KingdomView, Vol. III, Issue 12
1 Kings 3: 6-15
What is gambling? In broad terms, some have said it is to take a risk. In a sense, this far-reaching definition makes us all gamblers in some form or another. For example, those of us who drive are taking a risk every time we operate an automobile; moreover, when we cross a street, fly on an airplane, or ride a rollercoaster we are taking a risk. Furthermore, those who have investments―stocks, 401Ks, mutual funds, IRAs etc.―are engaged in risk taking or gambling if this definition is accurate. Therefore, the issue is not gambling per se, but what is legitimate verses illegitimate risk taking or gambling—again, if our aforementioned definition is accurate. However, Dr. John MacArthur of Grace Community Church of SuN Valley, CA offers another definition in his sermon entitled, “Gambling: The Seductive Fantasy, Part I.”
Dr. MacArthur asserts that the word “gamble” is related to the word “game,” which comes from the old English word ‘gammon.’ It is not a game based on skill. It is not a game based on reason, and it is not a game based on anything controllable. It is a game based on sheer chance. Gambling is an appeal to sheer chance, random luck without skill or one’s personal involvement―that is gambling says MacArthur. In addition, Dr. Tony Evans provides from Scripture ten principles or criteria that we can use to discern
what is legitimate verses illegitimate risk taking or gambling:
1. Is it motivated by greed? (Proverbs 25:16; Ecclesiastes 5:13-14; Jeremiah 6:13)
2. Does it displace God as the supplier of your needs? (Isaiah 65:11; Matthew 6:33, 34; Romans 14:23)
3. Does it negate productivity (or work)? (Genesis 2:15; 2 Thessalonians 3:10)
4. God wants to know if it is a wise risk. (Luke 14:28)
5. Are you addicted to it? (1 Corinthian 6:12)
6. Does it exploit people? For you to win do others have to lose? (Psalm 37:7; 1 Timothy 6:9-10)
7. Does it help or hurt society? (Jeremiah 29:7)
8. Does it do spiritual harm to others? (1 Corinthians 9:19-23; 1 Corinthians 8:13)
9. Is it legitimate fun? (Revelation 4:11; Psalm 35:27; Ecclesiastes 5:18; 1 Timothy 6:17), and
10. Is it good stewardship? (Matthew 25:21)
In summary, I would like to close with another thought from Dr. MacArthur regarding gambling in which he declares, “The sins that support gambling: they are materialism, greed, discontent, exploitation, laziness, distrust of God’s provision, disdain for the virtues of labor, irresponsible stewardship, and indifference to those in need.” Does God need to say more? For a full explanation, I recommend that one acquires the
compact disc of this sermon.
