Should Christians Gamble?

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Should Christians Gamble?

Sermon by  Thomas Thornhill Jr


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Sunday, February 23, 2020 pm            

ISSUES OF MORALITY (2)

This year we are devoting our 4th Sunday evenings to examining various moral issues.   These are issues that have been a concern in virtually every age of history.   The methods may change, but the issues have always been a concern (gambling, alcohol, lust and fornication, divorce, greed, etc.).   However, there is typically a correlation between the degree of acceptance of such behaviors and the moral fiber of that society.   And we are living in what seems to be as Paul described to Timothy as “perilous times” (followed by a list of selfish behaviors – 2 Timothy 3:1-7). Just a few verses later Paul warned, “But evil men and imposters will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (3:13)

         There are so many behaviors that are viewed as perfectly acceptable in the world that conflict with God’s word and the moral character of a Christian. These lessons are designed to inform and remind us of what the Christian life is to be like. We will be applying Biblical principles as we address some matters of morality and explain why we should NOT be involved in such things.   Today we begin with gambling and ask should Christians be involved in this?

What is gambling?

  1. Defined – is engaging in a game of chance (you cannot control the outcome) with stakes involved.
    Compulsive gambling is a psychological disorder characterized by a persistent inability to resist the impulse to gamble.   The point being that gambling can become addictive or a problem.
  2. Legally, The criteria for something to be gambling includes 3 elements:
    1. “Chance” – aka “risk”.   This is a device where the outcome is primarily pure chance – i.e. cards, dice, lottery numbers, etc.
    2. “Consideration” is a legal term for a wager. To be eligible to win the prize you must pay something of determined value.   2 or more parties wager against each other with something of value on the outcome of the device. Once the wager is placed, it is irreversible.
    3. A “prize” – There are winners and losers. Also described as lack of fair compensation.
  3. Understanding this definition helps us determine what is and what is not gambling.
    Gambling (as we are discussing the term) is NOT: simple risk (crossing the street, driving a car); paying a fee to enter a contest (such as a bowling league), nor is it a random drawing to determine who goes first – such is typically establishing something involved in a situation in a fair and random way (e.g. the land of Canaan was divided by casting lots among the tribes – Joshua 14); nor is it investments in the stock market (in such a situation, everyone involved wins or loses, including the one being invested in); nor is it insurance (such is about minimizing risk should something unfortunate happen).
    This is significant because some seek to justify gambling by comparing it to such things.
  4. In the Bible, an example of this is the casting of lots for the tunic of Jesus (John 19:23-24).   The tunic of Jesus apparently had some value that would have been lost had it been divided. Therefore, the 4 soldiers each wagered their share of the tunic in a “winner take all” game of chance (casting lots).
  5. Gambling is a major industry in the United States and world.   In 2018, US gambling revenues were more than 161 BILLION[1] – including all different forms of gambling from casinos, to Indian casinos, to online gambling, etc.
    According to the National Council of Problem Gambling, we see the following statistics:[2]
    1) The annual cost of gambling in the US is about 17 Billion (crime, addiction and bankruptcy
    2) About 40% of problem gamblers began before age 17 (illegal in every state)
    3) 15% of Americans gamble at least once per week
  6. These are some facts to consider as we examine the Bible and why Christians should NOT be involved in gambling.

WHY should Christians not gamble?

