13:28-29 – While on a drinking spree, Amnon was murdered by the servants of his brother, Absalom.
• 1 Kings 16:8-10 – While Elah, King of Israel was “drinking himself drunk,” one of his captains, who had conspired against him, killed him.
• 1 Kings 20:13-21 – While Ben-hadad, King of Syria, and 32 other kings were drinking themselves drunk in their pavilions, a small band of Israelites fell upon the Syrians and sent them fleeing.
• Proverbs 20:1 – No wise person will allow himself to be deceived by wine, which is a mocker, or by strong drink, which is raging.
• Proverbs 21:17, 25:21 – Drinking leads to poverty.
• Proverbs 23:29-30 – Strong drink produces sorrow, woe, contentions, babbling, wounds without cause and redness of eyes.
• Proverbs 23:21 – This verse gives a warning to refrain from even looking upon wine.
• Proverbs 23:32 – In the end, alcohol bites like a poisonous serpent. It stings like a viper.
• Proverbs 23:33 – It fills men’s minds with impure and perverse thoughts.
• Proverbs 23:24 – It brings on danger, accidents and insecurity.
• Luke 21:34 – It causes distraction from waiting for the Lord’s return.
• Romans 13:13 – It can lead to improper behavior.
• Romans 14:21 – It can cause another Christian to stumble in his or her walk with the Lord.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 – Our bodies are the temple of God.
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 – It can keep you from inheriting the kingdom of God.
• Galatians 5:19-21 – It is evidence of a sinful nature.