1 / 47

Addictive Behaviors

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.

Pat_Xavi
Download Presentation

Addictive Behaviors

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript

  1. Addictive Behaviors Gambling

  2. 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

  3. Gift of God: Labor & the Ability to Enjoy its Fruit Eccl. 5:18-20:18 Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and toenjoythe goodof all hislaborin which he toils under the sun all the days of his life which God gives him; forit is his heritage. Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 3

  4. Gift of God: Labor & the Ability to Enjoy its Fruit Eccl. 5:18-20:19 As for every man to whom God has given riches and wealth, and given him power to eat of it, toreceivehis heritage andrejoicein his labor—thisis thegift of God. 20 For he will not dwell unduly on the days of his life, becauseGod keeps him busywith thejoy of his heart. Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 4

  5. Our Concern Today • How one chooses to obtain, use and“enjoy the good of all his labor” • The priority being placed on material possessions(Matt. 6:24, 33) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 5

  6. Do not Trust in Wealth(Matthew 6:21) • Psa. 62:10:“Do not trust in oppression, nor vainly hope in robbery;If riches increase, do not set your heart on them.” • 1 Tim. 6:17:“Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor totrustin uncertain riches butin the living God,who gives us richly all things to enjoy.” Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 6

  7. Do not Trust in Wealth(Matthew 6:21) • Rather than be content, many are minded to be rich, and… “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition.”(1 Tim. 6:9) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 7

  8. The Wisdom & Welfare of Labor • Prov. 12:11-12:“He who tills his land will be satisfied with bread, but he who follows frivolity is devoid of understanding. The wickedcovetthe catch of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit.” Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 8

  9. The Vanity of Gambling • Eccl. 5:10:“He who loves silverwill not be satisfiedwith silver; Nor he who loves abundance, with increase. This also is vanity.” Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 9

  10. Gambling Invites Impatience, not Contentment(1 Tim. 6:6-8) • Gambling’s appeal is raw greed: It is material, fleshly, worldly, profane & passing (Heb. 11:25) • Gambling’s hope is false & futile • Gambling deceives millions & plunges many into sinful & addictive behavior Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 10

  11. Popularity of Gambling • Costly…and Convenient • $482 billion wagered in 1994 • 2002 Super Bowl: $4 billion wagered • Legal wagering on NCAA men’s basketball tourney surpasses Super Bowl • Internet: $6 billion revenue in 2003; estimated to be $17 billion by 2009 Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 11

  12. Culture of Gambling(Prov. 1:15-16) • In 1910, virtually all forms prohibited • America’s pastime(14% never gambled) • 2003: 3 times more Americans visited casinos than baseball games • 2003: Spent more on casinos than amusement parks & movies combined • 50% played the lottery in 1998 • Considered “harmless diversion”

  13. What is Gambling? • Not merely risk,Eccl. 9:11 • “wagering of money or other item of value on an uncertain event” (Encarta, 2004) • “to play at any game of chance for stakes… to stake or risk money, or anything of value, on the outcome of something involving chance…bet; wager”(Random House College Dictionary, p. 542) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 13

  14. CHANCE WAGER on the outcome of that chance Two Elements 14

  15. What is Gambling? • Normal risk of business is not gambling as we are discussing it • Farming has risks (weather, pests, disease, weeds, etc.) • Farmer minimizes risk by intelligent planning, careful calculations, hard work and prayer! • His profit is not at the expense of others, and the risk is not contrived Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 15

  16. What is Gambling? • A wager is made whereby one stands to gain at the loss of others • Risk is engineered into the game • Object is to win while others lose • Winnings once belonged to the losers • It is not a “victimless” activity in which “nobody gets hurt” Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 16

  17. Legal Forms of Gambling in the State of Washington • horse racing • punchboards and pulltabs • fund raising eventssuch as casino nights, bingo, raffles, amusement games • contests of chance operated bycharitable and non-profit organizations • card rooms • the lottery • casinos & bingo halls (Washington State Council on Problem Gambling, http://www.wscpg.org/index.html)

  18. What is Gambling? • Problem of identity • Gambling industry prefers “GAMING” • Fund raising, revenue enhancement, recreation, entertainment, disease Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 18

  19. What is Gambling? • Problem of identity • Types of gamblers: • Casual Social, Serious Social • Relief and Escape, Problem • Pathological or Compulsive • Antisocial and Professional (“Types of Gambling Behavior,” WSCPG, http://www.wscpg.org/h/types.htm) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 19

  20. What is Gambling? • Problem of immorality • Gambling is sin! • Fulfillment of worldly lusts(1 Jno. 2:15-17) • Not holy living(1 Pet. 1:15-16) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 20

  21. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Covetousness,Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9) • Covet (epithumeo): “to fix the desire upon… to long for, lust after, covet” (Vine, 136) • Covetousness (pleonexia): lit., “a desire to have more” (Ibid.);Eager for more • Greediness,Eph. 4:19 • Not to be named among saints,Eph. 5:3 Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 21

  22. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Covetousness,Lk. 12:15 (Rom. 13:9) • Idolatry: Desire fixed on riches & not on God,Eph. 5:5 • Gambling worships the false god of money … put it to death!Col. 3:5-6 Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 22

  23. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Selfishness(Matt. 22:39) • Love does not harm its neighbor – but gambling does! Rom. 13:10 • Gambling is a selfish ambition that esteems self above others,Phil. 2:3 (2 Tim. 3:2) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 23

  24. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Waste of material blessings,Luke 16:10-12 • Rejects responsibility of stewardship in pursuit of the elusive pot of gold • Serving riches shows hate for God,Lk. 16:13 Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 24

