Gambling

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A CHRISTIAN DISCUSSION ON GAMBLING

(Sermon: March 25, 2001)

If you could please turn with me in your Bibles to the book of Acts and chapter 1. I want to read v. 15-26 of Acts 1 to begin this morning. It's a passage that doesn't get much attention, but it does well to introduce my topic today. We're in Acts 1 and reading at v. 15. Notice now, my friends, it says...

And at this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together [in the upper room prior to the Spirit's outpouring]), and [Peter] said, "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was counted among us, and received his portion in this ministry." (Now this man (v. 18) acquired a field with the price of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) (Peter goes on in v. 20) "For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his homestead be made desolate (speaking of Judas), And let no man dwell in it'; and, 'His office let another man take.' 1:21 It is therefore necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us--beginning with the baptism of John, until the day that He was taken up from us--one of these should become a witness with us of His resurrection." And they put forward (v. 23) two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, "Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two Thou hast chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 1:26 And they drew lots for them--And they drew lots . . . , and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:15-26).

My brothers and sisters, in just a short month and one half, big-time casino gambling will be in full-force in our city. ******* And in talking about this topic of gambling this morning, I want to be clear at the outset that that's all I'm talking about. I'm talking about gambling. And I'm not talking about any particular people group and whether or not they have the right to make free will choices under what is the law in this state as regards their future. I'm not talking about that at all. Is somebody hearing me as I'm getting started this morning? I'm talking about gambling. That's my topic--gambling alone. *******

And the first thing I want to say about it this morning is that that's what the apostles appear to be doing in our opening text. (Now there's being thrown for a loop if ever it were done!) The apostles, my friends--they appear to be gambling in our opening text. When you get right down to it, they're playing a sort of lotto in choosing a person to take Judas' place. (Oh no! He's going to talk about the lottery, too, today.) *******

And did you happen to also notice the apostles--they even prayed before making their picks in v. 24 (like, I'd imagine, probably lots of people do before they pick their numbers in our own state lottery. I don't know by experience. I can only imagine. I assure you, it's only imagining on my part. *******

My brothers and sisters, the difference with the apostle's "gambling" in Acts 1 as opposed to gamblers in our day gambling--this is the difference. First of all, the apostles aren't using money in their "gambling." And so it's okay to flip a coin, heads or tails, to see who's going to go first in a game (as long as the winner doesn't get to keep the coin as well!). And it's also okay to fill out a March Madness college basketball tournament bracket for fun (as many have recently done) and see if you're right at the end with who the winner turns out to be--if you aren't betting money or something else equivalent to it. The apostles aren't using money in their "gambling." That's the first difference with their "gambling."

And the second difference--you're going to want to listen to this one closely--the second difference--are you listening?--the apostles' action itself--their "gambling"--isn't sinful as the context of it bears out. Let me say that again. The apostles' action--their "gambling"--isn't sinful as the context of it bears out. How many of you understand that having sex isn't a sin--and I'm thinking here, "I'd better finish that statement or I'll be in big trouble"--how many of you understand that having sex isn't a sin if it takes place in the context of a marriage between husband and wife? Do you follow me on that? *******

And so, likewise, the apostles' action itself--their "gambling"--in Acts 1 isn't sinful in the same way that having sex isn't a sin if it takes place in the right context--a context established by God. The apostles¹ "lotto" in the first chapter of Acts is ordained of the Lord. That's why it's okay. (Rahab's lie in Joshua 2 is another good example of what I'm talking about here.) And along with that, they aren't using money either. This is the difference between the apostles' "gambling" in our opening text and gamblers of our day gambling. It happens to be a majorly, huge difference. Gamblers of our day (for the most part) use money to gamble, and the context in which they use the money is a sinful context. My friends, God never meant for individuals to place the finances He gave them the ability to earn on the altar of the false god of chance. By the way, she has a name. It¹s "lady luck." *******

I. Gambling Has Become An Acceptable Practice In America.

Which brings me to something else I want to say (as I'm ruffling gamblers' feathers this morning in downtown Tuolumne and not Reno or Las Vegas--who would have ever thought?)--I want to say here that gambling has become an acceptable practice in our country for the most part. Has it not, beloved? I mean you can do it now in the local food store even. And it wasn't too long ago where that wasn't the case. Gambling wasn't always so convenient to do--so acceptable a practice as it is today. Most of you here know what I'm talking about. In your day, gambling was evil. Even gamblers knew it was. *******

