Gambling Spiritual Meaning
2021年11月14日Register here: http://gg.gg/wvezm
*Clarence L. Haynes Jr.Contributing Writer
*202021 Oct
*Gambling Spiritual Meaning Synonyms
*Gambling Spiritual Meaning Dictionary
*Gambling Spiritual Meaning Definition
*Gambling Spiritual Meaning Spiritual
Gambling is a scheme to escape labor, but in reality, gambling is an evil spirit that kills and destroys. In the U S gambling is an industry of billions of dollars. The lottery is the favorite legal gambling. Gambling is the fastest growing addiction in the world. 1/7 teenagers and 1/10 adults that gamble will end up as addicted to it.
The question of gambling is a very interesting one and is one that can lead to debate within Christian circles. Within the pages of Scripture there are certain things that are clearly defined as sinful leaving no room for debate on the topic. For example, adultery. You don’t have to ask the question, it is wrong and always will be wrong.
However, everything in the Bible is not clearly black and white, there are some grey areas. These areas in Scripture need a little more clarification and can lead to differing opinions as to whether the action or behavior is right or wrong.
*Gambling is a good example of the active nature of what symbolic interaction theorists call the labeling process. We decide what is considered “deviant” through a process of meaning-making that is not fixed, but changes over place and time.
*Just like fornication and adultery have a spirit behind them, so also is gambling. When the spirit of gambling possesses the life of an individual, such a person will have no other thing to spend money on except to gamble.
*But it does mean that no one should ever get drunk. Then alcohol becomes the primary determiner of our actions rather than the Holy Spirit. The same principle applies to any substance or activity, gambling included. If gambling rather than the Spirit is controlling your life, stop and get help now. The basic temptation in life.
The question ’is gambling sinful?’ falls into this area. Because there is no verse in the Bible that says ’thou shall not gamble,’ we must use the principles of Scripture to determine if gambling is right or wrong or if gambling is sinful or not. Ultimately you have to make up your mind; but let me give you what I believe are some good thoughts and questions to consider.The Most Important Question to Ask about Gambling
The most important question you should be asking about gambling is not ’is gambling sinful?’ Neither is it ’should you be gambling or not?’ The most important question to ask regarding gambling is ’why do you want to gamble?’
This question alone gets to the heart of the matter which in turn exposes your motivation. Many times, when it comes to grey areas of Scripture, understanding why you want to do something can help you determine whether you should do it or not.
Let me explain why this is a biblical approach to this matter. Consider what Paul says:
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. – 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NLT)
If you take this Scripture on face value, Paul is saying you can choose to do anything you want, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you or beneficial for you. It doesn’t automatically mean it’s sinful, but maybe it’s not in your best interests to continue in that behavior.
For example, there is nothing wrong with watching sports. However, watching sports all day, every day, and neglecting your wife and kids in the process may not be in your best interest. Often things that are not beneficial can also eventually become sinful.
I believe gambling falls into that category. It is allowable..but is it beneficial? Whether you declare it sinful or not, it is probably an activity you may want to avoid. The problem is not directly with the activity, the problem is what the activity can produce in you. Here are four attitudes I want you to consider.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/vladansFour Dangerous Attitudes Gambling Can Produce in You
1. Greed
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – 1 Timothy 6:9-10
As I mentioned earlier, the most important question to ask about gambling is why you want to do it. For many gambling is a means to “get rich” and it potentially exposes a love of money or a greedy desire within you, neither of which are good for you.
If you see gambling as a means of getting quick money or a ticket to the good life, then you are in trouble—because your motivations are wrong. In this case, I would say run and don’t look back.
2. Idolatry
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. – Matthew 6:24Gambling Spiritual Meaning Synonyms
I don’t know how many people view gambling as a form of idolatry, but it is. Idolatry is an intense admiration, love, or esteem for something or someone. It is very easy to see how money can fall into this category, and by nature gambling, because you see it as a means to get the money you want. I am not saying that all people who gamble will fall into idolatry, I am saying this is a potential pitfall into sin.
