Gaming and Gambling:
Entertainment to
Dependency
“A Christian Perspective”
Introduction:
1. Understanding Gaming and Gambling:
a. Gaming: Interactive entertainment.
b. Gambling: Wagering money on uncertain
outcomes.
2. The Christian Lens:
a. Life as stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2)
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found
faithful.”
b. The battle of the mind (Romans 12:2)
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed
by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may
discern what is the will of God, what is good and
acceptable and perfect.”
Purpose:
1.Exploring how
gaming and
gambling may
influence faith and
personal growth.
2.Understanding the
transition from
harmless enjoyment
to spiritual harm.
I. The Draw of Gaming and
Gambling in Today’s World
A.Gaming: Offers escape,
achievement, and social
connection.
B.Gambling: The promise
of riches and adrenaline
rush.
Biblical Insights:
1.1 John 2:16
“For all that is in the world the
desires of the flesh and the
desires of the eyes and pride of
life is not from the Father but is
from the world.”
2.Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of
God and his righteousness, and
all these things will be added to
you.”
II. The Path to Dependency
A. Signs of Gaming and Gambling
Addiction:
1. Neglect of prayer, Bible study, or
fellowship.
2. Time and money becoming idols
(Colossians 3:5).
“Put to death therefore what is earthly in
you:2 sexual immorality, impurity, passion,
evil desire, and covetousness, which is
idolatry.”
3. Disruptions to family and spiritual growth.
Scriptural Warnings:
1.1 Timothy 6:10
“For the love of money is the
root of all evil.”
2.Ephesians 5:15-16
“15 Look carefully then how you
walk, not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the best use of the
time, because the days are evil.
III. Consequences on the
Christian Walk
A.Spiritual Impact:
1. Hindered relationship with God.
2. Loss of self-control (Proverbs
25:28)
“A man without self-control is like
ta city broken into and left
without walls.”
3. Increased guilt and distance from
spiritual disciplines.
Relational Impact:
1. Strained relationships due
to negligence or financial
troubles.
2. Loss of witness to others
(Matthew 5:16)
“In the same way, let your light
shine before others, so that they
may see your good works and
ogive glory to your Father who is
in heaven.”
IV. Biblical Solutions for
Prevention and Recovery
A. A Call to Self-Control (1 Corinthians 9:27)
“But I discipline my body and keep it under control,
lest after preaching to others I myself should be
disqualified.”
B. Replace Worldly Patterns with Godly Focus
(Colossians 3:2)
“Set your minds on things that are above, not on
things that are on earth.”
C. Accountability and Support (James 5:16)
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray
for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer
of a righteous person has great power as it is
working.”
Rediscovering God’s Plan:
1. Use time wisely to honor God
(Psalm 90:12).
“So teach us to number our days that
we may get a heart of wisdom.
2. Financial stewardship as worship
(Luke 16:10).
“One who is faithful in a very little is
also faithful in much, and one who is
dishonest in a very little is also
dishonest in much.”
Rediscovering God’s Plan:
3. Being an Example
(Prov. 3:5-6)
“Trust in the Lord
with all your heart, and
do not lean on your own
understanding. 6 In all
your ways acknowledge
him, and he will make
straight your paths.
Conclusion:
A. As Christians, our lives should glorify
God in every area (1 Corinthians
10:31).
“So, whether you eat or drink, or
whatever you do, do all to the glory of
God.”
B.When tempted or struggling,
remember Jesus’ words:
“Come to Me, all you who are weary…”
(Matthew 11:28).
Conclusion:
C. Call to Action:
1. Reflect: Are your
entertainment choices
glorifying God?
2. Resolve: Commit to
stewardship, and spiritual
growth.
