“as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue,” 2 Peter 1:3 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16

Learn Right and Wrong Eph.4:28 “Let him that stole steal no more:” Gambling is another way of stealing “To play a game for money or other stakes” Rom. 13:9 “Thou shalt not steal”

1 Cor. 10:31 “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” Rom. 12:17 “Provide things honest in the sight of all men.” No verse that says “Thou shalt not gamble” Principles of Bible condemn gambling

Question: “All of life involves chance or risk” Getting in a car Farmers planting a crop Difference - Gambling = get something for nothing Farming = involves hard work

Gambling is addictive John 8:34 “the servant of sin” Gal. 5:23 “self control”

Profanity God’s name in vain Gossip Tale bearing Lying Idle words Filthy Corrupt

Anger Habit Lack of control To impress Ignorance Evil

James 3: Tongue is a fire - wild beast Eph. 4:29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

“These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17. A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18. An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, 19. A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” Prov. 6:16-19

1.Lying tongue - Rev. 21:8 “ all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone ” 2.False witness - same as lying - deliberate attempt to pervert justice

3. He that sows discord among brethren Discord = strife, quarrel, contention lack of agreement or harmony  Deliberate Act  Fruit = strife, dissension and division  Seeds = malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, gossip

3. He that sows discord among brethren  God hates discord because he loves unity Ps. 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! ”

3. He that sows discord among brethren  God hates discord because he loves unity Eph. 4:3 NKJV “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” ESV “Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

There is Power in the Tongue Prov. 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Ps. 34:13 “Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.”

God Keeps a Record Job. 19:23 “Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!” Would you like for all of your words to be written in a book so that all could read ? Rev. 20:12 judged by things written in the books

God Keeps a Record Matt. 12:36 “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Jas. 1:19 “Slow to speak”

Sinner - Obey the Gospel Believe, Repent, Confess, Baptized Become a New Creature Erring Christians can be forgiven

Jesus left an example - 1 Pet. 2:21-22 Solution for all problems Tempted in all ways like we are tempted He used “The Word” as a defense “Thy word I have hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” Ps. 119:11

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga Sunday Evening May 22, 2011