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As I pointed out, I already addressed this in my original post. You claimed that you read it, but apparently that's not true since I already showed that gambling is not always coveting and you have no response to give.
The Bible doesn't tell us one way or the other, but it does tell us not to think beyond what is written, which is what this would be.
6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. (1 Corinthians 4:6)
Speculation beyond what is demonstrated in scripture is not profitable. However, we have no reason to believe that, under the right circumstances, Jesus wouldn't gamble, since the Bible never says that it's a sin. To claim otherwise would amount to creating our own doctrines, doctrines of men,
9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' " (Matthew 15:9)
that is, the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
The Bible doesn't tell us one way or the other, but it does tell us not to think beyond what is written, which is what this would be.
6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us not to think beyond what is written, that none of you may be puffed up on behalf of one against the other. (1 Corinthians 4:6)
Speculation beyond what is demonstrated in scripture is not profitable. However, we have no reason to believe that, under the right circumstances, Jesus wouldn't gamble, since the Bible never says that it's a sin. To claim otherwise would amount to creating our own doctrines, doctrines of men,
9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.' " (Matthew 15:9)
that is, the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.
8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. (Colossians 2:8)
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Typically, the nature of betting on horses or playing the lottery is a simple matter of trying to win some money. If that is the goal, it is covetousness, which is a sin.
On the other hand, playing a game of cards, such as blackjack or poker, or maybe one of those electronic gaming machines, or various other things, are things that some people do for enjoyment, entertainment, or social interaction among friends (or strangers). In fact, even betting on horses, or sports, is something that some may do for the challenge and/or enjoyment. So, if a godly man gambles without any motive of greed or covetousness, but does so for any other purpose, such as perhaps some of the ones I listed, then he is not sinning. I already explained this in my original post, which you refused to comment on, therefore you are forcing me to repeat myself, which is rude.
So, if Jesus had had a deck of cards, would he have played a friendly game with some of his disciples around the fire? Who knows. I don't, and neither do you. And if you claim that you do then you are making up false doctrine.
On the other hand, playing a game of cards, such as blackjack or poker, or maybe one of those electronic gaming machines, or various other things, are things that some people do for enjoyment, entertainment, or social interaction among friends (or strangers). In fact, even betting on horses, or sports, is something that some may do for the challenge and/or enjoyment. So, if a godly man gambles without any motive of greed or covetousness, but does so for any other purpose, such as perhaps some of the ones I listed, then he is not sinning. I already explained this in my original post, which you refused to comment on, therefore you are forcing me to repeat myself, which is rude.
So, if Jesus had had a deck of cards, would he have played a friendly game with some of his disciples around the fire? Who knows. I don't, and neither do you. And if you claim that you do then you are making up false doctrine.
If gambling were a sin, you might have a point. However, these verses are only relevant if gambling is a sin in the first place. Since you haven't shown that it is, you're just begging the question.
Where did Jesus hang out? With the sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors, etc.
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" (Matthew 9:11)
Where did Jesus hang out? With the sinners, prostitutes, tax collectors, etc.
And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" (Matthew 9:11)
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This is a warning, and a good one. Indeed we should be wary of gambling, as it can lead to sin. But that doesn't mean that it's impossible to gamble without falling into sin, nor does it mean that gambling is inherently sinful, in and of itself.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
The flesh is indeed weak, which is why we do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:16)
37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)
L
It is true that He did do that, He did it for a purpose.
Matthew 9:11-13
(11) And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
(12) But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
(13) But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
But Jesus did not partake of the sin.
What is your definition of gambling? To me it is trying to win money, which is a sin, for the love of money is the root of all evil. I have seen the dangerous affects that gambling can have and if you think that is ok then your theology has a problem, for gambling is either good or no good, for one step will lead to another
Matthew 9:11-13
(11) And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples, Why eateth your Master with publicans and sinners?
(12) But when Jesus heard that, he said unto them, They that be whole need not a physician, but they that are sick.
(13) But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
But Jesus did not partake of the sin.
