What does the Bible say about Gambling and Drinking?

1. Work with your own hands to have necessities and something to give those in need (Ephesians 4:28, 1 Timothy 5:8). 

2. Be content with what you have (Matthew 6:33, 1 Timothy 6:8). 

3. Do not steal from anyone (Ephesians 4:28). 

4. Do not be given or addicted to anything - One way to make sure one is not addicted to alcohol or gambling is to never start in the first place (1 Timothy 3:2-3, 8, Titus 2:3-5, 1 Corinthians 6:12). These are diseases that are self-inflicted and are totally preventable. 

5. Drunkenness and drinking parties are condemned (Romans 13:13, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 6:9-10). 

6. By being tempted for the easy way to riches, many lose very precious possessions (Matthew 13:22, Hebrews 12:14-17). 

7. Drinking and gambling are temptations that lead to evil activities and darkness (Proverbs 30:7-9, Ephesians 5:1-18). 

8. Christians are to live soberly and righteously, and are to escape the pollutions of this world (Romans 12:1-2, Titus 2:11-14, 2 Peter 2:19-20). 

9. Christians are to be disciplined and self-controlled (Acts 24:25, 1 Corinthians 9:27, Galatians 5:23, 2 Peter 1:6). 

10. Drinking and gambling are wrong because of their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20, Galatians 5:18-24, 1 John 2:15-17). 

a. Produces foolish people. The odds are always against the gambler. 

b. It brings evil fruits of destroying homes, marriages and families; sets a bad example for children; and promotes financial problems and laziness. 

c. Many times drinking and gambling are associated with prostitution, fornication, rape, assaults, unlawful activities, drug dealers, cursing, dirty jokes, strip clubs, etc. 

11. Christians are to abstain from every appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22). 

12. Gambling (including the lottery) promotes materialism and greed (Matthew 6:19-21, 24, 16:26, Luke 15:12-13, 1 Timothy 6:6-10). 


 

Consequences of Gambling (including the Lottery) and Drinking for our Society

1. People look for the pot of gold without hard work and effort. 

2. People with little drive to succeed are tempted to look for the easy way out. 

3. The poor are tempted to spend what little they have on drink and lottery tickets. 
 

4. The very people who are said to be the ones we are doing it for end up being the victoms (those who spend their money on lottery tickets are the ones least likely to go to school and benefit from scholarships). 

5. Young people see older people drinking and gambling and they think this is a good way of life. 

6. Alcoholics are created (I have heard 1 in 18 who drink become alcoholics) and addicted gamblers are created (example: Pete Rose). 

7. Poor families do not receive the necessities as those providing for them are spending the money on alcohol and lottery tickets. These poor families, instead of being encouraged to get an education to improve their way of life become dependent on the State for their necessities. 

8. The poor are robbed and stolen from to reward the few winners, the state, and those in charge. 

9. The rich get richer. Those in charge of the lottery and drinking establishments always seem to make thousands and thousands of dollars off of those addicted to these vices. 

10. The state of Tennessee may spend more than is taken in due to monitoring for illegal machines, fake tickets, corruption in government, law enforcement, etc. Look at all the states who have lotteries (NY, NJ, GA, OR, CA, etc.). Their taxes increase to pay for these increased services needed on the enforcement of lotteries. 

11. Those targeted for help will be taught the lesson that you do not have to work with your own hands to get ahead, but simply stick your hand out because gambling will do the rest. 

12. People who are drawn into gambling and alcohol addictions often get involved in crimes of cheating, stealing, and worse, to feed their addictions. 

For those of you watching tonight who drink and support the lottery, please consider these things we have talked about tonight. You can change your position. You do not have to drink or gamble if you choose not to. You do not have to support the lottery if you choose not to. If you are addicted to gambling or alcohol, there are many institutions that are available to help you with your addictions. But the best thing you can do in overcoming these vices is to humbly submit to God and obey Him (James 4:10). Become a Christian by repenting of your sins and being immersed in water for the remission of those same sins (1 John 1:6-9). Then you will be forgiven by the blood of Jesus and will have Him at your side when these vices tempt you. By becoming a Christian, you can set a great example for those around you. In that way you will glorify God and start your journey to Heaven. We hope to see you next time on "Speaking the Truth in Love".