BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 3:9-13.
[9]And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?

[10]And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

[11]And he said, Who told thee that thou wast naked? Hast thou eaten of the tree, whereof I commanded thee that thou shouldest not eat?

[12]And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.

[13]And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat.

MEMORY VERSE: And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. Genesis 3:13.

INTRODUCTION: The blame game signifies accusations exchanged among people who refuse to accept responsibility for some undesirable events or outcomes.

These people shift fault and liability to another person or thing while they paint themselves as flawless.

We need to examine some negative effects of the blame game and learn to take responsibility for our actions instead of passing the buck.

OUTLINES
1. NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE BLAME

2. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

1. NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF THE BLAME
GAME
The following, among others, are some negative effects of the blame game
1. Chasing shadows:

It makes us leave the main issue and continually look for excuses. For example, a slothful person will rather transfer blame to his boss, colleagues, government, etc., instead of dealing with laziness (Proverbs 20:4).

2. Stagnation: It keeps us in one spot for a long time. This is counterproductive to human progress. Some people fold their arms to do nothing about their predicament because they blame and believe others are responsible for their conditions (Proverbs 22:13;Ecclesiastes 11:4).

3. Never Wrong syndrome: We get quick at clearing ourselves of any wrong while we see every other person as being at fault (1 John 1:8; Genesis 3:12).

4. Depression: It breeds unhappiness and despair, which can degenerate into depression, ill-health, hopelessness, etc.

5. Mental blindness: Like a veil, it prevents one from seeing clearly, as the supposed wrong of others is only seen (Matthew 7:3).

6. Hatred: It produces deep-rooted hatred as the blame gamer condemns or speaks derogatorily about the person being blamed. Hatred is a terrible sin (1 John 3:15).

7. Pride and Ignorance combine: Pride sets in when we overrate ourselves. It combines with ignorance because we refuse to be sincere with ourselves (Philippians 2:3).

8. Ingratitude: Blame gamers are unappreciative as they believe their benefactor can do more (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

9. Bitterness: Blame gamers become offended and allow bitterness to take an evil root in them (Ephesians 4:31; Hebrews 12:15).

10. Destruction of relationships: It tears relationships through suspicion and a lack of trust (1 Samuel 18:8-9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: The class should discuss how to correct blame-tamer with love.

2. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

Taking responsibility for one’s actions or inactions may not be easy, but it is worth it in the long run. Hence, we must learn to sincerely acknowledge our wrongs when we are at fault. (Psalms 51:4a; 1 Kings 21:29).

We must show a high level of personal accountability for our actions/ inactions even in the face of failure (2
Samuel 12:13).

Let us ask God to create a right spirit in us so we are swift to acknowledge that there is a problem when a mistake is made or conflict arises (Psalms 51:10; 2 Samuel 24:17). Identify your role in a blunder and plan on how to avoid a future occurrence (James 1:13-14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Students should share their experiences on what happened when they sincerely own up to a fault.

CONCLUSION: Stop trading blames, take responsibility for your actions/inactions, and be accountable.

QUESTIONS:
* Mention three negative effects of the Blame game.
* How can believers take responsibility for their actions?

ASSIGNMENT: Mention five people in the Bible who traded blame and support it with a scriptural reference (2×5=10 marks).

LESSON TWENTY (20)
TOPIC: THE BLAME GAME

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O, Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Oh 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 friend’s friendship suits me well,
Both young and 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 manifests 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 are 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?