3. Addiction
A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. – Proverbs 28:19 (NLT)
One of the realities of gambling is that it has an addictive tendency. Once you start, you may not want to stop. It leads you to forever chase the fantasy of winning, even when you are losing. Now, just because it has an addictive tendency doesn’t automatically make gambling sinful. There are plenty of other activities that have addictive tendencies such as food, television, or quite honestly..almost anything.
The problem with gambling is that false narrative that you can win and even if you lose you are one score away from getting it all back. Chasing that fantasy has the potential to lead you to poverty and potential ruin.
4. The Lure of Easy Money
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. – Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)
Gambling is a quick way to obtain money without having to pay the price to get it. Unfortunately, what usually comes quickly, goes just as quickly. Many times, leaving the person worse off than before.
A friend of mine had a brother who won 1 million dollars and it was gone in less than a year. Chances are, the money you get from gambling will probably be gone before you know it.Gambling Spiritual Meaning DictionaryThe One Big Problem about Gambling You Can’t Overlook
If there is one big problem which would lead me to say gambling is sinful, it is the problem of misplaced trust. So, ask yourself—before you engage in gambling behavior—what are you putting your trust in? This is another question that points to the motivation of your heart.
Again, your ’why’ matters a lot here. If you’re looking at this activity as your way out, your chance to move up, or your hope of any kind, then you have misplaced your trust. You have replaced trust in God with trust in something else.
In this case, you have placed your trust in whatever you are betting on.
When you view gambling from this point, it goes beyond the ’dollar and a dream’ or ’you have to be in it to win it.’ It boils down to: will you trust God as your source? Or, will you look to another?
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. – Psalm 20:7-8
Photo Credit: ©SparrowStockGambling Spiritual Meaning DefinitionIs it Ever Acceptable for Christians to Gamble?
This is another question that falls into the grey area just like ’is gambling sinful.’ Let me give you some scenarios that make this question challenging. Poker 2 7 hand.
You go on a cruise and decide to go into the casino and put money in the slot machine. Or, you decide to play one of the other games there. Is that gambling? Is that acceptable? Is that sinful? How do you answer these types of questions?
I believe the best way to answer these types of questions is by going back to the original most important question, why do you want to do it? I would also remember what Paul said: it may be allowable but is it beneficial?The One Exception Where Gambling Will Always Be Sinful
Regardless of how you feel about the subject, there is one incidence where engaging in this activity is always wrong, no questions asked. Let’s look at 1 Corinthians again, but add the next verse:
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
When your “freedom” or opinion on a matter can potentially hurt someone else, then consider that other person ahead of yourself. However you feel about gambling, if your participation in that activity will cause someone else to stumble, then it is sinful to do that.
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. – 1 Corinthians 8:13Conclusion
When you consider the question ’is gambling sinful,’ there are two important things to remember. The first is, your reason why matters a lot.
Second, your impact (or influence on others) in choosing what you will do also matters a lot.
Ultimately, the question that will drive your opinion on this is not just ’is it sinful?’ but instead, ’is it beneficial?’ I cannot recommend that you go out and gamble and I won’t call you the most sinful person if you do.
I would say be very careful because what may seem innocent at first has the potential to lead to dangerous sin in your life.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Bet_Noire
Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, author and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He has spent more than 30 years serving the body of Christ in various capacities and has just released his first book, The Pursuit of Purpose. If you have ever struggled trying to find God’s will, this book will help you discover the different ways God leads you into his perfect will. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.
This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian questions important to the Christian faith. From core beliefs to what the Bible says about angels, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about Christian living.
What Do Christians Believe?
How Old Is the Earth?
Who Is My Neighbor in the Bible?
What Does God Look Like?
Are Guardian Angels Real?
What Does it Mean to Be Zealous for God?
Fellowship > What the Bible Says About Luck and Gambling
*▼PDF Download
Luck and Gambling
’Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ’
(Philippians 3:8).
by Tom Stewart
Preface
or the Christian, winning and losing have a different meaning than the world, when dealing with the reality of Jesus Christ. ’7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,9and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith’(Philippians 3:7-9). Because Christians are to separate themselves from the world by their conduct, i.e., ’Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you’(2Corinthians 6:17), it is imperative that the Saints have an understanding of the meaning of such worldly concepts as luck and gambling, that go beyond a mere legalistic listing of things to be avoided, i.e., ’Touch not; taste not; handle not’(Colossians 2:21). Instead, our heartfelt obedience in avoiding luck and gambling must be soundly founded upon a proper understanding of ’What saith the Scripture?’(Romans 4:3).
