Addictive Behaviors

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Addictive Addictive Behaviors Behaviors Gambling

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Addictive Behaviors. Gambling. Labor, not Lottery. God planted a garden with ample provisions (Gen. 2:8) Man to tend & keep it (Gen. 2:15-17) Entrance of sin: Ground cursed Man would eat by sweat of brow (Gen. 3:17-19). Addictive Behaviors: Gambling. 2. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Addictive Behaviors

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Addictive BehaviorsAddictive Behaviors

GamblingGambling

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Labor, not Lottery Labor, not Lottery God planted a garden with ample God planted a garden with ample

provisions provisions (Gen. 2:8)(Gen. 2:8) Man to tend & keep it Man to tend & keep it (Gen. 2:15-17)(Gen. 2:15-17)

– Entrance of sin: Ground cursedEntrance of sin: Ground cursed– Man would eat by sweat of browMan would eat by sweat of brow

(Gen. 3:17-19)(Gen. 3:17-19)Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 2

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

Eccl. 5:18-20:Eccl. 5:18-20: 1818 Here is what I have seen: Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and todrink, and to enjoyenjoy the goodthe good of all hisof all his laborlabor in which he toils under the sun all the days in which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; forof his life which God gives him; for it is his it is his heritageheritage..

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Eccl. 5:18-20:Eccl. 5:18-20: 1919 As for every man to whom As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, topower to eat of it, to receivereceive his heritage andhis heritage and rejoicerejoice in his in his labor—thislabor—this is theis the gift of Godgift of God. . 2020 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, becauselife, because God keeps him busyGod keeps him busy with thewith the joy joy of his heartof his heart..

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

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Our Concern TodayOur Concern Today

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

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

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Do not Trust in WealthDo not Trust in Wealth(Matthew 6:21)(Matthew 6:21)

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

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

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Do not Trust in WealthDo not Trust in Wealth(Matthew 6:21)(Matthew 6:21)

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

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The Wisdom & The Wisdom & Welfare of LaborWelfare of Labor

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

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The Vanity of GamblingThe Vanity of Gambling

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

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

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

Gambling’s hope is Gambling’s hope is false & futilefalse & futile Gambling deceives millions & plunges Gambling deceives millions & plunges

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Popularity of GamblingPopularity of Gambling Costly…and ConvenientCostly…and Convenient

– $482 billion wagered in 1994$482 billion wagered in 1994– 2002 Super Bowl: $4 billion wagered2002 Super Bowl: $4 billion wagered– Legal wagering on NCAA men’s Legal wagering on NCAA men’s

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

estimated to be $17 billion by 2009estimated to be $17 billion by 2009

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

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

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

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

– 50% played the lottery in 199850% played the lottery in 1998– Considered “harmless diversion”Considered “harmless diversion”

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

– ““wagering of money or other item of wagering of money or other item of value on an uncertain event” value on an uncertain event” ((EncartaEncarta, 2004), 2004)

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

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Two ElementsTwo Elements

CHANCECHANCE WAGERWAGER

on the outcome on the outcome of that chanceof that chance

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What is Gambling?What is Gambling? Normal risk of business is Normal risk of business is notnot gambling gambling

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

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

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

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What is Gambling?What is Gambling? A wager is made whereby one stands A wager is made whereby one stands

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

“nobody gets hurt”“nobody gets hurt”

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Legal Forms of Gambling Legal Forms of Gambling in the State of Washingtonin the State of Washington

horse racing horse racing punchboards and pulltabspunchboards and pulltabs fund raising eventsfund raising events such as casino nights, such as casino nights, bingobingo, ,

rafflesraffles, , amusement gamesamusement games contests of chancecontests of chance operated by operated by charitable and charitable and

non-profit organizations non-profit organizations card rooms card rooms the lotterythe lottery casinos & bingo hallscasinos & bingo halls

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

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What is Gambling?What is Gambling?

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

recreation, entertainment, diseaserecreation, entertainment, disease

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What is Gambling?What is Gambling? Problem of identityProblem of identity

– Types of gamblersTypes of gamblers: : • Casual Social, Serious SocialCasual Social, Serious Social• Relief and Escape, ProblemRelief and Escape, Problem• Pathological or CompulsivePathological or Compulsive• Antisocial and ProfessionalAntisocial and Professional

((“Types of Gambling Behavior,”“Types of Gambling Behavior,” WSCPG, WSCPG, http://www.wscpg.org/h/types.htm)http://www.wscpg.org/h/types.htm) 19Addictive Behaviors: Gambling

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What is Gambling?What is Gambling?

Problem of immoralityProblem of immorality – Gambling is sin!Gambling is sin!