But now, we raise revenue for schools (the revenue supposedly goes to schools!) via gambling , we do it--we raise revenue to fix and improve schools. And so it must be good, right?--a California lotto must be good since good results come out of it? The ends justifies the means, isn't that the saying? If what comes out of it is good then whatever you do to get there--it doesn't matter. The ends justifies the means. *******

I believe, my brothers and sisters, it was Adolf Hitler and his "Third Reich" that operated under this same sort of mind-set. They were going to establish the perfect race, as many of you are quite familiar with. And they'd go on to use any means necessary to bring about their "good end" even if it meant exterminating human beings along the way. A California lotto must be good since good results come out of it--right? *******

Somebody smile at me. ******* How many of you understand that sometimes preachers need to tell it like it is? It isn't the preacher's job to make people feel comfortable contrary to some men and women's thinking. Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, Paul--it wasn't their job to make people feel comfortable. Somebody smile at me if you haven't already. *******

II. Reasons Why People Gamble.

I want to now talk about reasons why people gamble. Author Larry Burkett (noted Christian financial expert) offers three reasons why. And these aren't in the order he has them. But the first one--the first reason why people gamble, Burkett says, is "just for the fun of it" ("The Complete Guide To Managing Your Money" by Burkett, pg. 198). People gamble "just for the fun of it." He goes on (and I quote)...

[These] say it doesn't matter if they win or lose. But [just] let them start winning, and you find out that's not so. These [people] are the social gamblers, and they represent most of the people found at Las Vegas or Atlantic City (or soon-to-be Tuolumne!--that's my addition) [These people--the "just for the fun of it" crowd--they] go on vacation with a set amount of money. Once it's gone, they pack up and go home, often living conservative lives that require disciplined budgeting (Burkett 198).

The "just for the fun of it" group of gamblers. This is the first reason why people gamble according to Larry Burkett.

And the second reason why--it's because gambling has become an addiction. These people are compelled to gamble--like a heroin addict is compelled to shoot up. Burkett says another group of people gambles compul-sively. We're going to have men and women just a mile and a half from our church in just a few weeks who will be gambling compulsively. My friends, we've just opened up another place where they can get their fix. *******

And let me just read you a little bit more of what Burkett says as regards the compulsive gambler...

[He] will lie, cheat, and use virtually everyone around [him]. A game of chance to [him] is what alcohol is to the alcoholic. Often, [the compulsive gambler is a] successful [professional] with [a] promising [career] (Burkett 198).

And so we have the compulsive group of gamblers. This is the second reason why people gamble according to author Burkett.

And the third reason why--I saved it for last because I believe in my heart of hearts this is where most of the individuals in our county find themselves. It will be the biggest temptation to fend off. (And I dare not not say even for Christians it will be a the biggest temptation to fend off). The third reason why people gamble (and I quote)...

[It's] because they have needs that cannot be met through earned income. [These people] barely make ends meet, and gambling [to them] represents [an] opportunity to acquire [what they cannot afford] (Burkett 197). *******

And so we have three reasons why people gamble--"just for the fun of it" (1), because they're addicted to it--the compulsive gambler (2), and the third reason, because they want material things they cannot afford.

III. Why Gambling Is A Sin.

Which brings me to why gambling is a sin, no matter what the reason is you do it. And I want to turn your attention to a couple verses, first, and then I'll develop this point. If you could please turn with me to the book of Ephesians and chapter 4 as we're going to be looking at a couple of verses to come to an understanding of why gambling is a sin. I want to read v. 28 of Ephesians 4. *******

And before I read it, let me just say that nowhere in the Bible are you going to find the word "gamble" or any of it's derivative forms. And so there isn't a Scripture per se, my friends, that says, "Thou shalt not gamble." But regardless of that, the Bible does speak to the issue in rather plain terms. We're in Ephesians 4 now and reading v. 28--notice, it says (those of you that have it)...

Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor (the NIV translates it, "work")--let him [work] (somebody say, "Work"--thank you for saying that), (and the verse goes on) performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need (Eph. 4:28).

