Gambling
Introduction:
A. Quote from "America's Gambling Craze," US News and World Report. March 14, 1994. 42-43,46.
B. Text: Colossians 3:5-6
C. Is it right to gamble?
I. What is gambling?
A. definition: the act or practice of betting: the act of playing a game and consciously risking
money or other stakes on its outcome (Webster's Third New International Dictionary [unabridged] 932).
B. not to be confused with risks in business
l. legitimate business: when one profits, others profit.
2. gambling: one profits by the loss of others
II. Is gambling a legitimate way to gain wealth?
A. How shall we determine the right ways to gain wealth?
B. The Scriptures authorize four means of gaining wealth.
C. There is a pattern: All authorized means of gaining wealth help others. Conversely stated, no one gains at the loss of others. The principle of love, the highest moral principle, is always followed. - 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 John 4:8
D. Gambling fits none of these and violates at least three.
III. Gambling is condemned in principle.
A. The New Testament often condemns in principle what it does not specifically forbid. - e.g., "lasciviousness"; Galatians 5:19-21
B. What New Testament principles does gambling violate?
l. unselfish love
a. We must love all people. - Matthew 5:43-48
b. Love is manifested by concerned giving. - 1 John 3:16-18
c. We must not be selfish, but seek what is best for others. - Matthew 7:12; Philippians 2:4
2. desire to earn what we receive - 2 Thessalonians 3:8
3. basis of gambling: "covetousness," the "greedy desire to have more" (Thayer. 516) - Colossians 3:5-6; 1 Timothy 6:6-10
IV. What about gambling for a worthy cause? - Romans 3:8
Conclusion:
A. No, it is not right to gamble; it is a sin. - Colossians 3:5-6
B. We must carefully abstain from it and oppose it in all its forms. - Ephesians 5:11
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