1. Gambling
Luke 23:26-38

2. Introduction Not a new form of sin
Gambling board in Crete (1800 to 1900 BC)
Children in Rome played heads and tails

3. Tertullian
“If you say that you are a Christian when you are a dice player, you say what you are not because you are a partner with the world”
(Born around 155 AD)

4. Introduction Problem is growing Over half the states have a lottery
First million dollar winner in Florida was a member of the church
Estimates are that as many as 50% of Americans gamble

5. Definitions and Explanations
“To play a game for money or property; to bet on the uncertain outcome” (Webster)
“To play games of chance for money or other valuable stakes; to gamble at cards; to gamble on the result of a race”
(World Book Dictionary)

6. Definitions and Explanations
“Gambling is betting on the outcome of a future event. Gamblers usually bet money or something else of value as a stake on the outcome they predict. When the outcome is settled, the winner collects the loser’s stake”
(World Book Encyclopedia)

7. Three Key Elements
First of all, there is an uncertain event, arbitrarily determined
Next, there is a stake, a wager, a bet that is deliberately chanced
Thirdly, there are winners and losers

8. Consider Some things about gambling
A risk like crossing the street is not gambling unless one wagers on the outcome
Taking a risk in farming is not gambling, since gains or loses, unless one wagers on the outcome

9. Consider Some more things about gambling
Buying or selling stock is not gambling since all will gain or lose unless one wagers on whether the price would go up or down
Buying life insurance is not gambling since both the seller and the buyer gain in the deal
Accepting a prize for something is not gambling unless one wagered to get it

10. Consider One more thing
Gambling is not determined by the amount of money involved
One can gamble without ever going to Las Vegas or to the riverboat casinos

11. Forms Many different forms
Some seem like harmless fun such as flipping for Cokes or buying a lottery ticket
Card games such as poker that involve money or other things of value
Raffles and bingo games involving money are gambling

12. What Is Wrong With Gambling?
Poor stewardship
We are to be good stewards (Luke 12:42-48)
More losers than winners
Encourages covetousness
Covetousness is a sin (Colossians 3:5)
Need to depend on God (Hebrews 13:5, 6)
Paul’s example (Acts 20:33, 35)

13. What Is Wrong With Gambling?
Contrary to the “Golden Rule”
Not an example of what Jesus had in mind (Matthew 7:12)
Have the interests of others at heart (Philippians 2:3, 4)

14. What Is Wrong With Gambling?
Destroys one’s character
Honest labor is good (Titus 3:14)
Associate with the wrong people
Self control is weakened (2 Peter 1:6)

15. Conclusion Gambling makes many unhappy Is a sin which will condemn us
Let’s keep ourselves pure