Luck
ho needs luck? Certainly not the Christian! Just look at all the ’riches in glory by Christ Jesus’(Philippians 4:19) the Saints have been given! ’2Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our LORD, 3According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue’ (2Peter 1:2-3). Though luck may have the connotation of prosperity or success in the world’s vocabulary, it involves the element of chance; and, uncertainty is not part of the success guaranteed by the LORD. Instead, the Saints can find in the Scriptures, Promise after definite Promise to make certain their prosperity and success. ’This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success’(Joshua 1:8). ’But whoso looketh into the Perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall beblessed in his deed’(James 1:25). [To explore more about the ’Exceeding Great and Precious Promises’ (2Peter 1:4), see the Promises---New Window section of our website.] It may sound unfair to vilify luck, when it seems to have been such a good friend in days gone by, but we no longer ought to knowingly take credit away from the LORD Jesus Christ for our success by attributing our prosperity to luck. ’Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things [i.e., luck] are passed away; behold, all things are become new’(2Corinthians 5:17).
The Providence of God is more than able to match and exceed the luck of the world. ’Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us’(Ephesians 3:20). God’s Providence is His benevolent and wise forethought and provision for His children. ’But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus’(Philippians 4:19). ’They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures’(Psalm 36:8). And, instead of wishing luck to another Christian, the Saints should say, ’God bless you’, e.g. ’24The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:26The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace’ (Numbers 6:24-26). When addressing someone who may, or may not, be a Christian (but, has benefited you, or you desire their good), our Spanish friends have a pleasing expression: ’Vaya con dios’ (meaning: ’Go with God’); or, simply say, ’God be with you’, e.g., ’And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee’(Ruth 2:4). And, of course, it is understood in our sentiments and greetings, ’The LORD is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you’(2Chronicles 15:2).
The Spirit of Gambling
uck and gambling go together, because chance inhabits both. ’The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites’(Isaiah 33:14). With the world, the uncertainty of ill or loss is mixed with the chance of benefit or advantage. ’13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15For that ye ought to say, If the LORD will, we shall live, and do this, or that’(James 4:13-15). Sadly, the spirit of gambling can be seen in all parts of human endeavor, because gambling is a fundamental violation of the Law of Love, which Jesus taught. ’36Master, which is the great commandment in the Law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the First and Great Commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the prophets’(Matthew 22:36-40). Since the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) mandates a supreme love for God and a love for our neighbour that is equal to the consideration that we ought to give to ourselves, then gambling violates the Law of Love because it only allows or enables the gain of one party at the expense of another. ’We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil’(Proverbs 1:13). And, ’for the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows’(1Timothy 6:10). [For a fuller explanation of the Law of Love, read Charles G. Finney’s ’The Law of God, No.1’ ---New Window and ’The Law of God, No. 2’ ---New Window of ’The Oberlin Evangelist’ ---New Window, 1839.]
By far, it is more important that we seek the blessing of the LORD, than we seek by gambling and chance the luck of the world. ’3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.. 5They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.. 7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.9They set their mouth against the Heavens, and their tongue walketh through the Earth.. 12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.. 16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 18Surely Thou didst set them in slippery places: Thou castedst them down into destruction. 19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.. 23Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory’(Psalm 73: 3, 5, 7-9, 12, 16-19, 23-24).
Addiction
hristians are devoted to the LORD and ’have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints’ (1Corinthians 16:15). However, America’s addic
https://diarynote-jp.indered.space
*Clarence L. Haynes Jr.Contributing Writer
*202021 Oct
*Gambling Spiritual Meaning Synonyms
*Gambling Spiritual Meaning Dictionary
*Gambling Spiritual Meaning Definition
*Gambling Spiritual Meaning Spiritual
Gambling is a scheme to escape labor, but in reality, gambling is an evil spirit that kills and destroys. In the U S gambling is an industry of billions of dollars. The lottery is the favorite legal gambling. Gambling is the fastest growing addiction in the world. 1/7 teenagers and 1/10 adults that gamble will end up as addicted to it.
