GAMBLING

• Introduction
  1. Gambling isn't just a problem here in Las Vegas.
     1. Indian casinos are popping up nearly everywhere.
     2. Three fourths of the states have lotteries.
  2. Why should a Christian reject gambling as sinful?

1. Gambling Is Selfish
   1. Matthew 7:12
      The gambler does not treat others as he would like to be treated. Instead, he wants to take their money from them.
   2. Romans 13:9-10
      1. The gambler does not love his neighbor as himself (9); he loves himself more.
      2. Love does no harm to a neighbor (10), but the gambler wants his neighbor to lose money so that he can win it.
   3. 1 Corinthians 16:14
      Gambling cannot be done in love.
2. Gambling Is Greedy
   1. 1 Timothy 6:6-10
      1. The gambler is not content with what he has (6).
         1. Hebrews 13:5
         2. Philippians 4:11-13
            Paul had the right attitude: happiness regardless of his circumstances.
      2. The gambler's attention is fixed on what he cannot take with him (7).
         1. Matthew 6:19-21
            Worldly wealth is ultimately corruptible. It won't last, but heavenly treasure endures eternally.
         2. Luke 12:13-21
            No matter how much money we may amass in our lives, we will eventually be separated from it.
         3. Ecclesiastes 2:18-23
            Someone will inherit whatever we leave behind.
      3. The gambler is not satisfied with the basics, as he should be (8).
         1. Proverbs 30:8-9
            It isn't good to either lack or to have excess. Instead, we should desire enough.
         2. Matthew 6:11
            We should simply pray for our basic, daily needs to be met, that's all.
      4. The gambler is distracted from faithful service to the Lord (9-10).
         1. Matthew 6:24
            The desire for wealth competes directly with the desire to please God.
   2. Colossians 3:1-6
      1. Instead of pursuing worldly wealth, we should have heaven as our goal (1-2).
      2. Covetousness is idolatry (5), meaning that the covetousness man has made money his god.
      3. Those who are guilty of such shall incur the wrath of God (6).
3. Gambling Is Addictive
   The fact that a twelve-step program, Gamblers Anonymous, exists to treat compulsive gambling is evidence that gambling is an addictive habit.
   1. Galatians 5:22-23
      Addictions violate the principle of self-control.
   2. 2 Peter 2:19
      When a habit like gambling overpowers a person, that one becomes a slave to that habit.
   3. Romans 6:16
      The gambler is not a slave of obedience and righteousness, but of sin and death.
4. Gambling Circumvents The Principles Of Legitimate Gain
   1. 1 Timothy 5:18
      Laborers are worthy of their wages, not those who place wagers on horses, dice, or cards.
   2. 2 Thessalonians 3:10
      The person who is unwilling to work is undeserving to eat.
   3. Genesis 3:17-19
      Since man first sinned, it has been God's will that man work for his living.

• Conclusion
  1. Gambling should be abstained from in all its forms:
     1. Slots
     2. Cards
     3. Dice
     4. Roulette
     5. Lotteries
     6. Bingo
     7. Betting on the outcome of sporting events
     8. Raffles
  2. Invitation