The PuritanBoard - View Single Post

Barnpreacher · #21 (**permalink**) 06-21-2007, 12:49 AM

1 Timothy 6:9-19
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Seems to me that gambling is a matter of the heart. Why are you doing it? Are you doing it to get rich and because you love money? The Bible seems to speak against that in the passage above.

So, I guess that only the person gambling can say for sure if it is a sin in their life because only they know their motives behind it. Although I think it's safe to say that there are not very many other motives for gambling than the love of money. Granted, a friendly card game may not suffice, but I'm talking about the Las Vegas style gambling. Or the sports bookie gambling.

Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:24
No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.