Sunday, February 23, 2020 pm
ISSUES OF MORALITY
(2)
Should Christians Gamble?
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?
a.
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.
b.
Legally, The criteria
for something to be gambling includes 3 elements:
i.
“Chance” – aka “risk”.
This is a device where the outcome is primarily pure chance –
i.e. cards, dice, lottery numbers, etc.
ii.
“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.
iii.
A “prize” - There are
winners and losers. Also
described as lack of fair compensation.
c.
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.
d.
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).
e.
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
f.
These are some facts to
consider as we examine the Bible and why Christians should NOT be
involved in gambling.
a.
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.
b.
Is it a legitimate means
of gaining revenue?
The Bible speaks of acceptable ways of receiving resources
including:
i.
Work for income – 1
Timothy 5:18, Ephesians 4:28
ii.
Barter or exchange – often we read of such – Matthew 13:45-46 – the pearl of
great price
iii.
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.
iv.
Investments/inheritance
– which could be categorized in the above.
v.
Gambling fits in none of these, or any other honorable way of receiving
b.
Covetousness and greed
– like the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), it involves behaviors
that are strongly condemned in scripture.
i.
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.
ii.
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?
iii.
One might add lust to this
– as many who gamble are surrendering to the lusts of the
flesh (1 John 2:15-16)
c.
It is poor stewardship
i.
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).
ii.
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.
iii.
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.
d.
The golden rule –
i.
Matthew 7:12 –
Christians are to treat others the way they would want to be treated.
Furthermore, we are to
think about others.
Philippians 2:3-4
ii.
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.
e.
Gambling is NOT loving
your neighbor
-
i.
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.
ii.
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.”
iii.
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.
f.
It can become an addictive behavior –
i.
Much more could be said
about this and other behavioral addiction (as opposed to substance
addictions). They can be
just as addictive and destructive.
ii.
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…”
iii.
The principles of
self-control and soberness both contradict any behavior that is
addictive.
iv.
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.
g.
It can affect your influence on others –
i.
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?
ii.
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.
iii.
If you are caught up in
any of the above problems, what kind of example are you setting?
iv.
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.
v.
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).
h.
What about the lottery,
charity raffles, etc.?
i.
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.
ii.
The lottery is literally
throwing your money away.
iii.
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.