“The Truth Concerning Gambling!” (Truth Matters) “The Truth Concerning Gambling!” 1 Timothy 6:3-10

Our culture has become obsessed with gambling…

What’s changed the tide What’s changed the tide? Why is gambling considered an acceptable activity? The answer really isn’t that difficult…

to better understand the Biblical truth concerning gambling Purpose: to better understand the Biblical truth concerning gambling

I Gambling Violates the Principle of WORK A. Work is a Blessing

Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income. This too is vanity. When good things increase, those who consume them increase. So what is the advantage to their owners except to look on? The sleep of the working man is pleasant, whether he eats little or much. But the full stomach of the rich man does not allow him to sleep.”

I Gambling Violates the Principle of WORK A. Work is a Blessing B. Work is a Command

Ephesians 4:28 “Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 “For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such person we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.”

I Gambling Violates the Principle of WORK A. Work is a Blessing B. Work is a Command C. Work is a Standard of Judgment

Lotteries/gambling denies all principles of honest work…

Yes, all of life involves risks, but, lose for you to “win” say at farming… no one can win in gambling unless everyone else loses.

II Gambling Violates the Principle of FAITHFUL STEWARD

Fact of the matter is NOT everyone is playing the lottery or gambling in other forms… Gambling is totally contrary to being a faith steward of God…

II Gambling Violates the Principle of FAITHFUL STEWARD A. Money (Possessions) are Neutral

Money is NOT the root of all evil Money is NOT the root of all evil. The love of money IS the root of all evil…

II Gambling Violates the Principle of FAITHFUL STEWARD A. Money (Possessions) are Neutral B. Possessions are Trusts from God

It’s impossible to perceive this practice is reflective of a wise investment…

III Gambling Violates the Principle of LOVE A. The Principle of Love

Mark 12:28-31 “…What commandment is the foremost of all?... You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this. You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

III Gambling Violates the Principle of LOVE A. The Principle of Love B. The Unprinciple of Gambling

Professor Edward C. Devereux of Cornell University a sociologist said, “A drastic increase in compulsive gambling has the makings of a major social and economic problem in the United States.”

As servants of Christ… how can we participate in something we know will result in the downfall of thousands of our neighbors?

Conclusion and Summary 1) Gambling is Covetousness 2) Covetousness is Idolatry

Colossians 3:5 “Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.”

Conclusion and Summary 1) Gambling is Covetousness 2) Covetousness is Idolatry 3) Idolatry is Sin

We can only conclude that God’s people should have no time flirting with “Lady Luck”!