The question of gambling is a very interesting one and is one that can lead to debate within Christian circles. Within the pages of Scripture there are certain things that are clearly defined as sinful leaving no room for debate on the topic. For example, adultery. You don’t have to ask the question, it is wrong and always will be wrong.
However, everything in the Bible is not clearly black and white, there are some grey areas. These areas in Scripture need a little more clarification and can lead to differing opinions as to whether the action or behavior is right or wrong.
*Gambling is a good example of the active nature of what symbolic interaction theorists call the labeling process. We decide what is considered “deviant” through a process of meaning-making that is not fixed, but changes over place and time.
*Just like fornication and adultery have a spirit behind them, so also is gambling. When the spirit of gambling possesses the life of an individual, such a person will have no other thing to spend money on except to gamble.
*But it does mean that no one should ever get drunk. Then alcohol becomes the primary determiner of our actions rather than the Holy Spirit. The same principle applies to any substance or activity, gambling included. If gambling rather than the Spirit is controlling your life, stop and get help now. The basic temptation in life.
The question ’is gambling sinful?’ falls into this area. Because there is no verse in the Bible that says ’thou shall not gamble,’ we must use the principles of Scripture to determine if gambling is right or wrong or if gambling is sinful or not. Ultimately you have to make up your mind; but let me give you what I believe are some good thoughts and questions to consider.The Most Important Question to Ask about Gambling
The most important question you should be asking about gambling is not ’is gambling sinful?’ Neither is it ’should you be gambling or not?’ The most important question to ask regarding gambling is ’why do you want to gamble?’
This question alone gets to the heart of the matter which in turn exposes your motivation. Many times, when it comes to grey areas of Scripture, understanding why you want to do something can help you determine whether you should do it or not.
Let me explain why this is a biblical approach to this matter. Consider what Paul says:
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. – 1 Corinthians 10:23 (NLT)
If you take this Scripture on face value, Paul is saying you can choose to do anything you want, but that doesn’t mean it’s good for you or beneficial for you. It doesn’t automatically mean it’s sinful, but maybe it’s not in your best interests to continue in that behavior.
For example, there is nothing wrong with watching sports. However, watching sports all day, every day, and neglecting your wife and kids in the process may not be in your best interest. Often things that are not beneficial can also eventually become sinful.
I believe gambling falls into that category. It is allowable..but is it beneficial? Whether you declare it sinful or not, it is probably an activity you may want to avoid. The problem is not directly with the activity, the problem is what the activity can produce in you. Here are four attitudes I want you to consider.
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/vladansFour Dangerous Attitudes Gambling Can Produce in You
1. Greed
Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – 1 Timothy 6:9-10
As I mentioned earlier, the most important question to ask about gambling is why you want to do it. For many gambling is a means to “get rich” and it potentially exposes a love of money or a greedy desire within you, neither of which are good for you.
If you see gambling as a means of getting quick money or a ticket to the good life, then you are in trouble—because your motivations are wrong. In this case, I would say run and don’t look back.
2. Idolatry
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. – Matthew 6:24Gambling Spiritual Meaning Synonyms
I don’t know how many people view gambling as a form of idolatry, but it is. Idolatry is an intense admiration, love, or esteem for something or someone. It is very easy to see how money can fall into this category, and by nature gambling, because you see it as a means to get the money you want. I am not saying that all people who gamble will fall into idolatry, I am saying this is a potential pitfall into sin.
3. Addiction
A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty. – Proverbs 28:19 (NLT)
One of the realities of gambling is that it has an addictive tendency. Once you start, you may not want to stop. It leads you to forever chase the fantasy of winning, even when you are losing. Now, just because it has an addictive tendency doesn’t automatically make gambling sinful. There are plenty of other activities that have addictive tendencies such as food, television, or quite honestly..almost anything.
The problem with gambling is that false narrative that you can win and even if you lose you are one score away from getting it all back. Chasing that fantasy has the potential to lead you to poverty and potential ruin.
