Overcoming Worldliness

Overcoming Worldliness

GAMBLINGGAMBLING

Labor, not Lottery God planted a garden with ample

provisions that man was to tend and keep (Gen. 2:8, 15-18)– Entrance of sin: Ground cursed– Man would eat by sweat of brow

(Gen. 3:17-19)

God planted a garden with ample provisions that man was to tend and keep (Gen. 2:8, 15-18)– Entrance of sin: Ground cursed– Man would eat by sweat of brow

(Gen. 3:17-19)

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Gift of God: Labor & the Ability to Enjoy its FruitGift of God: Labor & the Ability to Enjoy its Fruit

Eccl. 5:18-20: 18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.

Eccl. 5:18-20: 18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage.

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Eccl. 5:18-20: 19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

Eccl. 5:18-20: 19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, to receive his heritage and rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, because God keeps him busy with the joy of his heart.

Gift of God: Labor & the Ability to Enjoy its FruitGift of God: Labor & the Ability to Enjoy its Fruit

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Our Concern Today

How one chooses to obtain, use and “enjoy the good of all his labor”

The priority being placed on material possessions (Matt. 6:24, 33)

How one chooses to obtain, use and “enjoy the good of all his labor”

The priority being placed on material possessions (Matt. 6:24, 33)

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Do not Trust in Wealth(Matthew 6:21)


Psa. 62:10: “Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”

1 Tim. 6:17: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”

Psa. 62:10: “Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery; If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.”

1 Tim. 6:17: “Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.”

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Rather than be content, many are minded to be rich, and…“fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Tim. 6:9)

Rather than be content, many are minded to be rich, and…“fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Tim. 6:9)

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The Wisdom and Welfare of LaborThe Wisdom and Welfare of Labor

Prov. 12:11-12: “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.”

Prov. 12:11-12: “He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. The wicked covet the catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.”

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The Vanity of GamblingThe Vanity of Gambling

Eccl. 5:10: “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.”

Eccl. 5:10: “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.”

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Gambling Invites Impatience, not Contentment (1 Tim. 6:6-8)Gambling Invites Impatience, not Contentment (1 Tim. 6:6-8)

Gambling’s constant appeal is raw greed: It is material, fleshly, worldly, profane and passing (Heb. 11:25)

Gambling’s hope is false and futile Gambling deceives and plunges

millions into sinful, addictive behavior

Gambling’s constant appeal is raw greed: It is material, fleshly, worldly, profane and passing (Heb. 11:25)

Gambling’s hope is false and futile Gambling deceives and plunges

millions into sinful, addictive behavior10

Popularity of Gambling

Costly and Convenient– $482 billion wagered in 1994– 2002 Super Bowl: $4 billion wagered– Legal wagering on NCAA men’s

basketball tourney surpasses Super Bowl– Internet: $6 billion revenue in 2003;

estimated to be $17 billion by 2009

Costly and Convenient– $482 billion wagered in 1994– 2002 Super Bowl: $4 billion wagered– Legal wagering on NCAA men’s

basketball tourney surpasses Super Bowl– Internet: $6 billion revenue in 2003;

estimated to be $17 billion by 200911

Culture of Gambling(Prov. 1:15-16)

Culture of Gambling(Prov. 1:15-16)

In 1910, virtually all forms prohibited America’s pastime (14% never gambled)

– 2003: 3 times more Americans visited casinos than baseball games

– 2003: Spent more on casinos than amusement parks and movies combined

– 50% played the lottery in 1998– “Harmless diversion”

In 1910, virtually all forms prohibited America’s pastime (14% never gambled)

– 2003: 3 times more Americans visited casinos than baseball games

– 2003: Spent more on casinos than amusement parks and movies combined

– 50% played the lottery in 1998– “Harmless diversion”

What is Gambling? Not merely risk, Eccl. 9:11

– “to play at any game of chance for stakes… to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance…bet; wager” (Random House College Dictionary, p. 542)

Two elements: Chance + Wager on the outcome of that chance

Not merely risk, Eccl. 9:11– “to play at any game of chance for

stakes… to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance…bet; wager” (Random House College Dictionary, p. 542)