• Fulfillment of worldly lustsFulfillment of worldly lusts (1 Jno. 2:15-17)(1 Jno. 2:15-17)

• Not holy livingNot holy living (1 Pet. 1:15-16)(1 Pet. 1:15-16)

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

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

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

• Greediness,Greediness, Eph. 4:19Eph. 4:19• Not to be named among saints,Not to be named among saints, Eph. 5:3Eph. 5:3

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

Covetousness,Covetousness, Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9)Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9)– IdolatryIdolatry: Desire fixed on riches & not : Desire fixed on riches & not

on God,on God, Eph. 5:5Eph. 5:5– Gambling worships the false god of Gambling worships the false god of

money … put it to death!money … put it to death! Col. 3:5-6Col. 3:5-6

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

SelfishnessSelfishness (Matt. 22:39)(Matt. 22:39)– Love does not harm its neighbor – but Love does not harm its neighbor – but

gambling does! gambling does! Rom. 13:10Rom. 13:10• Gambling is a selfish ambition that Gambling is a selfish ambition that

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

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling Waste of material blessings,Waste of material blessings,

Luke 16:10-12Luke 16:10-12– Rejects responsibility of stewardship Rejects responsibility of stewardship

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

Lk. 16:13Lk. 16:13

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

Evil companions,Evil companions, Jas. 3:11-12Jas. 3:11-12– Greed, covetousness, dishonestyGreed, covetousness, dishonesty– Domestic violence, child abuse, adultery Domestic violence, child abuse, adultery

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

& prostitution& prostitution– Alcohol, drugs, murder & suicideAlcohol, drugs, murder & suicide

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling Evil companions,Evil companions, 1 Cor. 15:331 Cor. 15:33

– Destroys credibility, honesty, reliability & Destroys credibility, honesty, reliability & family stabilityfamily stability

– Causes great sorrow, pain and regret…Causes great sorrow, pain and regret…– ““What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!”What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!”

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

(Prov. 15:16)(Prov. 15:16)26

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

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

profitable to society; Regulated & profitable to society; Regulated & taxed by governmenttaxed by government

– Offered as a solution for funding Offered as a solution for funding education & social programseducation & social programs

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

Honolulu Police Department:Honolulu Police Department: ““We are convinced that gambling exploits those We are convinced that gambling exploits those

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

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

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

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

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

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

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

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

Matt. 5:13-16Matt. 5:13-16

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

Does not promote godlinessDoes not promote godliness– Not the image of Christ,Not the image of Christ, Romans 8:29Romans 8:29– Hinders sober, righteous and godly Hinders sober, righteous and godly

living,living, Titus 2:11-12Titus 2:11-12

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

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

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

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

Deceptive,Deceptive, Jas. 1:16Jas. 1:16–Selfishly exploits a lack of self-controlSelfishly exploits a lack of self-control

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

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

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

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

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

Present in the electronic mediaPresent in the electronic media– Internet gambling is explodingInternet gambling is exploding– 73 million (up 20 million in 5 years) 73 million (up 20 million in 5 years)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

online poker) online poker) ((Sports Illustrated, Sports Illustrated, May 30, 2005)May 30, 2005)– 85% involved in some form of gambling 85% involved in some form of gambling

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

while in college while in college (Univ. of Michigan, 1998)(Univ. of Michigan, 1998)– 672,000 students “addicted” in 1997672,000 students “addicted” in 1997

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

Present in many homesPresent in many homes– As close at the Internet & TV!As close at the Internet & TV!– Wastes money, time & energyWastes money, time & energy– Destroys trust & security, leading to Destroys trust & security, leading to

despair, divorce…despair, divorce…

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

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

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

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

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

Present in the churchPresent in the church– Christians approving of and participating in Christians approving of and participating in

lotteries, charity raffles & bingo, casinos…lotteries, charity raffles & bingo, casinos…– Increasingly Increasingly toleranttolerant of gambling of gambling– Increasingly Increasingly intolerantintolerant of reproof & rebuke of reproof & rebuke

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

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Sinful Traits of GamblingSinful Traits of Gambling

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

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The Sin of GamblingThe Sin of Gambling Encourages laziness & lustEncourages laziness & lust

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

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The Sin of GamblingThe Sin of Gambling Discourages labor & encourages Discourages labor & encourages “get rich quick” mentality“get rich quick” mentality

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

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The Sin of GamblingThe Sin of Gambling Encourages greed & discontentmentEncourages greed & discontentment

– Gambling thrives on a constant desire for Gambling thrives on a constant desire for more,more, 1 Tim. 6:9-101 Tim. 6:9-10

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

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The Sin of GamblingThe Sin of Gambling Encourages selfishness (“nobody Encourages selfishness (“nobody

gets hurt”)gets hurt”)– Selfish heart Selfish heart doesdoes hurt others & oneself! hurt others & oneself!

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

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

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The Sin of GamblingThe Sin of Gambling

Encourages reckless stewardshipEncourages reckless stewardship– Shows oneself to be unworthy of the true Shows oneself to be unworthy of the true

richesriches (Lk. 16:9-13)(Lk. 16:9-13)– Trust in money will leave you bankrupt on Trust in money will leave you bankrupt on

the Day of Judgmentthe Day of Judgment (Matt. 16:26)(Matt. 16:26)

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

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

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