And so we have the issue of "stealing" versus "work" in Ephesians 4:28--"stealing" versus "work."

And now if you could please turn with me--as your keeping your place there in Ephesians --turn to Hebrews 13 and v. 5. ******* Hebrews 13:5, the last part of the verse is most often quoted. But I want to look at it in it's entirety this morning as we're trying to understand why gambling is a sin. Notice Hebrews 13:5, it reads...

Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have--being content with what you have; for He [God] Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you" . . . (Heb. 13:5).

And so we have in Hebrews 13:5 the "love of money" versus contentment with what you have and God's ability to provide for you--the "love of money" versus "contentment."

A. Gambling Is A Sin Because People Are Supposed To Work To

And so why is gambling a sin, my brothers and sisters? Well, I'll tell you why it is based on the two verses we just read in Ephesians and Hebrews. Gambling is a sin, first of all--the Ephesians verse--because it goes against the rules God has established for gaining wealth. Listen--people are supposed to work to get money. That might be a shocker to some. But it's true! People are supposed to work to get money. It's as simple as that! Ephesians 4:28 again...

Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him [work] (did you notice Paul doesn't say, "let him gamble"?) (Eph. 4:28a).

People are supposed to work to get money according to the Bible. And--listen--putting your money in a slot machine or "down-and-dirty" on a black-jack table--it's not work. Neither is scratching off numbers on a lottery ticket and watching TV or listening to the radio to see if you won the 89 million dollar jackpot or whatever it might be at the time. Oh, I'm gonna get in trouble with somebody in this town this morning! ******* It's gonna be hard to walk away from church today and not know where this preacher stands on gambling. *******

Editorial: "Oh, but it's my money," one or two or more people might say or think in response to what I'm saying here. "But it's my money! And I can do with it whatever I want." Whoever would say or think that was obviously not here for my sermon last month, "Seven Marks Of A Disciple" (2/18/01). Let me just repeat a point I made in it just in case you were the unfortunate one who missed it.

I said there's a four-letter word that ought not ever be used by a Christian. Do you remember that point, anyone? Do you remember the word? ******* It's "M-I-N-E--mine." "Mine"--it's an ownership word and any other derivation of it like "my." And there's no such thing in the kingdom of God as ownership. Just read what Luke 14:33 says and you'll see I'm right. There's no such thing as ownership. My friends, you don't even own what you earn. God owns it. Somebody say, "Amen," so I know you're still awake. You don't even own what you earn. God owns it. You and I--we're merely stewards even with what we receive in a paycheck or disability payment or retirement disbursal or something else. You and I--we're just stewards. *******

And so to say, "But it's my money. I can do with it whatever I want. I can gamble. I can play the lotto"--it's a wrong thing to say or even think it. Whatever cash and finances you have is really God's cash and finances. And if you're gambling it away--you're using God's money. And He doesn't much like it, if I can be so bold as to say.

******* And so back to why gambling is a sin, first of all--I said it before I got off on this short tangent on ownership--gambling is a sin, first of all, because people are supposed to work to get money. It's in the rules established by God...

Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him [work] . . . (Eph. 4:28a).

B. Gambling Is A Sin Because The Person Who Does It Is In Love

With Money More Than He Is With God.

And a second point why gambling is a sin--the Hebrews 13:5 verse I want to look at now--secondly, it's because, like I've already alluded to in a statement about bowing down to the false god, "lady luck"--it's because gambling is nothing short of idolatry--that's why it's a sin. Gambling is idolatry. Listen--a person who gambles is in love with money more than he is with God--bottom line. ******* "Thems fightin' words," I thought a gambler just might respond to this preacher after hearing that. The flesh wars against the Spirit, Galatians says (Gal. 5:17). *******

My brothers and sisters, the issue of the the "love of money" versus contentment with what you have and God's ability to provide for you is contrasted in v. 5 of Hebrews 13. I hope you still have your place there. A person would be hard-pressed to say that it wasn't because of the money that he or she was gambling. I mean, any of us here would shake our heads at somebody who talked like that. Because it just goes against common sense. "You're not gambling for the money? Come on now. You mean you wouldn¹t take it if you won?" *******

Hebrews 13:5, again, the first part of the verse says...

