WHAT IS GAMBLING? (Part 4)

Posted on by BETH

GAMBLING

The Issue is NOT:

  1. If it is fun or not.
  2. The possibility of winning.
  3. The legalization by the civil authorities.
  4. Will it provide for revenue?
  5. Who is doing it.
  6. What your opinion is about it.
  7. A personal like or dislike.
  8. If the money is used for some good cause.
  9. If it saves me from paying more taxes.

THE ISSUE IS:

  1. Does the Bible authorize it?
  2. Is it Scriptural?
  3. Are there precepts that either condemn or authorize gambling?

Closing Observation:

The Bible does not mention the word “Gamble.” There are many principles that must be applied.

  1. The principle does not vary with the amount.
    • Matching pennies or marbles for keeps
    • Blackjack for $1,000s or a $1.00 Lottery ticket
    • The principles are the same.
  2. There are three proper ways for property to change ownership.The Bible principles teach us that gambling is – “The placing at risk what is not yours in a greedy, lazy (unwilling to work) attempt to obtain material things from others with evil fruit and loss of self-control as the result.”
    • Labor agreement
    • Fair exchange
    • Gift
  3. The Scriptures teach us that gambling is: The placing at risk what is not yours in a greedy, lazy (unwilling to work) attempt to obtain material things from others with evil fruit and loss of self-control as the result.

WHAT IS GAMBLING (Part 3)

Posted on by BETH
Dice
Dice

What is Wrong With Gambling?

  1. It violates the “Christian Work Ethic”.
    1. Genesis 3:19 “In the sweat of thy face.”
    2. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 “No work, no eat.”
    3. Ephesians 4:28 ‘Work to have to give”
  2. Violates the Principles of Stewardship
    1. God Owns It AllAll living things are God’s Psalm 50:10-12
      1. Genesis 14:19-20
      2. Deuteronomy 10:14
      3. Psalm 24:1
      4. Psalm 89:11
    2. All money is God’s Haggai 2:8
    3. The souls of all men are God’s Ezekiel 18:4
    4. The bodies of all men are God’s I Corinthians 6:19-20
    5. God Expects Stewards to Be:
      1. 1 Corinthians 4:2 Faithful
      2. 1 Corinthians 4:1 Responsible
      3. Matthew 25:26 Not Slothful
      4. Matthew 25:21, 22 Diligent
  3. Greed (Something for nothing)
    1. 1 Timothy 3:3, 8
    2. Jude 11
    3. Titus 1:7, 11
    4. 1 Peter 5:2
  4. Lazy (Slothful, Sluggard)
    1. Romans 12:11
    2. Hebrews 6:12
    3. Matthew 25:26
    4. Proverbs 18:9
  5. Habit forming (Self-control)
    1. 2 Peter 1:6
    2. 2 Timothy 3:3
    3. 1 Corinthians 6:12
    4. Galatians 5:23
  6. Evil Trees Produce Evil Fruit.
    1. Matthew 7:16-17
    2. What are the fruits of gambling?
      1. Cheating
      2. Deceit, lying
      3. Alcohol
      4. Violence
      5. Stealing
      6. Murder
      7. Divorce
      8. Poverty
      9. Neglected families
      10. Suicide
  1. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Abstain from evil appearances
  2. Romans 12:9 Hate what is evil
  3. Love of Money
    1. 1 Timothy 6:9-10
    2. Note: “Money” is not evil. But the “love” for money is wrong.
  4. Violates the “Golden Rule”
    1. Iron Rule = Yours is mine and I will take it.
    2. Silver Rule = Mine is mine and I will keep it.
    3. Golden Rule = Mine is yours. I will share it.
    4. Does the gambler want his opponent to win?
    5. Is he gaining at the expense of all others involved?

WHAT IS GAMBLING (Part 2)

Posted on by BETH
Lottery Ticket
Lottery Ticket

II. SOME DIFFERENCES TO NOTICE:

Gambling is NOT:

  1. Buying Insurance. (Spread risk)
  2. Winning a door prize. (Just luck)
  3. Starting a business. (Reduce the risk)
  4. Borrowing money with collateral. (Bank seeks to reduce the risk)
  5. Investing in the Stock Market, Bonds and Mutual Funds.
  6. Prize for accomplishments (Nobel, Academy Award)
  7. High Priest or the Apostles casting “lots”. (This was under God’s control.)

Gambling Thrives On: Cards (i.e., Poker)

  1. The element of risk
  2. Thrill of taking
  3. Getting something for nothing
  4. Greed
  5. Pool hall games
  6. Horse racing
  7. Dog tracks
  8. Sporting events
  9. Check pools
  10. Lottery
  11. Chit funds
  12. Any business where risk of losing is basic

III. TYPES OF GAMBLING

  1. Bingo
  2. Marbles (for keeps)
  3. Casino games
  4. Electronic gambling
  5. Matching pennies
  6. Carnival games
  7. Dice
  8. Putting up stakes with the hopes of winning the bag (raffles and pools).

IV. SOME BORDERLINE CASES

  1. Sweepstakes – (Publisher’s Clearing House, Reader’s Digest)
  2. Chain Letters – (Money, Books, Recipes)
  3. Contests – (I like Wheaties because …)
  4. Weight loss programs where everyone must contribute to winner’s new outfit
  5. TV Game show contestant

What is Gambling? (part 1)

Posted on by BETH
Gambling

(Outline notes taken from a sermon on the same topic)

I. Gambling Defined

  1. Legal – “Gaming or playing for money; or betting on the result of a game; the playing of a game of chance or skill for stakes.”
  2. Dictionary – “To play or game for money or other stake; to hazard; wager. Connected with gambling is the strong element of uncertainty, the large chance of losing.”
  3. Popular View – “Getting something for nothing without rendering service or exchange of goods and is essentially stealing and a form of robbery.”
  4. Psychiatrists – “A compulsion. Habitual gambling is a mark of a disturbed personality, an undesirable character trait.”
  5. Summary – Gambling involves three parts:
  • Chance is a major element. Some skill may be needed.
  • A prize or payoff in cash or merchandise.
  • To be eligible for the prize something must be placed at risk.