Gambling (1)

Gambling
Tim Haile

To “gamble” is “to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance.” People, including those who profess religion, disagree over whether or not gambling is wrong. As with other questions of morals and ethics, we must look beyond our own opinions and experiences, and consider what God has said in His holy Scriptures.
The word “gamble” is not used in the New Testament. However, the New Testament does set forth principles of commerce and conduct that speak to the question of gambling. For those who say that gambling cannot be discussed from a biblical perspective due to the fact that the word “gambling” is not found there, I would point out that neither is the word “rape” found in the New Testament! Does this mean that “rape” is a good and moral act? No. It means that we must look to biblical principles to address the action. For example, though the word “rape” is not found in the New Testament, the acts of “malice,” “fornication” and “hostility” are found there. Rape combines these sins into one horrendous sin against God, and crime against mankind. If the “sexually immoral” are one day going to be “cast in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur” (Rev. 21:8), then all rapists (unrepentant ones) will certainly be cast there as well.

Let us consider some New Testament principles that address gambling.

1. Gambling Violates The Divinely Given System of Economy: God’s system is one of reasonable and fair exchange, whether a barter system, or one of money for goods or services. James condemned certain rich men for keeping back the wages of the laborers who had worked for them. He said that the voices of these defrauded workers had reached the ears of “the Lord of Hosts,” and that He would judge the defrauders (Jas. 5:4). This passage describes the exchange of money for services. Other passages speak of working in order to supply one’s own needs and the needs of others (Eph. 4:28; 1 Thess. 4:11,12; 2 Thess. 3:10). Gambling does not fit this model. In gambling, one seeks to take from others without providing any goods or services in return.

2. Gambling Is Covetousness: The gambler desires what belongs to others, and he does not seek to obtain it by any legitimate means. The gambler hopes to profit by someone else’s loss (whether casino type gambling, or the lottery). This is not the way of Christ. A Christian does not wish for others to lose in order for him to gain. In business, there is agreement for the fair exchange of goods and services. BOTH parties get what they bargained for. This is not true of gambling. I know of no form of gambling where participants agree to pool their money and give it away to a particular person. That is what you call a gift. Giving gifts is not condemned in Scriptures, but covetousness is always condemned in the Scriptures. Paul even compared it to the sin of idolatry (Col. 3:5).

3. Gambling Is Addictive: I am amazed at many gambling addiction support groups and organizations have been formed over the past few years. The fact of their existence is proof that there is a big problem. Some gamblers obviously have more self-control than others, but too many people have lost everything they have in gambling, including their families and quality of life.

Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: parkwaychurch@yahoo.com or timhaile@mac.com.