Let your character be free from the love of money . . . (Heb. 13:5a).

It is the love of money that draws most people into gambling. Can I just be frank with you (like I haven't been all morning!)? And God wants us to be free from the love of money. "Let your character be free from [it]," Paul writes. You're character isn¹t free from the love of money if you gamble or play the lottery, beloved. *******

And that's not to say that a person who doesn't gamble or play the lottery is necessarily free from the love of money. I'm not saying that at all. You can be just as much in love with money having never entered a casino as the next guy who has. But I'm just talking to gamblers and lotto players today. You're character is not free from the love of money if you continue to do what you're doing. *******

I'm just about through. (You can breath a sigh of relief here. I¹ve got it written in my notes that you should do it.) I want to point you now to what God wants as a part of one's character in contrast to the love of money and then we'll close. The next part of v. 5 of Hebrews 13 goes on--notice...

. . . [B]eing content with what you have (do you see that part of the verse, those of you that have it?)--being content with what you have . . . (Heb. 13:5b).

Our Lord wants us to be content with what we have. He wants our character to be one of contentment. Discontentment is a great motivating factor towards gambling. Discontentment. You're not content with what's in your possession. You want more. And so you gamble to get the more that you want. It's a pattern for a lot of people. God wants us to avoid that pattern. We can avoid it by being content with what we have.

And we can be content! We really can! No matter what our income level--even if we're lacking-- we can be con-tent. Look one last time at Hebrews 13:5. What does it say? I've already read the second part...

. . . [B]eing content with what you have; (and how can you be content?--it goes on) for He [God] Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you" . . . (Heb. 13:5cd).

We can be content with what we have, my friends--no matter what our income level--even if we're lacking. We can be content. Because God is with us. Hebrews says it. And because He is, we can trust He'll give us what we need when we need it. Folks, if it's a legitimate need you have, you need to trust the Lord to provide it and not "lady luck." That's the godly pattern. And I was thinking, should we not be moved to trust Him more than her?

******* That's all I have to say today on the subject of gambling.

If you could please stand with me and we'll close.


