Can A Christian Play The Lottery
Many Christians have struggled with the question of whether or not they should play the lottery. The Bible does not directly address this topic, but there are plenty of scriptures that can be used to form a Biblical opinion about buying lottery tickets. As Christians, it is our duty to study these together and struggle through some seemingly difficult questions.
Can A Christian Play The Lottery
So can a Christian play the lottery?
The Bible does not specifically address lotteries. Because of this, there are many Christians who have different beliefs about whether or not it’s appropriate to play them. But what does the Bible say about gambling? There’s quite a bit in there! Here are some things you might want to consider before deciding whether or not you’ll be playing Powerball:
- Gambling isn’t specifically mentioned in the Bible (though some interpret Paul’s Epistle to Timothy as prohibiting excessive gambling). Instead, it gives us guidance on how we should live our lives and treat others. It teaches us that we should let go of pride and greed and seek God with all our hearts. Above all else, though, it encourages us to love God and love one another—and above all else is something worth betting on!
God’s word does not directly address the lottery, but there are plenty of scriptures that can be used to form a Biblical opinion about buying lottery tickets. As Christians, it is our duty to study these together and struggle through some seemingly difficult questions.
As Christians, we need to remember that God’s word does not directly address the lottery. There are plenty of scriptures that can be used to form a Biblical opinion about buying lottery tickets, but they are all subject to interpretation. As such, it is our duty as Christians to study these together and struggle through some seemingly difficult questions.
The most direct scriptural example involves the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13. The five wise virgins who were prepared for the coming wedding did not know when their bridegroom would arrive, so they stayed awake waiting for him instead of going out into town for more oil (Matthew 25:1-5). The foolishly unprepared five virgins went out into town because they thought their bridegroom had already come (Matthew 25:6-9). When these foolish virgins returned with enough oil for all ten lamps in time for the wedding party, Jesus said “I tell you solemnly, I do not know you!” (Matthew 25:12) because they did not stay awake waiting for him like his disciples did (Matthew 25:13).
What Does The Bible Say About Gambling?
Gambling is not a sin.
Gambling is a sin.
Gambling is a sin if it’s done with money, but not time.
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” – Acts 3:6-7
“Then Peter said, ‘Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.’ And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.” – Acts 3:6-7
Peter’s response to this lame man was to pray for him. He did not argue with God about why he should be healed or why this particular person was worthy of healing. Instead he simply prayed that God would heal him. His focus was on God alone, who it says in verse 6 “lifted him up.” The lame man then got up and walked away after Peter had prayed for him!
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” – Proverbs 22:1
The Bible is a book of wisdom, and nowhere is this more evident than in Proverbs 22:1. Here we are reminded that a good reputation is more valuable than silver or gold. This verse tells us that it’s better to be esteemed than rich, that our reputation should be valued higher than any material wealth we could ever possess.
The importance of having a good name is illustrated later on in the book when Solomon makes this statement: “Honor belongs to those who humble themselves; pride goes to fools.” (Proverbs 29:23) God wants you not only to act like someone of value but also live your life as if it were filled with honor and respect for others, no matter how poor or hungry you may be at the moment.
“Give me neither poverty nor riches–Feed me with the food allotted to me; lest I be full and deny You, and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or lest I be poor and steal, And profane the name of my God.” – Proverbs 30:8-9
The lottery, like other gambling games, is considered gambling and thus is an immoral pursuit for Christians. However, it is not a sin to buy a ticket if you have already been given money you did not earn or otherwise steal to pay for your tickets. For example, if your church gives you $100 to spend on any cause of your choosing (and they often do), then it would be okay to use that money on lottery tickets.
However, if someone else has given you the $100 and asked that you spend it on food or medical bills instead of lottery tickets—you shouldn’t buy them anyway! You should trust God in all things big and small: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding…in all thy ways acknowledge him…Take heed unto thyself, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen” – Proverbs 3:5-7
Many people play the lottery each week with no thought as to how this practice pleases or displeases God. Look at scripture to help you form your own opinion.
Many people play the lottery each week with no thought as to how this practice pleases or displeases God. Look at scripture to help you form your own opinion.
Lotteries are a form of gambling and are not sin in themselves, but they do carry risks that many Christians should avoid. The Bible does not specifically mention lotteries, but it does speak against gambling in general (Proverbs 23:5). If a person gambles for money or property, then he/she is taking something from someone else by winning that bet; thus it could be considered stealing based on Deuteronomy 25:15-16 which tells us that one has the right to be paid back double if someone takes something away from you through cheating or lying (in this case gambling).
If we were to summarize our findings, they would be as follows:
- Lottery-playing is a form of gambling, which is not allowed under the laws of God. As Christians, we should strive to avoid it as much as possible and do our best to warn others against this practice.
- Scripture does not directly address the lottery; however there are plenty of scriptures that can be used to form a Biblical opinion about buying lottery tickets. As Christians, it is our duty to study these together and struggle through some seemingly difficult questions such as why God allows evil people (and therefore evil practices) into heaven when He could justly condemn them all without exception?