Two elements: Chance + Wager on the outcome of that chance

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What is Gambling? Normal risk of business is not gambling

as we are discussing it– Farming has risks (weather, pests, disease,

weeds, etc.)– Farmer minimizes risk by intelligent planning,

careful calculations, hard work and prayer!– His profit is not at the expense of others,

and risk is not contrived

Normal risk of business is not gambling as we are discussing it– Farming has risks (weather, pests, disease,

weeds, etc.)– Farmer minimizes risk by intelligent planning,

careful calculations, hard work and prayer!– His profit is not at the expense of others,

and risk is not contrived14

What is Gambling? A wager is made whereby one stands

to gain at the loss of others– Risk is engineered into the game– Object is to win while others lose– Winnings once belonged to the losers– It is not a “victimless” activity in which

“nobody gets hurt”

A wager is made whereby one stands to gain at the loss of others– Risk is engineered into the game– Object is to win while others lose– Winnings once belonged to the losers– It is not a “victimless” activity in which

“nobody gets hurt”

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Legal Forms of Gambling in the State of Washington

horse racing punchboards and pulltabs fund raising events such as casino nights, bingo,

raffles, amusement games contests of chance operated by charitable and

non-profit organizations card rooms the lottery casinos and bingo halls

(Washington State Council on Problem Gambling, http://www.wscpg.org/index.html)

horse racing punchboards and pulltabs fund raising events such as casino nights, bingo,

raffles, amusement games contests of chance operated by charitable and

non-profit organizations card rooms the lottery casinos and bingo halls

(Washington State Council on Problem Gambling, http://www.wscpg.org/index.html)

What is Gambling?

Problem of identity– Gambling industry prefers “gaming” – “Fund raising, revenue enhancement,

recreation, entertainment, disease”

Problem of identity– Gambling industry prefers “gaming” – “Fund raising, revenue enhancement,

recreation, entertainment, disease”

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What is Gambling?

Problem of immorality – Work of the flesh (Gal. 5:21)– Fulfillment of lust (1 Jno. 2:15-17)– Not holy living (1 Pet. 1:15-16)

Problem of immorality – Work of the flesh (Gal. 5:21)– Fulfillment of lust (1 Jno. 2:15-17)– Not holy living (1 Pet. 1:15-16)

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Sinful Traits of Gambling Covetousness, Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9)

– Covet (epithumeo): “to fix the desire upon …to long for, lust after, covet” (Vine, 136)

– Covetousness (pleonexia): lit., “a desire to have more” (Ibid.); Eager for more

• Not to be named among saints, Eph. 5:3

Covetousness, Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9)– Covet (epithumeo): “to fix the desire upon

…to long for, lust after, covet” (Vine, 136)– Covetousness (pleonexia): lit., “a desire

to have more” (Ibid.); Eager for more• Not to be named among saints, Eph. 5:3

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Sinful Traits of Gambling

Covetousness, Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9)– Idolatry: Desire is fixed on riches

and not on God, Eph. 5:5– Gambler worships the false god of

money … put it to death! Col. 3:5-6

Covetousness, Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9)– Idolatry: Desire is fixed on riches

and not on God, Eph. 5:5– Gambler worships the false god of

money … put it to death! Col. 3:5-6

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Sinful Traits of Gambling Selfish endeavor that does not love

neighbor as self, (Matt. 22:39)– Love does not harm its neighbor,

but gambling does, Rom. 13:10• Gambling is selfish ambition that

esteems self above others, Phil. 2:3 (2 Tim. 3:2)

Selfish endeavor that does not love neighbor as self, (Matt. 22:39)– Love does not harm its neighbor,

but gambling does, Rom. 13:10• Gambling is selfish ambition that

esteems self above others, Phil. 2:3 (2 Tim. 3:2)

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Sinful Traits of Gambling Waste of material blessings,

Luke 16:10-12– Rejects responsibility of stewardship

in pursuit of the elusive pot of gold– Serving riches shows hate for God,

Luke 16:13

Waste of material blessings, Luke 16:10-12– Rejects responsibility of stewardship

in pursuit of the elusive pot of gold– Serving riches shows hate for God,

Luke 16:13

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Sinful Traits of Gambling Evil companions, James 3:11-12

– Greed, covetousness, dishonesty– Domestic violence, child abuse and

broken homes, adultery– Theft, extortion, fraud, organized crime

and prostitution– Alcohol, drugs, murder and suicide

Evil companions, James 3:11-12– Greed, covetousness, dishonesty– Domestic violence, child abuse and

broken homes, adultery– Theft, extortion, fraud, organized crime

and prostitution– Alcohol, drugs, murder and suicide

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Sinful Traits of Gambling Evil companions, 1 Cor. 15:33

– Destroys credibility, honesty, reliability and family stability, regret, sorrow, pain…

– “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!”