	From Our Heart To Yours \| home Christmas \| Death Of Christ \| Easter \| End Times \| Gambling \| Godly Living \| Hell \| Memorials \| Spiritual Slumber \| The Cross A CHRISTIAN DISCUSSION ON GAMBLING (Sermon: March 25, 2001) If you could please turn with me in your Bibles to the book of Acts and chapter 1. I want to read v. 15-26 of Acts 1 to begin this morning. It's a passage that doesn't get much attention, but it does well to introduce my topic today. We're in Acts 1 and reading at v. 15. Notice now, my friends, it says... And at this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brethren (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together [in the upper room prior to the Spirit's outpouring]), and [Peter] said, "Brethren, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. For he was counted among us, and received his portion in this ministry." (Now this man (v. 18) acquired a field with the price of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) (Peter goes on in v. 20) "For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his homestead be made desolate (speaking of Judas), And let no man dwell in it'; and, 'His office let another man take.' 1:21 It is therefore necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us--beginning with the baptism of John, until the day that He was taken up from us--one of these should become a witness with us of His resurrection." And they put forward (v. 23) two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, "Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two Thou hast chosen to occupy this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place." 1:26 And they drew lots for them--And they drew lots . . . , and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:15-26). Shall we pray? My brothers and sisters, in just a short month and one half, big-time casino gambling will be in full-force in our city. ***** And in talking about this topic of gambling this morning, I want to be clear at the outset that that's all I'm talking about. I'm talking about gambling. And I'm not talking about any particular people group and whether or not they have the right to make free will choices under what is the law in this state as regards their future. I'm not talking about that at all. Is somebody hearing me as I'm getting started this morning? I'm talking about gambling. That's my topic--gambling alone. *** And the first thing I want to say about it this morning is that that's what the apostles appear to be doing in our opening text. (Now there's being thrown for a loop if ever it were done!) The apostles, my friends--they appear to be gambling in our opening text. When you get right down to it, they're playing a sort of lotto in choosing a person to take Judas' place. (Oh no! He's going to talk about the lottery, too, today.) *** And did you happen to also notice the apostles--they even prayed before making their picks in v. 24 (like, I'd imagine, probably lots of people do before they pick their numbers in our own state lottery. I don't know by experience. I can only imagine. I assure you, it's only imagining on my part. *** My brothers and sisters, the difference with the apostle's "gambling" in Acts 1 as opposed to gamblers in our day gambling--this is the difference. First of all, the apostles aren't using money in their "gambling." And so it's okay to flip a coin, heads or tails, to see who's going to go first in a game (as long as the winner doesn't get to keep the coin as well!). And it's also okay to fill out a March Madness college basketball tournament bracket for fun (as many have recently done) and see if you're right at the end with who the winner turns out to be--if you aren't betting money or something else equivalent to it. The apostles aren't using money in their "gambling." That's the first difference with their "gambling." And the second difference--you're going to want to listen to this one closely--the second difference--are you listening?--the apostles' action itself--their "gambling"--isn't sinful as the context of it bears out. Let me say that again. The apostles' action--their "gambling"--isn't sinful as the context of it bears out. How many of you understand that having sex isn't a sin--and I'm thinking here, "I'd better finish that statement or I'll be in big trouble"--how many of you understand that having sex isn't a sin if it takes place in the context of a marriage between husband and wife? Do you follow me on that? *** And so, likewise, the apostles' action itself--their "gambling"--in Acts 1 isn't sinful in the same way that having sex isn't a sin if it takes place in the right context--a context established by God. The apostles¹ "lotto" in the first chapter of Acts is ordained of the Lord. That's why it's okay. (Rahab's lie in Joshua 2 is another good example of what I'm talking about here.) And along with that, they aren't using money either. This is the difference between the apostles' "gambling" in our opening text and gamblers of our day gambling. It happens to be a majorly, huge difference. Gamblers of our day (for the most part) use money to gamble, and the context in which they use the money is a sinful context. My friends, God never meant for individuals to place the finances He gave them the ability to earn on the altar of the false god of chance. By the way, she has a name. It¹s "lady luck." *** I. Gambling Has Become An Acceptable Practice In America. Which brings me to something else I want to say (as I'm ruffling gamblers' feathers this morning in downtown Tuolumne and not Reno or Las Vegas--who would have ever thought?)--I want to say here that gambling has become an acceptable practice in our country for the most part. Has it not, beloved? I mean you can do it now in the local food store even. And it wasn't too long ago where that wasn't the case. Gambling wasn't always so convenient to do--so acceptable a practice as it is today. Most of you here know what I'm talking about. In your day, gambling was evil. Even gamblers knew it was. *** But now, we raise revenue for schools (the revenue supposedly goes to schools!) via gambling , we do it--we raise revenue to fix and improve schools. And so it must be good, right?