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Thou Shall Not Covet |
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What is the high cost of gambling and greed as a result of violating the 10th Commandment? Missouri is a case in point. Gambling tax revenue brought $242 million in 2002. But Casino Watch, a group opposed to gambling, argues that "the state lost more than double that amount-a whopping $572 million-in gambling-related business failures, crime, unemployment, social service costs and more." Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that [is] thy neighbour's.I. Money and possessions in themselves are not evil (James 1:17). However, when they take a place in the heart (Matthew 6:21) that belongs to God alone (1 Timothy 6:10 "the love of money"), riches can become not only "a snare" (1 Timothy 6:9) or "stumblingblock" (Ezekiel 7:19) to one's spiritual walk, but may eventually lead to his spiritual destruction (1 Timothy 6:9) as well.
A. It is a serious offense.
judgment (Jeremiah 51:13; 2 Peter 2:3, 14). B. It greatly angers God (Isaiah 57:17; John 2:15; Colossians 3:5-6); He abhors it (Psalms 10:3)! C. "Covetousness ... is idolatry" (Colossians 3:5, cp. Ephesians 5:5), for it takes the place in our hearts that belongs to God alone. For info on Casino Gambling Pros and Cons Gambling Pros and Cons The Pros and Cons Arguments Against GamblingGambling is wrong, because it is motivated by greed. The goal of the gambling institutions is to get lots of money quickly! And they accomplish their goal well; gambling is a lucrative business. Notice that the goal of the gambling industry is not merely to get money; any businessman has that goal, because he needs money to live. But the goal of the gambling industry is to get lots of money quickly, without providing a beneficial service or a sound product in return. It manifests covetousness, which God's law forbids ("Thou shalt not covet," Exodus 20:17), and the love of money, against which God's Word also warns us ("But they that will [the word "will" here means "desire to," DJK] be rich fall into temptation and a snare, ... For the love of money is the root of all evil" (I Timothy 6:9, 10).Second, gambling is an improper way for the church or state to raise its funds. A government has the right to tax its citizens, and members of a country are required to pay taxes. Jesus said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's" (Matthew 22:21). Paul, having emphasized the importance of civil government, and that government is the servant of God, commands under inspiration of the Spirit: "For this cause pay ye tribute also: ... Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor" (Romans 13:6-7). We see, then, that Scripture tells us that a government should raise its money by taxation! This is the right way, because it treats all citizens equally; every member of the country contributes to the support of that country. Taxation should also impress upon every member of the country the benefit that government is to us, and it should encourage responsible citizenship. Also, a church should get its funds from its membership by freewill offerings. Jesus said, "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's" (Matthew 22:21). In Old Testament Israel, a temple tax of one half a shekel for every person over twenty was required (Exodus 30:11ff.). The support of the ministry of the gospel (which is the fundamental work of the church) must come from those who benefit from that ministry, Paul taught the church of God in I Corinthians 9. Gambling, however, is an attempt to raise money for church (bingo games) or civil government (lotteries) by offering an incentive to give, and the hope of something in return (winning the jackpot). This is not the God ordained way for legitimate authorities, such as church and civil government, to raise money. Link: The Bible Arguments Against Gambling Arguments Against Gambling For more Biblical information from the Bible:
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