1. Addictive Behaviors Gambling

2. Labor, not Lottery u God planted a garden with ample provisions that man was to tend & keep (Gen. 2:8, 15-18) – Entrance of sin: Ground cursed – Man would eat by sweat of brow (Gen. 3:17-19) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling2

3. Gift of God: Labor & the Ability to Enjoy its Fruit Eccl. 5:18-20: 18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage. 3Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

4. Eccl. 5:18-20: 19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart. Gift of God: Labor & the Ability to Enjoy its Fruit 4Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

5. Our Concern Today u How one chooses to obtain, use and “enjoy the good of all his labor” u The priority placed on material possessions (Matt. 6:24, 33) 5Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

6. Do not Trust in Wealth (Matthew 6:21) u Psa. 62:10: “Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” u 1 Tim. 6:17: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” 6Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

7. Do not Trust in Wealth (Matthew 6:21) u Rather than be content, many are minded to be rich, and… “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Tim. 6:9) 7Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

8. The Wisdom & Welfare of Labor u Prov. 12:11-12: “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.” 8Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

9. The Vanity of Gambling u Eccl. 5:10: “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.” 9Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

10. Gambling Invites Impatience, not Contentment (1 Tim. 6:6-8) u Gambling’s constant appeal is raw greed: It is material, fleshly, worldly, profane & passing (Heb. 11:25) u Gambling’s hope is false & futile u Gambling deceives millions & plunges many into sinful, addictive behavior 10Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

11. Popularity of Gambling u Costly and Convenient – $482 billion wagered in 1994 – 2002 Super Bowl: $4 billion wagered – Legal wagering on NCAA men’s basketball tourney surpasses Super Bowl – Internet: $6 billion revenue in 2003; estimated to be $17 billion by 2009 11Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

12. Culture of Gambling (Prov. 1:15-16) u In 1910, virtually all forms prohibited u America’s pastime (14% never gambled) – 2003: 3 times more Americans visited casinos than baseball games – 2003: Spent more on casinos than amusement parks & movies combined – 50% played lottery in 1998 – “Harmless diversion”

13. What is Gambling? u Not merely risk, Eccl. 9:11 – “to play at any game of chance for stakes… to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance…bet; wager” (Random House College Dictionary, p. 542) u Two elements: Chance + Wager on the outcome of that chance 13Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

14. What is Gambling? u Normal risk of business is not gambling as we are discussing it – Farming has risks (weather, pests, disease, weeds, etc.) – Farmer minimizes risk by intelligent planning, careful calculations, hard work & prayer! – His profit is not at the expense of others, & risk is not contrived 14Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

15. What is Gambling? u A wager is made whereby one stands to gain at the loss of others – Risk is engineered into the game – Object is to win while others lose – Winnings once belonged to the losers – It is not a “victimless” activity in which “nobody gets hurt” 15Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

16. Legal Forms of Gambling in the State of Washington u horse racing u punchboards and pulltabs u fund raising events such as casino nights, bingo, raffles, amusement games u contests of chance operated by charitable and non-profit organizations u card rooms u the lottery u casinos & bingo halls (Washington State Council on Problem Gambling, http://www.wscpg.org/index.html)

17. What is Gambling? u Problem of identity – Gambling industry prefers “gaming” – “Fund raising, revenue enhancement, recreation, entertainment, disease” 17Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

18. What is Gambling? u Problem of identity – Types of gamblers: Casual Social Gambler, Serious Social Gambler, Relief & Escape Gambler, Problem Gambler, Pathological or Compulsive Gambler, Antisocial Gambler, Professional Gambler” ( “Types of Gambling Behavior,” WSCPG, http://www.wscpg.org/h/types.htm) ( “Types of Gambling Behavior,” WSCPG, http://www.wscpg.org/h/types.htm) 18Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

19. What is Gambling? u Problem of immorality – Work of the flesh (Gal. 5:21) – Fulfillment of lust (1 Jno. 2:15-17) – Not holy living (1 Pet. 1:15-16) 19Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

20. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Covetousness, Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9) – Covet (epithumeo): “to fix the desire upon… to long for, lust after, covet” (Vine, 136) – Covetousness (pleonexia): lit., “a desire to have more” (Ibid.); Eager for more Greediness, Eph. 4:19 Greediness, Eph. 4:19 Not to be named among saints, Eph. 5:3 Not to be named among saints, Eph. 5:3 20Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

21. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Covetousness, Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9) – Idolatry: Desire fixed on riches & not on God, Eph. 5:5 – Gambling worships the false god of money – Put it to death! Col. 3:5-6 21Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

22. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Selfish endeavor that is void of loving neighbor as self, (Matt. 22:39) – Love does not harm its neighbor, but gambling does, Rom. 13:10 Gambling is selfish ambition that esteems self above others, Phil. 2:3 (2 Tim. 3:2) Gambling is selfish ambition that esteems self above others, Phil. 2:3 (2 Tim. 3:2) 22Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

23. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Waste of material blessings, Luke 16:10-12 – Rejects responsibility of stewardship in pursuit of the elusive pot of gold – Serving riches shows hate for God, Lk. 16:13 23Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

24. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Evil companions, Jas. 3:11-12 – Greed, covetousness, dishonesty – Domestic violence, child abuse & broken homes, adultery – Theft, extortion, fraud, organized crime & prostitution – Alcohol, drugs, murder & suicide 24Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

25. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Evil companions, 1 Cor. 15:33 – Destroys credibility, honesty, reliability & family stability, regret, sorrow, pain… – “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!” “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble” (Prov. 15:16) 25

26. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Burden on society, Prov. 14:34 – Gambling is generally viewed as profitable to society; Regulated & taxed by government – Offered as “revenue enhancement” for education, etc. 26Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

27. Sinful Traits of Gambling Honolulu Police Department: “We are convinced that gambling exploits those who can least afford it, and undermines community values. For example: 1. 15.4 million Americans are problem or pathological gamblers, with more than 50 percent between 12 to 18 years of age. 27Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

28. Sinful Traits of Gambling “2. Social and economic costs include unemployment benefits, welfare benefits, physical and mental health problems, theft, embezzlement, bankruptcy, suicide, child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, divorce, incarceration, work absences, and homelessness.” (Honolulu Police Department Website http://www.honolulupd.org/nv/gamblingposition.htm)

29. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Burden on society, Prov. 14:34 – Real cost: $3 of taxpayers’ money for every $1 raised through gambling! – Christians must be salt & light, Matt. 5:13-16 29Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

30. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Does not promote godliness – Not the image of Christ, Romans 8:29 – Hinders sober, righteous and godly living, Titus 2:11-12 30Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

31. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Deceptive, Jas. 1:16 – “It’s harmless entertainment” – “It’s a legal business enterprise” – “It’s for a good cause” (Rom. 3:8) – “It’s only wrong if you can’t afford it” (Prov. 14:12) – “It won’t cost me my soul” (1 Cor. 6:9-10) 31Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

32. Sinful Traits of Gambling u Deceptive, Jas. 1:16 (Heb. 11:25) – Selfish & exploits lack of self-control “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.” (2 Pet. 2:19) 32Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

33. Sinful Traits of Gambling “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:12-13) 33Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

34. Seduction of Gambling (1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) u Present in the electronic media – “World Poker Tour” (Travel Channel) – “World Series of Poker” (ESPN) – “Celebrity Poker Showdown” (Bravo) – “The Casino” (Fox) “Online Gambling and Casino Reviews” http://gamblinglinks.com/nw_tv.html 34Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

35. Seduction of Gambling (1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) u Present in the electronic media – Internet gambling is exploding – 73 million (up 20 million in 5 years) will visit online casinos an average of 6 times annually, losing billions of dollars 35Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

36. Seduction of Gambling (1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) u Present on high school campuses – Teenagers gamble sooner than they smoke & drink (University of Minnesota, 1998) – 87% gambled for money (’96 Conn. study) 40% involved in some form of state- sanctioned gambling 40% involved in some form of state- sanctioned gambling 36Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

37. Seduction of Gambling (1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) u Present on college campuses – One Indiana U. junior lost $55,000 (mostly online poker) ( Sports Illustrated, May 30,’05) – 85% involved in some form of gambling (23% on weekly basis) (1991 study) – 72% college football & basketball players while in college (Univ. of Michigan, 1998) – 672,000 students “addicted” in 1997 37

38. Seduction of Gambling (1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) u Present in many homes – As close at the Internet & TV! – Wastes money, time & energy – Destroys trust & security – Often leads to despair, divorce, etc. 38Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

39. Seduction of Gambling (1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) u Present at the workplace – Office “pool” on the big game – Establishes a pattern of acceptance – Lessens resistance to other forms “If a little gambling is okay, then what’s wrong with more?” “If a little gambling is okay, then what’s wrong with more?” – Social gambling is defended by an appeal to consistency & as “harmless fun” 39

40. Seduction of Gambling (1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) u Present in the church – Christians approving of & participating in lotteries, charity raffles & bingo, casinos… – Increasingly comfortable with gambling – Increasingly intolerant of reproof & rebuke Covetous behavior should “not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints” (Eph. 5:3) Covetous behavior should “not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints” (Eph. 5:3) 40Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

41. The Sin of Gambling u Encourages laziness & lust “The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare.” (Prov. 21:25-26) 41Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

42. The Sin of Gambling u Discourages labor & encourages “get rich quick” thinking “In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.” (Prov. 14:23) 42Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

43. The Sin of Gambling u Discourages labor & encourages “get rich quick” thinking “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” (Prov. 28:19-20) 43Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

44. The Sin of Gambling u Discourages labor & encourages “get rich quick” thinking “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” (Prov. 21:5) 44Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

45. The Sin of Gambling u Encourages greed & discontentment – Gambling thrives on constant desire for more, 1 Tim. 6:9-10 – Be content, not covetous (Heb. 13:5) Coupled with godliness (1 Tim. 6:6-8) Coupled with godliness (1 Tim. 6:6-8) Faith in Christ’s provisions (Phil. 4:11-13; Matt. 6:33) Faith in Christ’s provisions (Phil. 4:11-13; Matt. 6:33) 45Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

46. The Sin of Gambling u Encourages a “nobody gets hurt” mind set – Selfish heart does hurt others & oneself! “Lovers of themselves” & “lovers of money” are “unloving” (2 Tim. 3:2-3) “Lovers of themselves” & “lovers of money” are “unloving” (2 Tim. 3:2-3) “Lovers of pleasure,” not God (2 Tim. 3:4) “Lovers of pleasure,” not God (2 Tim. 3:4) 46Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

47. The Sin of Gambling u Encourages reckless stewardship – Show ourselves unworthy of the true riches (Lk. 16:9-12) – Trust in money will leave you bankrupt on the Day of Judgment (Lk. 16:13) 47Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

48. Beware of Gambling! “A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him.” (Prov. 28:22) u With self-denial, we must follow Jesus… “…as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Pet. 2:11) 48Addictive Behaviors: Gambling