--a California lotto must be good since good results come out of it? The ends justifies the means, isn't that the saying? If what comes out of it is good then whatever you do to get there--it doesn't matter. The ends justifies the means. *** I believe, my brothers and sisters, it was Adolf Hitler and his "Third Reich" that operated under this same sort of mind-set. They were going to establish the perfect race, as many of you are quite familiar with. And they'd go on to use any means necessary to bring about their "good end" even if it meant exterminating human beings along the way. A California lotto must be good since good results come out of it--right? *** Somebody smile at me. *** How many of you understand that sometimes preachers need to tell it like it is? It isn't the preacher's job to make people feel comfortable contrary to some men and women's thinking. Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, Paul--it wasn't their job to make people feel comfortable. Somebody smile at me if you haven't already. *** II. Reasons Why People Gamble. I want to now talk about reasons why people gamble. Author Larry Burkett (noted Christian financial expert) offers three reasons why. And these aren't in the order he has them. But the first one--the first reason why people gamble, Burkett says, is "just for the fun of it" ("The Complete Guide To Managing Your Money" by Burkett, pg. 198). People gamble "just for the fun of it." He goes on (and I quote)... [These] say it doesn't matter if they win or lose. But [just] let them start winning, and you find out that's not so. These [people] are the social gamblers, and they represent most of the people found at Las Vegas or Atlantic City (or soon-to-be Tuolumne!--that's my addition) [These people--the "just for the fun of it" crowd--they] go on vacation with a set amount of money. Once it's gone, they pack up and go home, often living conservative lives that require disciplined budgeting (Burkett 198). The "just for the fun of it" group of gamblers. This is the first reason why people gamble according to Larry Burkett. And the second reason why--it's because gambling has become an addiction. These people are compelled to gamble--like a heroin addict is compelled to shoot up. Burkett says another group of people gambles compul-sively. We're going to have men and women just a mile and a half from our church in just a few weeks who will be gambling compulsively. My friends, we've just opened up another place where they can get their fix. *** And let me just read you a little bit more of what Burkett says as regards the compulsive gambler... [He] will lie, cheat, and use virtually everyone around [him]. A game of chance to [him] is what alcohol is to the alcoholic. Often, [the compulsive gambler is a] successful [professional] with [a] promising [career] (Burkett 198). And so we have the compulsive group of gamblers. This is the second reason why people gamble according to author Burkett. And the third reason why--I saved it for last because I believe in my heart of hearts this is where most of the individuals in our county find themselves. It will be the biggest temptation to fend off. (And I dare not not say even for Christians it will be a the biggest temptation to fend off). The third reason why people gamble (and I quote)... [It's] because they have needs that cannot be met through earned income. [These people] barely make ends meet, and gambling [to them] represents [an] opportunity to acquire [what they cannot afford] (Burkett 197). *** And so we have three reasons why people gamble--"just for the fun of it" (1), because they're addicted to it--the compulsive gambler (2), and the third reason, because they want material things they cannot afford. III. Why Gambling Is A Sin. Which brings me to why gambling is a sin, no matter what the reason is you do it. And I want to turn your attention to a couple verses, first, and then I'll develop this point. If you could please turn with me to the book of Ephesians and chapter 4 as we're going to be looking at a couple of verses to come to an understanding of why gambling is a sin. I want to read v. 28 of Ephesians 4. *** And before I read it, let me just say that nowhere in the Bible are you going to find the word "gamble" or any of it's derivative forms. And so there isn't a Scripture per se, my friends, that says, "Thou shalt not gamble." But regardless of that, the Bible does speak to the issue in rather plain terms. We're in Ephesians 4 now and reading v. 28--notice, it says (those of you that have it)... Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor (the NIV translates it, "work")--let him [work] (somebody say, "Work"--thank you for saying that), (and the verse goes on) performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need (Eph. 4:28). And so we have the issue of "stealing" versus "work" in Ephesians 4:28--"stealing" versus "work." And now if you could please turn with me--as your keeping your place there in Ephesians --turn to Hebrews 13 and v. 5. *** Hebrews 13:5, the last part of the verse is most often quoted. But I want to look at it in it's entirety this morning as we're trying to understand why gambling is a sin. Notice Hebrews 13:5, it reads... Let your character be free from the love of money, being content with what you have--being content with what you have; for He [God] Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you" . . . (Heb. 13:5). And so we have in Hebrews 13:5 the "love of money" versus contentment with what you have and God's ability to provide for you--the "love of money" versus "contentment." A. Gambling Is A Sin Because People Are Supposed To Work To Get Money. And so why is gambling a sin, my brothers and sisters? Well, I'll tell you why it is based on the two verses we just read in Ephesians and Hebrews. Gambling is a sin, first of all--the Ephesians verse--because it goes against the rules God has established for gaining wealth. Listen--people are supposed to work to get money. That might be a shocker to some. But it's true! People are supposed to work to get money. It's as simple as that! Ephesians 4:28 again... Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him [work] (did you notice Paul doesn't say, "let him gamble"?) (Eph. 4:28a). People are supposed to work to get money according to the Bible. And--listen--putting your money in a slot machine or "down-and-dirty" on a black-jack table--it's not work. Neither is scratching off numbers on a lottery ticket and watching TV or listening to the radio to see if you won the 89 million dollar jackpot or whatever it might be at the time. Oh, I'm gonna get in trouble with somebody in this town this morning! *** It's gonna be hard to walk away from church today and not know where this preacher stands on gambling. *** Editorial: "Oh, but it's my money," one or two or more people might say or think in response to what I'm saying here. "But it's my money! And I can do with it whatever I want." Whoever would say or think that was obviously not here for my sermon last month, "Seven Marks Of A Disciple" (2/18/01). Let me just repeat a point I made in it just in case you were the unfortunate one who missed it. I said there's a four-letter word that ought not ever be used by a Christian. Do you remember that point, anyone? Do you remember the word? *** It's "M-I-N-E--mine." "Mine"--it's an ownership word and any other derivation of it like "my." And there's no such thing in the kingdom of God as ownership. Just read what Luke 14:33 says and you'll see I'm right. There's no such thing as ownership. My friends, you don't even own what you earn. God owns it. Somebody say, "Amen," so I know you're still awake. You don't even own what you earn. God owns it. You and I--we're merely stewards even with what we receive in a paycheck or disability payment or retirement disbursal or something else. You and I--we're just stewards. *** And so to say, "But it's my money. I can do with it whatever I want. I can gamble. I can play the lotto"--it's a wrong thing to say or even think it. Whatever cash and finances you have is really God's cash and finances. And if you're gambling it away--you're using God's money. And He doesn't much like it, if I can be so bold as to say. *** And so back to why gambling is a sin, first of all--I said it before I got off on this short tangent on ownership--gambling is a sin, first of all, because people are supposed to work to get money. It's in the rules established by God... Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him [work] . . . (Eph. 4:28a). B. Gambling Is A Sin Because The Person Who Does It Is In Love With Money More Than He Is With God. And a second point why gambling is a sin--the Hebrews 13:5 verse I want to look at now--secondly, it's because, like I've already alluded to in a statement about bowing down to the false god, "lady luck"--it's because gambling is nothing short of idolatry--that's why it's a sin. Gambling is idolatry. Listen--a person who gambles is in love with money more than he is with God--bottom line. *** "Thems fightin' words," I thought a gambler just might respond to this preacher after hearing that. The flesh wars against the Spirit, Galatians says (Gal. 5:17). *** My brothers and sisters, the issue of the the "love of money" versus contentment with what you have and God's ability to provide for you is contrasted in v. 5 of Hebrews 13. I hope you still have your place there. A person would be hard-pressed to say that it wasn't because of the money that he or she was gambling. I mean, any of us here would shake our heads at somebody who talked like that. Because it just goes against common sense. "You're not gambling for the money? Come on now. You mean you wouldn¹t take it if you won?" *** Hebrews 13:5, again, the first part of the verse says... Let your character be free from the love of money . . . (Heb. 13:5a). It is the love of money that draws most people into gambling. Can I just be frank with you (like I haven't been all morning!)? And God wants us to be free from the love of money. "Let your character be free from [it]," Paul writes. You're character isn¹t free from the love of money if you gamble or play the lottery, beloved. *** And that's not to say that a person who doesn't gamble or play the lottery is necessarily free from the love of money. I'm not saying that at all. You can be just as much in love with money having never entered a casino as the next guy who has. But I'm just talking to gamblers and lotto players today. You're character is not free from the love of money if you continue to do what you're doing. *** I'm just about through. (You can breath a sigh of relief here. I¹ve got it written in my notes that you should do it.) I want to point you now to what God wants as a part of one's character in contrast to the love of money and then we'll close. The next part of v. 5 of Hebrews 13 goes on--notice... . . . [B]eing content with what you have (do you see that part of the verse, those of you that have it?)--being content with what you have . . . (Heb. 13:5b). Our Lord wants us to be content with what we have. He wants our character to be one of contentment. Discontentment is a great motivating factor towards gambling. Discontentment. You're not content with what's in your possession. You want more. And so you gamble to get the more that you want. It's a pattern for a lot of people. God wants us to avoid that pattern. We can avoid it by being content with what we have. And we can be content! We really can! No matter what our income level--even if we're lacking-- we can be con-tent. Look one last time at Hebrews 13:5. What does it say? I've already read the second part... . . . [B]eing content with what you have; (and how can you be content?--it goes on) for He [God] Himself has said, "I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you" . . . (Heb. 13:5cd). We can be content with what we have, my friends--no matter what our income level--even if we're lacking. We can be content. Because God is with us. Hebrews says it. And because He is, we can trust He'll give us what we need when we need it. Folks, if it's a legitimate need you have, you need to trust the Lord to provide it and not "lady luck." That's the godly pattern. And I was thinking, should we not be moved to trust Him more than her? *** That's all I have to say today on the subject of gambling. If you could please stand with me and we'll close.**