  1. The Bible does NOT say anywhere, “You shall not gamble” or “Do not play the lottery”, but I am convinced that gambling is a sinful behavior based on a number of passages and principles. We know that we establish authority for all that we do based upon what God’s word says. Much of its teaching is by way of principles, as we shall see in this lesson.   For example: There are words that are actually broad categories which cover certain types of behaviors.   Paul in Galatians 5:19-21 lists “the works of the flesh” and concludes with “and the like”.   This calls for us to think and ask questions about whatever behaviors we engage in. So keep that in mind as we consider the following principles.
  2. Is it a legitimate means of gaining revenue?     The Bible speaks of acceptable ways of receiving resources including:
    1. Work for income – 1 Timothy 5:18, Ephesians 4:28
    2. Barter or exchange – often we read of such – Matthew 13:45-46 – the pearl of great price
    3. Gifts – the Bible continually speaks of giving.   God is the ultimate gift giver.   We can give to others if we have some left over – cf. Ephesians 4:28.
    4. Investments/inheritance – which could be categorized in the above.
    5. Gambling fits in none of these, or any other honorable way of receiving
  3. Covetousness and greed – like the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), it involves behaviors that are strongly condemned in scripture.
    1. Covetousness – described as a strong desire to acquire more and more material possessions, especially to possess what others have or MORE than they have.   Is that not what gambling is? (L&N 25.22)
      BDAG defines it as “the state of desiring to have more than one’s due, greediness, insatiableness…”
      Colossians 3:5 tells us to put to death covetousness and describes it as idolatry.
      Hebrews 13:5 tells us to let our conduct be without covetousness.   Further it calls for us to be content with such things as we have.
      1 Corinthians 6:9 describes it in a list of those who will not inherit the kingdom of God
    2. Greed – is the selfish pursuit of gain. The greedy desire to have more for themselves and less for others.     Again, is that not what gambling is about?
      1 Timothy 6:9-10 – warns of the desire to be rich and how it can cause one to fall into a snare. Furthermore, Paul warns, “the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”   This causes many to pierce themselves through with many sorrows and straying from the faith.
      In 1 Tim. 6:17-18, we find that the rich are to not be arrogant or selfish. And they are not to trust in “uncertain riches.” Question: Is gambling “uncertain riches”?     While the context is probably reminding us that worldly riches are uncertain and can fail, could it not also describe trusting in a form of riches that is uncertain – which would include gambling?
    3. One might add lust to this – as many who gamble are surrendering to the lusts of the flesh (1 John 2:15-16)
  4. It is poor stewardship
    1. As Christians we are to be wise stewards with our resources.   1 Peter 4:10-11 – whatever we have, we are to use our gifts as good stewards.
      1 Cor. 4:2 calls for stewards to be faithful. Often times, gambling (especially when it reaches the problem level), involves failures toward family (1 Tim. 5:8), and others (1 Tim. 6:17,18).
      And even more than this we are to be good stewards toward God (Prov.3:9,10).
    2. The success of this industry, whether you are talking about the casinos of Las Vegas or a lottery ticket sponsored by the government or a simple charity raffle, is dependent upon you losing.   And we must not forget that gambling is typically designed so that the house wins. That is poor stewardship.
    3. Some might argue that they do it recreationally. Hobbies can be expensive. Others might argue, we spend money on many things that we do not need.     Good things typically give us some benefit! But in reality you are not getting ANYTHING beneficial from gambling unless you win.
      A prominent radio host describes the lottery as a “stupid tax on poor people.”
      And even if it is measured and done “responsibly”, considering other factors argue against it.
  2. The golden rule –
    1. Matthew 7:12 – Christians are to treat others the way they would want to be treated.
    2.  Furthermore, we are to think about others.   Philippians 2:3-4
    3. The premise of gambling is to put up stakes with the hopes of YOU winning while the other person(s) looses. Your gain is their misfortune; their gain is your misfortune.
  3. Gambling is NOT loving your neighbor –
    1. It can be harmful to society in many ways –
      Teens and gambling – there are reasons why it is so strictly regulated, including prohibited by minors (even though many minors break the law in this as well). According to www.youthgambling.com 4-6% of high school students are addicted to gambling, with another 10-14% at risk of developing addiction.   In general, 60 of high school teens have gambled for money in the past year.
      Family problems – divorce, neglect and abuse of spouse and children have been attributed to gambling problems.   1 Timothy 5:8 describes the one who neglects his family.
      Debt – many go into debt to finance their problem, to the neglect of family and responsibilities.
      Suicide is also higher among problem gamblers
      NOTE: You might say that you don’t get into trouble, but how much of the jackpot is the result of someone else with a problem neglecting their family and financial responsibilities?
      Look at the lines as lottery jackpots reach into the hundreds of millions. And the solution has been to make the odds of winning even more difficult so the pot will rise more. Why?   So more people will spend more of their money on it.
    2. We are to be good neighbors and love our neighbors as ourselves – Romans 13:8-10, Ephesians 5:5-7 – mentioning covetousness, we are told “do not be partakers with them.”
    3. Gambling is also usually associated with other works of the flesh – drunkenness and drinking, scantily clad women, prostitution, pure worldliness, and other things that are sinful.   Just look at Las Vegas.   There is a reason it is proudly called “sin city”.
      It also often leads to crime.   Think of the videos of criminals crashing trucks into closed stores and stealing the scratcher tickets.   Often when a gambler gets in trouble, they might resort to theft, selling drugs, or even themselves to pay for their habit.
      This is a VERY possible result of gambling activities.
    4. It can become an addictive behavior –
      1. Much more could be said about this and other behavioral addiction (as opposed to substance addictions). They can be just as addictive and destructive.
      2. There is “gambler’s anonymous” and a host of websites devoted to helping problem gamblers.   Most list statistics of concern.     Note the warning found on EVERY scratch off and lottery ticket – “If you have a problem, call…
      3. The principles of self-control and soberness both contradict any behavior that is addictive.
      4. We are warned that we are not to be brought under the power of anything.   1 Corinthians 6:12 – Paul said he would not be ruled by anything.
    5. It can affect your influence on others –
      1. 1 Corinthians 15:33 tells us that evil company corrupts good habits.   We think of that as it relates to those we associate with.   But what about those who associate with us?
      2. We must always ask how our behavior looks to others.   We are letting our light – the light of Jesus – shine.   Is that found in gambling halls, etc.     Matthew 5:13-16.
      3. If you are caught up in any of the above problems, what kind of example are you setting?
      4. We have already noted that gambling is a problem for many.   When they see those who are supposed to be examples engaged in activities that affect them, they are tempted to sin.   Barnabas was carried away by the hypocrisy of Peter (Galatians 2:13-14). He was rebuked.
      5. Paul was emphatic if our behavior affects others adversely (even if it is a liberty) we must consider them (1 Cor. 8:12-13, Romans 14:15).       Jesus warned about causing others to stumble as well – Matthew 18:6-7).
    6. What about the lottery, charity raffles, etc.?
      1. When it comes to subjects like gambling, we need to consider the principles.   If gambling in a casino is wrong, then gambling anywhere is wrong.
      2. The lottery is literally throwing your money away.
      3. Charity raffles etc., you still have the elements of gambling.   Even though you don’t care if you win or lose, deep down what do you want? The suggestion in such cases – if you like the cause, just donate the money 100% to the cause rather than 50-50%.

Gambling, like many other worldly activities, is a behavior that is simply not needed in the life of a Christian.   It may not be looked upon with disdain as in times past, but the evils of gambling are many and well documented.   For the sake of our influence on others and our desire for purity, let us refrain from this behavior.

[1] https://www.onlineunitedstatescasinos.com/usa-gambling-facts/     2/21/2020

[2] https://addiction.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Gambling_Addiction_Statistics

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