Sunday, May 22, 2016 am
OTHERS (18)
SINS OF SOCIETY – 2
Is It ok to Gamble?
There is much to be said about this topic as gambling is
mainstream. How
does it affect others? When
we participate, even in the lottery, we are contributing to a vice in
society and all who are wrongfully caught up in that activity.
Furthermore, our example is in play.
As
with modesty, and many of the issues we will be addressing, we do not
have a, “You shall not…” command.
In fact, the Bible doesn’t even use the term gambling, (even
though there are a few examples of it), but we have principles that we
must apply. It is some of
these principles that we will address in this lesson this morning.
Gambling is an industry built upon sin.
It is no accident that it is called a vice.
Often accompanying gambling –
drinking, sexualization, worldliness, etc.
See Las Vegas as an example.
Sometimes, crime accompanies it as well – especially dealing with
those addicted. In addition to
this, there are personal and psychological problems that are documented.
48 states have legalized gambling in one form or another, with
some of it state sponsored (Utah and Hawaii are the only two that
don’t). Most states
acknowledge there are problems and provide help in dealing with them
(lottery tickets have a number on the back for problem gamblers).
In 2013, Americans spent $119 Billion dollars gambling (www.theweek.com,
February 5, 2014)
In 2015, lottery sales in the US were $73.9 Billiion as reported by the
North American Association of State and Provincial Lotteries, (http://www.naspl.org/faq,
May 22, 2016)
But, our concern, as always is with the attitude of the Christian toward
gambling and what the Bible tells us about it
a.
Gambling
- Engaging in a game of chance (you cannot control the outcome) with
stakes.
Compulsive gambling
– a psychological disorder characterized by a persistent inability to
resist the impulse to gamble.
I mention this, because gambling can be addictive which is
sinful.
b.
The criteria for
something to be gambling:
Legal definitions of gambling include 3 elements:
i.
“Chance” - A device
where the outcome is primarily pure chance – i.e. cards, dice, lottery
numbers, etc.
ii.
“Consideration” is a
legal term which means to be eligible to win the prize you must pay
something of determined value.
In essence this is the wager.
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.
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).
Another example of gambling is in Judges 14:12 where
Samson poses a riddle with stakes.
If you guess it, I will give you 30 changes of clothes If you
can’t guess it, you will pay me.
There was corruption involved in determining the outcome – the
vices of the wager.
c.
This is not the same as simple risk such as crossing the street, driving a car or playing
sports.
Nor am I speaking of investing or operating a business, even if risk is
involved. (If successful, all parties win)
Nor am I speaking of paying a fee to enter a contest (such as a bowling
league, etc.), even though prizes are awarded.
Typically, the outcome is based more upon skill than chance.
Nor are we speaking of drawing straws to determine who goes first or who
is randomly chosen to do something.
Often such is just about establishing order in a fair and random
way. For example: The land
of Canaan was divided by lot among several tribes (Joshua 14:1-2)
Nor are we speaking of buying insurance – this is about minimizing risk
and making provision to provide in case of disaster.
a.
Work for income
– the Bible speaks of work!
1 Timothy 5:18 tells us that the laborer is worthy of his wages.
Ephesians 4:28 calls for man to work being beneficial.
Also 1 Thess. 4:9
b.
Barter
– or fair exchange.
You sell something or buy something.
Matthew 13:45, 46.
c.
Gifts – our
spiritual life is about gifts.
Ephesians 4:28 as you work and have a little extra, you can give
to those who have needs.
d.
Gambling fits in none of
these categories.
a.
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).
b.
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.
c.
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.
a.
Covetousness –
perhaps one of the greatest principles to consider.
Covetousness is 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.
b.
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?
c.
One might add lust to this
– as many who gamble are surrendering to the lusts of the
flesh (1 John 2:15-16)
a.
Matt. 7:12 – Christians
are to treat others the way they would want to be treated.
b.
Furthermore, we are to
think about others.
Philippians 2:3-4
c.
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.
d.
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, 60-80 of high school teens have gambled for money in
the past year.
http://www.ncpgambling.org/files/HS_Fact_Sheet.pdf
Crime. Think of the
videos of criminals crashing trucks into closed stores and stealing the
scratcher tickets. Often
when gets in trouble, they might resort to theft, selling drugs, etc. to
pay for their habit.
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.
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.
e.
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.”
a.
We have seen that
mentioned in our lesson thus far.
Much more could be said about this and other behavioral addiction
(as opposed to substance addictions).
They can be just as addictive and destructive.
b.
The principles of
self-control and soberness both contradict any behavior that is
addictive.
c.
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.
a.
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?
b.
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.
c.
If you are caught up in
any of the above problems, what kind of example are you setting?
d.
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.
e.
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).
a.
If you have any doubts
do not be involved. Romans
14:22-23 – to act in doubt is to sin.
b.
Incidentally, ignorance
is not an excuse in this matter.
c.
1 Thessalonians 5:22 –
abstain from every form of evil.
Every type of evil is to be avoided.
Consider the “such like” in Galatians 5:21.
a.
What about the good it
does?
Arguments are made that the lottery supports education.
And it does? But is a
vice like gambling really the best way to support those we are shaping
into the future of our society?
Furthermore, NEVER forget, the end does not justify the means!
b.
I do it as recreation,
and only spend so much
– if so, why not play the game without any stakes, where it’s just a
game? The industry is
NOT built upon the responsible participant!
c.
What about non-profits or charities? The principles still apply.
d.
What about tournaments
with prizes?
There is debate over this, but in reality such are based more
upon skill than luck.
What about wagering on a game of skill?
This is gambling. It
is not the same as the one using their skills to win the event.
Your wager fits the definition of gambling because you are taking
a chance on something about which you have no control.
Odds are designed based upon that risk.
Furthermore, there is a reason why those involved in the activity
are not permitted to wager on the event. (I.e.
Referees and athletes cannot gamble on the sport or game they are
officiating.)
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.
Think about it.