Introduction:
1. Times have changed, thinking has changed and culture has changed.
2. Gambling used to be thought of as seedy, done by only a handful of hoodlums and underworld type of people.
3. Today the thinking has changed. It is an accepted part of our culture.
I. Definition of gambling.
A. Gambling has a history.
B. The confusion between gambling and taking a risk.
C. Webster defines gambling as gaming or playing for money, betting on the results of a game playing a game of chance or skill for stakes. Consciously risking money or other stakes on the outcome of a game.
D. Simple definition of gambling-wagering something of value on the chance outcome of an event wherein there is a winner and loser.
E. This would include casino games, poker, lotteries, raffles, carnival games, office pools, race tracks, matching. It would not include insurance, stock market, business ventures, door prizes where nothing is purchased, farming, driving a car.
II. Dangers of gambling.
A. Show me a verse in the Bible that says gambling is wrong. The Bible does not mention specifically arson, kidnapping, child molestation, or spousal abuse. Yet, we look at principles in the Bible ands realize that these things are wrong.
B. But why is it wrong?
1. It is selfish (1 Cor. 13:5; Rom. 13:10; Mt. 7:12). It is gain at the loss of someone else. It is an “I don’t care about you” attitude (Phil 2:3, 4).
2. It violates the Biblical work ethic. The American dream used to be work hard and make a good life for self. Now the American dream is win the lottery. (Gen. 3:19; Prov. 12:11; Eph. 4:28; 2 Thes. 3:10).
3. It appeals to greed, covetousness and materialism (1 Tim. 6:5-10); Ex. 20:17). Greed is improper (Eph. 5:3).
4. It is poor stewardship. Gambling is stealing by mutual consent.
Conclusion:
1. The amount does not matter.
Entered on 4/12/2009
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