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.”

(Prov. 15:16)

Evil companions, 1 Cor. 15:33– Destroys credibility, honesty, reliability

and family stability, regret, sorrow, pain…– “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!”

“Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.”

(Prov. 15:16)25


Burden on society, Prov. 14:34– Gambling is generally viewed as

profitable to society; Regulated and taxed by government

– Offered as “revenue enhancement” for education, etc.

Burden on society, Prov. 14:34– Gambling is generally viewed as

profitable to society; Regulated and taxed by government

– Offered as “revenue enhancement” for education, etc.

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Honolulu Police Department: “We are convinced that gambling exploits

those who can least afford it, and undermines community values. For example:

1. 15.4 million Americans are problem or pathological gamblers, with more than 50 percent between 12 to 18 years of age.

Honolulu Police Department: “We are convinced that gambling exploits

those who can least afford it, and undermines community values. For example:

1. 15.4 million Americans are problem or pathological gamblers, with more than 50 percent between 12 to 18 years of age.

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“2. Social and economic costs include unemployment benefits, welfare benefits, physical and mental health problems, theft, embezzlement, bankruptcy, suicide, child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, divorce, incarceration, work absences, and homelessness.”

(Honolulu Police Department Website http://www.honolulupd.org/nv/gamblingposition.htm)

“2. Social and economic costs include unemployment benefits, welfare benefits, physical and mental health problems, theft, embezzlement, bankruptcy, suicide, child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, divorce, incarceration, work absences, and homelessness.”

(Honolulu Police Department Website http://www.honolulupd.org/nv/gamblingposition.htm)


Burden on society, Prov. 14:34– Real cost: $3 of taxpayers’ money for

every $1 raised through gambling!– Christians must be salt and light,

Matt. 5:13-16

Burden on society, Prov. 14:34– Real cost: $3 of taxpayers’ money for

every $1 raised through gambling!– Christians must be salt and light,

Matt. 5:13-16

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Deceptive, James 1:16– “It’s harmless entertainment”– “It’s a legal business enterprise”– “It’s for a good cause” (Rom. 3:8)– “It’s only wrong if you can’t afford it”

(Prov. 14:12)– “It won’t cost me my soul” (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

Deceptive, James 1:16– “It’s harmless entertainment”– “It’s a legal business enterprise”– “It’s for a good cause” (Rom. 3:8)– “It’s only wrong if you can’t afford it”

(Prov. 14:12)– “It won’t cost me my soul” (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

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Deceptive, Jas. 1:16 (Heb. 11:25)–Selfish and exploits lack of self-control

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.” (2 Pet. 2:19)

Deceptive, Jas. 1:16 (Heb. 11:25)–Selfish and exploits lack of self-control

“While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.” (2 Pet. 2:19)

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“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:12-13)

“Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Heb. 3:12-13)

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Seduction of Gambling(1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7)


Present in the electronic media– “World Poker Tour” (Travel Channel)– “World Series of Poker” (ESPN)– “Celebrity Poker Showdown” (Bravo)– “The Casino” (Fox)

“Online Gambling and Casino Reviews” http://gamblinglinks.com/nw_tv.html

Present in the electronic media– “World Poker Tour” (Travel Channel)– “World Series of Poker” (ESPN)– “Celebrity Poker Showdown” (Bravo)– “The Casino” (Fox)

“Online Gambling and Casino Reviews” http://gamblinglinks.com/nw_tv.html

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Present in the electronic media– Internet gambling has exploded– 73 million (up 20 million in 5 years)

will visit online casinos an average of 6 times annually, losing billions of dollars

Present in the electronic media– Internet gambling has exploded– 73 million (up 20 million in 5 years)

will visit online casinos an average of 6 times annually, losing billions of dollars

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Present on high school campuses– Teenagers gamble sooner than they smoke

and drink (University of Minnesota, 1998)– 87% gambled for money (’96 Conn. study)

• 40% involved in some form of state-sanctioned gambling

Present on high school campuses– Teenagers gamble sooner than they smoke

and drink (University of Minnesota, 1998)– 87% gambled for money (’96 Conn. study)

• 40% involved in some form of state-sanctioned gambling

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Present on college campuses– One Indiana U. junior lost $55,000 (mostly

online poker) (Sports Illustrated, May 30,’05)– 85% involved in some form of gambling