4. The Lure of Easy Money
Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it. – Proverbs 13:11 (ESV)
Gambling is a quick way to obtain money without having to pay the price to get it. Unfortunately, what usually comes quickly, goes just as quickly. Many times, leaving the person worse off than before.
A friend of mine had a brother who won 1 million dollars and it was gone in less than a year. Chances are, the money you get from gambling will probably be gone before you know it.Gambling Spiritual Meaning DictionaryThe One Big Problem about Gambling You Can’t Overlook
If there is one big problem which would lead me to say gambling is sinful, it is the problem of misplaced trust. So, ask yourself—before you engage in gambling behavior—what are you putting your trust in? This is another question that points to the motivation of your heart.
Again, your ’why’ matters a lot here. If you’re looking at this activity as your way out, your chance to move up, or your hope of any kind, then you have misplaced your trust. You have replaced trust in God with trust in something else.
In this case, you have placed your trust in whatever you are betting on.
When you view gambling from this point, it goes beyond the ’dollar and a dream’ or ’you have to be in it to win it.’ It boils down to: will you trust God as your source? Or, will you look to another?
Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm. – Psalm 20:7-8
Photo Credit: ©SparrowStockGambling Spiritual Meaning DefinitionIs it Ever Acceptable for Christians to Gamble?
This is another question that falls into the grey area just like ’is gambling sinful.’ Let me give you some scenarios that make this question challenging. Poker 2 7 hand.
You go on a cruise and decide to go into the casino and put money in the slot machine. Or, you decide to play one of the other games there. Is that gambling? Is that acceptable? Is that sinful? How do you answer these types of questions?
I believe the best way to answer these types of questions is by going back to the original most important question, why do you want to do it? I would also remember what Paul said: it may be allowable but is it beneficial?The One Exception Where Gambling Will Always Be Sinful
Regardless of how you feel about the subject, there is one incidence where engaging in this activity is always wrong, no questions asked. Let’s look at 1 Corinthians again, but add the next verse:
You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is beneficial. Don’t be concerned for your own good but for the good of others. – 1 Corinthians 10:23-24
When your “freedom” or opinion on a matter can potentially hurt someone else, then consider that other person ahead of yourself. However you feel about gambling, if your participation in that activity will cause someone else to stumble, then it is sinful to do that.
Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall. – 1 Corinthians 8:13Conclusion
When you consider the question ’is gambling sinful,’ there are two important things to remember. The first is, your reason why matters a lot.
Second, your impact (or influence on others) in choosing what you will do also matters a lot.
Ultimately, the question that will drive your opinion on this is not just ’is it sinful?’ but instead, ’is it beneficial?’ I cannot recommend that you go out and gamble and I won’t call you the most sinful person if you do.
I would say be very careful because what may seem innocent at first has the potential to lead to dangerous sin in your life.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Bet_Noire
Clarence L. Haynes Jr. is a speaker, Bible teacher, author and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He has spent more than 30 years serving the body of Christ in various capacities and has just released his first book, The Pursuit of Purpose. If you have ever struggled trying to find God’s will, this book will help you discover the different ways God leads you into his perfect will. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.
This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian questions important to the Christian faith. From core beliefs to what the Bible says about angels, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about Christian living.
What Do Christians Believe?
How Old Is the Earth?
Who Is My Neighbor in the Bible?
What Does God Look Like?
Are Guardian Angels Real?
What Does it Mean to Be Zealous for God?
Fellowship > What the Bible Says About Luck and Gambling
*▼PDF Download
Luck and Gambling
’Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ’
(Philippians 3:8).
by Tom Stewart
Preface
or the Christian, winning and losing have a different meaning than the world, when dealing with the reality of Jesus Christ. ’7But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.8Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,9and be found in Him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith’(Philippians 3:7-9). Because Christians are to separate themselves from the world by their conduct, i.e., ’Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the LORD, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you’(2Corinthians 6:17), it is imperative that the Saints have an understanding of the meaning of such worldly concepts as luck and gambling, that go beyond a mere legalistic listing of things to be avoided, i.e., ’Touch not; taste not; handle not’(Colossians 2:21). Instead, our heartfelt obedience in avoiding luck and gambling must be soundly founded upon a proper understanding of ’What saith the Scripture?’(Romans 4:3).
