MEMORY VERSE: “ Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, i will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 6:6-11
INTRODUCTION
To gamble means to risk something of value on an outcome that depends on chance. Other related activities to gambling are betting, scratch cards/lottery, gaming, casinos, ‘money doubling’ and & ‘get rich quick’ schemes, among others. Although, some people often equate lot casting in the Bible with gambling, they are not the same. The scriptures do not specifically mention gambling or betting, rather, it warns us to stay away from the love of money 1 Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5. The Bible also encourages us to stay away from attempts to *get rich quick’ Proverbs 13:11; 23:5. Gambling is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches. Jesus warns us against letting riches get in the way of our spiritual growth Mark 4:19; 10:25.
OUTLINE
- GAMBLING VERSUS LOT CASTING
- QUIT GAMBLING NOW!
- GAMBLING VERSUS LOT CASTING
Gambling and lot casting involves the concept of chance. However, lot casting in the Bible was used for religious or divine leading John 19:24; Acts 1:26 whereas gambling is basically related to the games of chance for entertainment and possible monetary or material gains Judges 14:12- 13.
The instances of lot casting mentioned in several portions of the Bible are not synonymous to testing of luck or to gain material wealth. They have to do with random selection, seeking divine guidance and deciding. It was often employed to determine God’s will Proverbs 16:33 or make choices such as selection of leaders Acts 1:26, division of lands Joshua 18:10 or atonement Leviticus 16:8-9.
2. QUIT GAMBLING NOW!
The Love of money make people test their luck with numbers with the hope of making lot of money without sweat. But such hopes are mostly empty Ecclesiastes 5:10. Those who are desperate and covetous of getting rich quickly end up being deceived, ensnared, and destroyed 1 Timothy 6:9; Proverbs 1:32. Those who engage in get- rich quick schemes stand the risk of losing everything Proverbs 23:5. Studies show that many lottery winners ended up in worse financial situation after the jackpot 1 Timothy 6:10.
God wants His people to prosper Psalm 35:27; 3 John 2 and to earn their money honestly by working hard 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 10:4. Believers must choose between serving God or money Luke 16:13. Proceeds from gambling/lottery/betting do not last Proverbs 13:11. Money should not be wasted or gambled away. Save for the future and give generously to the needy and the Lord’s work Proverbs 19:17; Exodus 35:5. Money and material wealth should not be the primary pursuit of a believer, rather, it should be the kingdom of God and His righteousness Matthew 6:33. Seeking a professional counsellor or an accountability partner will help an addicted gambler Proverbs 24:6. it is important for anyone struggling with gambling to cry to God for deliverance Psalm 71:2; John 6:37.
CONCLUSION
Do not gamble your money, materials, and life. Be content with what you have, work hard, and believe God for increase.
FURTHER READINGS:
SUN: Matthew 6:21;
MON: Proverbs 13:11;
TUES: Ecclesiastes 5:10;
WED: Psalm 37:16-17;
THURS: Hebrews 13:5;
FRI: Matthew 6:24;
SAT: 1 Timothy 6:10.
Thank you for posting this
uwc