Is it ok for Christians to Gamble? Sins of society Is it ok for Christians to Gamble?

Gambling in our society 48 states permit or sponsor legalized gambling in one form or another In 2013, Americans spent $119 BILLION dollars gambling (theweek.com, February 5, 2014) 2015 lottery sales in the U.S were 73.9 Billion (http://www.naspl.org/faq, North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries)

Gambling in our society An industry built upon sin! Associated with vices –drinking, sexualization, worldliness, etc. Crime often found associated with it It can be an addictive behavior Personal and psychological problems

The Christian & gambling The Bible does not say, “You shall not gamble” But, as with many actions, we need to weigh the principles of scripture and determine if it is something to be advocated or avoided (Heb. 5:14)

What is gambling? Gambling – engaging in a game of chance with stakes Compulsive gambling – is a disorder with the inability to resist the impulse to gamble.

What is gambling? Gambling is NOT: Simple risk Investing Paying a fee to enter a contest Drawing straws to see who goes first, etc. (unless stakes involved) Buying insurance Games with dice and cards

Gambling has 3 criteria: What is gambling? Gambling has 3 criteria: Chance – a device that randomly determines a result Consideration – aka, a wager. Stakes required to participate A prize – winners and loosers

What is gambling? Examples in the Bible: John 19:23-24, soldiers gambled for the tunic of Jesus. Judges 14:12, Samson poses a riddle with stakes

Gambling & Bible Principles No a legitimate Biblical means of earning Work, 1 Timothy 5:18, Ephesians 4:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:11 Barter or exchange – Matthew 13:45, 46 Gifts – Ephesians 4:28

Gambling & Bible Principles Poor stewardship We are stewards, 1 Peter 4:10-11, 1 Corinthians 4:2 Gambling can lead to neglect and abuse of family, debt, waste of resources, etc. The success of the industry is based upon your willingness to spend your money on it.

Gambling & Bible Principles Poor stewardship What about recreational (responsible) gambling? There is NO virtue in it as a hobby. If it is just a hobby, why not play the game without the stakes? There are other principles that conflict with it!

Gambling & Bible Principles Works of the flesh Covetousness – a strong desire to acquire more and more material possessions, especially what others have or MORE than them! BDAG, the state of desiring to have more than one’s due, greediness, insatiableness…” Colossians 3:5, Hebrews 13:5

Gambling & Bible Principles Works of the flesh Greed – the selfish pursuit of gain. A desire to have more for yourself and less for others. 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17-18, cf. Eph. 4:28 Question: Is gambling “uncertain riches”?

Gambling & Bible Principles The “golden rule” Matthew 7:12 Philippians 2:3-4 The premise of gambling is to put up stakes with the hopes that YOU win while the OTHER parties lose

Gambling & Bible Principles The “golden rule” Gambling has done great harm to society – teens with problems, crime – from murder to theft, drugs and prostitution, family problems, debt, increased likelihood of suicide, etc.

Gambling & Bible Principles The “golden rule” “But these problems don’t affect me.” If you win, HOW much of your winnings ARE a result of irresponsible and sinful behavior? Are you partaking in the sins of others? Romans 13:8-10 Ephesians 5:5-7

Gambling & Bible Principles It can become an addictive behavior We need to be cautious of anything that can be addictive. We are to exercise self-control and soberness, both of which are forfeited with addictions. 1 Corinthians 6:12

Gambling & Bible Principles It affects your influence on others 1 Corinthians 15:33, evil company corrupts good habits Is gambling letting our light shine to glorify God? Matthew 5:13-16

Gambling & Bible Principles It affects your influence on others Your influence could negatively affect the gospel and others, cf. Galatians 2:13-14 We must consider others in what we do 1 Corinthians 8:12-13, Romans 14:15 Matthew 18:6-7

Gambling & Bible Principles At best it is questionable behavior Do you have any doubt? Romans 14:22-23 1 Thessalonians 5:22, we are to abstain from every form of evil Ephesians 5:11, Galatians 5:21 – “such like:

Justification for gambling Look at the good it accomplishes If it takes a vice to support a good work, what does that say about society? The end does not justify the means! Look at the problems it creates (as we have seen)

Justification for gambling What about charities? Consider the principles! Why not make an outright donation where the charity gets 100% of the donation?

Justification for gambling What about wagering on a game of skill? (i.e. sports betting, etc.) Consider the principles! It is still gambling. You are wagering on an outcome that has not yet been determined. Most such betting is odds based upon risk. Further, there is a reason those involved in a sport cannot gamble therein!

How is your influence in these matters? Like many other worldly activities, gambling is simply not needed in the life of a Christian How is your influence in these matters?