(23% on weekly basis) (1991 study)– 72% college football and basketball players

while in college (Univ. of Michigan, 1998)– 672,000 students “addicted” in 1997

Present on college campuses– One Indiana U. junior lost $55,000 (mostly

online poker) (Sports Illustrated, May 30,’05)– 85% involved in some form of gambling

(23% on weekly basis) (1991 study)– 72% college football and basketball players

while in college (Univ. of Michigan, 1998)– 672,000 students “addicted” in 1997

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Present in many homes– As close as the Internet and TV!– Wastes money, time and energy– Destroys trust and security– Often leads to debt, despair, divorce,

etc.

Present in many homes– As close as the Internet and TV!– Wastes money, time and energy– Destroys trust and security– Often leads to debt, despair, divorce,

etc.38



Present at the workplace– Office “pool” on the big game– Establishes a pattern of acceptance– Lessens resistance to other forms

• “If a little gambling is okay, then what’s wrong with more?”

– Social gambling is defended by an appeal to consistency and as “harmless fun”

Present at the workplace– Office “pool” on the big game– Establishes a pattern of acceptance– Lessens resistance to other forms

• “If a little gambling is okay, then what’s wrong with more?”

– Social gambling is defended by an appeal to consistency and as “harmless fun”

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Present in churches– Christians approving of and participating in

lotteries, charity raffles and bingo, casinos…– Increasingly comfortable with gambling– Increasingly intolerant of reproof and rebuke

• Covetous behavior should “not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints” (Eph. 5:3)

Present in churches– Christians approving of and participating in

lotteries, charity raffles and bingo, casinos…– Increasingly comfortable with gambling– Increasingly intolerant of reproof and rebuke

• Covetous behavior should “not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints” (Eph. 5:3)

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The Sin of Gambling Encourages laziness and lust

“The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare.” (Prov. 21:25-26)

Encourages laziness and lust“The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare.” (Prov. 21:25-26)

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The Sin of Gambling

Discourages labor and encourages “get rich quick” thinking

“In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.”

(Prov. 14:23)


“In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.”

(Prov. 14:23)

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The Sin of Gambling Discourages labor and encourages “get rich quick” thinking“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” (Prov. 28:19-20)

Discourages labor and encourages “get rich quick” thinking“He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.” (Prov. 28:19-20)

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The Sin of Gambling Discourages labor and encourages

“get rich quick” thinking

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”

(Prov. 21:5)


“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.”

(Prov. 21:5)

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The Sin of Gambling Encourages greed and discontentment

– Gambling thrives on constant desire for more, 1 Tim. 6:9-10

– Be content, not covetous (Heb. 13:5)• Coupled with godliness (1 Tim. 6:6-8)• Faith in Christ’s provisions (Phil. 4:11-

13; Matt. 6:33)

Encourages greed and discontentment– Gambling thrives on constant desire for

more, 1 Tim. 6:9-10– Be content, not covetous (Heb. 13:5)

• Coupled with godliness (1 Tim. 6:6-8)• Faith in Christ’s provisions (Phil. 4:11-

13; Matt. 6:33)45

The Sin of Gambling Encourages a “nobody gets hurt”

mind set– A selfish heart does hurt others and itself!

• “Lovers of themselves” and “lovers of money” are truly “unloving” (2 Tim. 3:2-3)

• “Lovers of pleasure” rather than “lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4)

Encourages a “nobody gets hurt” mind set– A selfish heart does hurt others and itself!

• “Lovers of themselves” and “lovers of money” are truly “unloving” (2 Tim. 3:2-3)

• “Lovers of pleasure” rather than “lovers of God” (2 Tim. 3:4)

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The Sin of Gambling Encourages reckless stewardship

– Shows one is unworthy of the true riches (Luke 16:9-12)

– Trust in money will leave you bankrupt on the Day of Judgment (Luke 16:13)

Encourages reckless stewardship– Shows one is unworthy of the true

riches (Luke 16:9-12)– Trust in money will leave you

bankrupt on the Day of Judgment (Luke 16:13)

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Beware of Gambling!Beware of Gambling!“A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him.” (Prov. 28:22)Denying self, we must follow Jesus…

“…as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11)

“A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him.” (Prov. 28:22)Denying self, we must follow Jesus…

“…as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11)

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Overcoming Worldliness

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