What is your definition of gambling? To me it is trying to win money, which is a sin, for the love of money is the root of all evil. I have seen the dangerous affects that gambling can have and if you think that is ok then your theology has a problem, for gambling is either good or no good, for one step will lead to another
M
Hiya there
many churches in the past faced serious problems with their members, some churches were even set up to combat poverty and social imbalance, take for instance the salvation Army and the Baptist church (to name just a few) So for instance the SA asked its members to refrain from alcohol and gambling, for the very reason that was their main social outreach, the Baptist church taught temperance too.
One of society's main problems of the time was that a man would get his wages, go to the pub then drink and gamble his weekly wage away, it was a big issue at the time the ban on drinking and more pertinent to your question gambling was seen as a better solution than making it a rule to 'not over indulge'
These are the rules of men.. but like all things people strongly feel it is more loving to not rub it in the face of someone say if you drink or gamble, to do either in front of a brother or sister who may be young in the faith or have strongly held opinions on the matter.. neither are needed for a great life.
Malby
Words aren't defined by me, and they aren't defined by you. Words like "gambling" already have an established meaning. Therefore, I have no definition of gambling, and if you have one, it holds no authority.
gamble:
1. to play at any game of chance for money or other stakes
2. to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance: to gamble on a toss of the dice
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2011
Gambling is taking part in a game of chance where the stakes are (usually) money. So, your definition, "trying to win money," is wrong, since the definition doesn't have anything to do with the intent or goal of the person playing, but only in fact participating in the act itself, regardless of the intent. Of course, this is what I have been pointing out all along, and the reason why I have shown that gambling isn't inherently sinful. You need to go back and read my original post again.
Yes, trying to win money is a sin, and I've said that all along, but that's not what gambling means, as above.
If you had read my original post, as you claimed, you'd know that I already posted that verse in its entirety.
That's a straw man, since I never claimed gambling can't have dangerous effects. In fact, in my original post, I pointed out the dangerous effects it can have at length, and provided biblical verses and passages to show it. At this point I have no choice but to conclude that you were lying when you said you read my original post.
Another straw man, since I never said that the dangerous effects gambling can have are ok, nor anything of the sort, but in fact the opposite.
That's refuted in the Bible, and I refuted it in my original post. To claim that a godly person can't partake in an activity which is not a sin just because some ungodly people partake of it in a sinful manner denies the power of godliness.
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:5)
15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. (Titus 1:15)
You need to read Romans 14 before you can understand this issue.
1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14)
gamble:
1. to play at any game of chance for money or other stakes
2. to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance: to gamble on a toss of the dice
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2011
Gambling is taking part in a game of chance where the stakes are (usually) money. So, your definition, "trying to win money," is wrong, since the definition doesn't have anything to do with the intent or goal of the person playing, but only in fact participating in the act itself, regardless of the intent. Of course, this is what I have been pointing out all along, and the reason why I have shown that gambling isn't inherently sinful. You need to go back and read my original post again.
Yes, trying to win money is a sin, and I've said that all along, but that's not what gambling means, as above.
If you had read my original post, as you claimed, you'd know that I already posted that verse in its entirety.
That's a straw man, since I never claimed gambling can't have dangerous effects. In fact, in my original post, I pointed out the dangerous effects it can have at length, and provided biblical verses and passages to show it. At this point I have no choice but to conclude that you were lying when you said you read my original post.
Another straw man, since I never said that the dangerous effects gambling can have are ok, nor anything of the sort, but in fact the opposite.
That's refuted in the Bible, and I refuted it in my original post. To claim that a godly person can't partake in an activity which is not a sin just because some ungodly people partake of it in a sinful manner denies the power of godliness.
5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! (2 Timothy 3:5)
15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. (Titus 1:15)
You need to read Romans 14 before you can understand this issue.
1 Receive one who is weak in the faith, but not to disputes over doubtful things. 2 For one believes he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats only vegetables. 3 Let not him who eats despise him who does not eat, and let not him who does not eat judge him who eats; for God has received him. 4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. 8 For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: "As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. 14 I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor drink wine nor do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. 23 But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin. (Romans 14)
Acts 1: 24-26
24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.
I saw in other posts gambling goes under coveting. I'd like to know how. I'm not a supporter of gambling, as I think it's a waste of money and that money could have been used to support a missionary, could have helped buy extra groceries, etc. because a lot of times, no one wins. I just don't see it as coveting.
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