  25. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Evil companions,Jas. 3:11-12 • Greed, covetousness, dishonesty • Domestic violence, child abuse, adultery & broken homes • Theft, extortion, fraud, organized crime & prostitution • Alcohol, drugs, murder & suicide Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 25

  26. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Evil companions,1 Cor. 15:33 • Destroys credibility, honesty, reliability & family stability • Causes great sorrow, pain and regret… • “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!” “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasure with trouble.”(Prov. 15:16) 26

  27. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Burden on society,Prov. 14:34 • Gambling is generally viewed as profitable to society; Regulated & taxed by government • Offered as a solution for funding education & social programs Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 27

  28. Sinful Traits of Gambling Honolulu Police Department: “We are convinced that gambling exploits those who can least afford it, and undermines community values. For example: 1. 15.4 million Americans are problem or pathological gamblers, with more than 50 percent between 12 to 18 years of age. Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 28

  29. Sinful Traits of Gambling “2. Social and economic costs include unemployment benefits, welfare benefits, physical and mental health problems, theft, embezzlement, bankruptcy, suicide, child abuse and neglect, domestic abuse, divorce, incarceration, work absences, and homelessness.” (Honolulu Police Department Website, http://www.honolulupd.org/nv/gamblingposition.htm)

  30. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Burden on society,Prov. 14:34 • Real cost: $3 of taxpayers’ money for every $1 raised through gambling! • Christians must be salt & light,Matt. 5:13-16 Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 30

  31. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Does not promote godliness • Not the image of Christ,Romans 8:29 • Hinders sober, righteous and godly living,Titus 2:11-12 Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 31

  32. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Deceptive,Jas. 1:16 • “It’s just harmless entertainment” • “It’s a legal business enterprise” • “It’s for a good cause”(Rom. 3:8) • “It’s only wrong if you can’t afford it”(Prov. 14:12) • “It won’t cost me my soul”(1 Cor. 6:9-10) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 32

  33. Sinful Traits of Gambling • Deceptive,Jas. 1:16 • Selfishly exploits a lack of self-control “While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome, by him also he is brought into bondage.”(2 Pet. 2:19) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 33

  34. Seduction of Gambling(1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) • Present in the electronic media • “World Poker Tour” (Travel Channel) • “World Series of Poker” (ESPN) • “Celebrity Poker Showdown” (Bravo) • “The Casino” (Fox) (“Online Gambling and Casino Reviews,” http://gamblinglinks.com/nw_tv.html) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 34

  35. Seduction of Gambling(1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) • Present in the electronic media • Internet gambling is exploding • 73 million (up 20 million in 5 years) will visit online casinos an average of 6 times annually, losing billions of dollars Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 35

  36. Seduction of Gambling(1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) • Present on high school campuses • Teenagers gamble sooner than they smoke & drink (University of Minnesota, 1998) • 87% gambled for money (’96 Conn. study) • 40% involved in some form of state-sanctioned gambling Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 36

  37. Seduction of Gambling(1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) • Present on college campuses • One Indiana U. junior lost $55,000 (mostly online poker) (Sports Illustrated, May 30, 2005) • 85% involved in some form of gambling (23% on weekly basis) (1991 study) • 72% college football & basketball players while in college (Univ. of Michigan, 1998) • 672,000 students “addicted” in 1997 37

  38. Seduction of Gambling(1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) • Present in many homes • As close at the Internet & TV! • Wastes money, time & energy • Destroys trust & security, leading to despair, divorce… Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 38

  39. Seduction of Gambling(1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) • Present at the workplace • Office “pool” on the big game • Establishes a pattern of acceptance • Lessens resistance to other forms • “If a little gambling is okay, then what’s wrong with more?” • Social gambling is defended by an appeal to consistency & as being “harmless fun” 39

  40. Seduction of Gambling(1 Cor. 15:33-34; Eph. 5:5-7) • Present in the church • Christians approving of and participating in lotteries, charity raffles & bingo, casinos… • Increasingly tolerant of gambling • Increasingly intolerant of reproof & rebuke • Covetousness should “not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints”(Eph. 5:3) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 40

  41. Sinful Traits of Gambling “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart ofunbeliefin departing from the living God; but exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you behardenedthrough thedeceitfulness of sin.”(Heb. 3:12-13) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 41

  42. The Sin of Gambling • Encourages laziness & lust “The desire of the lazy man kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. He covets greedily all day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare.” (Prov. 21:25-26) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 42

  43. The Sin of Gambling • Discourages labor & encourages “get rich quick” mentality “He who tills his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows frivolity will have poverty enough! A faithful man will abound with blessings, but he who hastens to be rich will not go unpunished.”(Prov. 28:19-20) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 43

  44. The Sin of Gambling • Encourages greed & discontentment • Gambling thrives on a constant desire for more,1 Tim. 6:9-10 • Be content, not covetous(Heb. 13:5) • Coupled with godliness(1 Tim. 6:6-8) • Faith in Christ’s provisions(Phil. 4:11-13; Matt. 6:33) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 44

  45. The Sin of Gambling • Encourages selfishness (“nobody gets hurt”) • Selfish heart does hurt others & oneself! • “Lovers of themselves” and “lovers of money” are truly “unloving”(2 Tim. 3:2-3) • “Lovers of pleasure” rather than “lovers of God”(2 Tim. 3:4) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 45

  46. The Sin of Gambling • Encourages reckless stewardship • Shows oneself to be unworthy of the true riches(Lk. 16:9-13) • Trust in money will leave you bankrupt on the Day of Judgment(Matt. 16:26) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 46

  47. Beware of Gambling! “A man with an evil eye hastens after riches, and does not consider that poverty will come upon him.”(Prov. 28:22) • With self-denial, we must follow Jesus… “…as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul”(1 Pet. 2:11) Addictive Behaviors: Gambling 47

More Related