Luck
ho needs luck? Certainly not the Christian! Just look at all the ’riches in glory by Christ Jesus’(Philippians 4:19) the Saints have been given! ’2Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our LORD, 3According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him that hath called us to glory and virtue’ (2Peter 1:2-3). Though luck may have the connotation of prosperity or success in the world’s vocabulary, it involves the element of chance; and, uncertainty is not part of the success guaranteed by the LORD. Instead, the Saints can find in the Scriptures, Promise after definite Promise to make certain their prosperity and success. ’This Book of the Law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success’(Joshua 1:8). ’But whoso looketh into the Perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall beblessed in his deed’(James 1:25). [To explore more about the ’Exceeding Great and Precious Promises’ (2Peter 1:4), see the Promises---New Window section of our website.] It may sound unfair to vilify luck, when it seems to have been such a good friend in days gone by, but we no longer ought to knowingly take credit away from the LORD Jesus Christ for our success by attributing our prosperity to luck. ’Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things [i.e., luck] are passed away; behold, all things are become new’(2Corinthians 5:17).
The Providence of God is more than able to match and exceed the luck of the world. ’Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us’(Ephesians 3:20). God’s Providence is His benevolent and wise forethought and provision for His children. ’But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus’(Philippians 4:19). ’They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of Thy house; and Thou shalt make them drink of the river of Thy pleasures’(Psalm 36:8). And, instead of wishing luck to another Christian, the Saints should say, ’God bless you’, e.g. ’24The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:26The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace’ (Numbers 6:24-26). When addressing someone who may, or may not, be a Christian (but, has benefited you, or you desire their good), our Spanish friends have a pleasing expression: ’Vaya con dios’ (meaning: ’Go with God’); or, simply say, ’God be with you’, e.g., ’And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said unto the reapers, The LORD be with you. And they answered him, The LORD bless thee’(Ruth 2:4). And, of course, it is understood in our sentiments and greetings, ’The LORD is with you, while ye be with Him; and if ye seek Him, He will be found of you; but if ye forsake Him, He will forsake you’(2Chronicles 15:2).
The Spirit of Gambling
uck and gambling go together, because chance inhabits both. ’The sinners in Zion are afraid; fearfulness hath surprised the hypocrites’(Isaiah 33:14). With the world, the uncertainty of ill or loss is mixed with the chance of benefit or advantage. ’13Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: 14Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. 15For that ye ought to say, If the LORD will, we shall live, and do this, or that’(James 4:13-15). Sadly, the spirit of gambling can be seen in all parts of human endeavor, because gambling is a fundamental violation of the Law of Love, which Jesus taught. ’36Master, which is the great commandment in the Law? 37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38This is the First and Great Commandment. 39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 40On these two Commandments hang all the Law and the prophets’(Matthew 22:36-40). Since the Law of Christ (Galatians 6:2) mandates a supreme love for God and a love for our neighbour that is equal to the consideration that we ought to give to ourselves, then gambling violates the Law of Love because it only allows or enables the gain of one party at the expense of another. ’We shall find all precious substance, we shall fill our houses with spoil’(Proverbs 1:13). And, ’for the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows’(1Timothy 6:10). [For a fuller explanation of the Law of Love, read Charles G. Finney’s ’The Law of God, No.1’ ---New Window and ’The Law of God, No. 2’ ---New Window of ’The Oberlin Evangelist’ ---New Window, 1839.]
By far, it is more important that we seek the blessing of the LORD, than we seek by gambling and chance the luck of the world. ’3For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.. 5They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men.. 7Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. 8They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily.9They set their mouth against the Heavens, and their tongue walketh through the Earth.. 12Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.. 16When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; 17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. 18Surely Thou didst set them in slippery places: Thou castedst them down into destruction. 19How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors.. 23Nevertheless I am continually with Thee: Thou hast holden me by my right hand. 24Thou shalt guide me with Thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory’(Psalm 73: 3, 5, 7-9, 12, 16-19, 23-24).
Addiction
hristians are devoted to the LORD and ’have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints’ (1Corinthians 16:15). However, America’s addic
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