PLACE YOUR BETS?

Matthew 25:14-30

1.      What is gambling?

a.      Differences in risk taking and gambling:

                                                    i.     Is there a reasonable prospect to have a good return on the investment?

                                                   ii.     Does this create a risk without producing anything good?

b.      Many things include risk – starting a business, taking out a loan

c.      However, we do all we can to REDUCE the risk.

d.      Gambling seeks to INCREASE the element of risk.

2.      What is wrong with gambling?

a.      Something for nothing – Genesis 3:19; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10

b.      Promotes laziness and indolence – Matthew 25:26

c.      Poor Stewardship – Matthew 25:14; James  1:27; Leviticus 25:23; Psalm 50:10-12
Haggai 2:8; Job 41:11; 1 Corinthians 4:2

d.      Habit forming – addiction – 2 Peter 1:6; 2 Timothy 3:3; 1 Corinthians 6:12

e.      The fruit it bears – Matthew 7:16-17
Deceit, violence, murder, debts, suicide, families neglected, divorce, lying, fraud

f.       Greed – love of money – 1 Timothy 6:9-10

g.      Unproductive of any good – Titus 3:14 (NIV)

h.      Violates the Golden Rule – Matthew 7;12
I want to win your money, I don’t want you to win mine.

3.      “Little Things”

a.      Bingo, check pools, World Series (other sporting events), raffles, match pennies, lottery

b.      Principle = wrong              Size of the wager is not the issue.