SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN

1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

O how I love Thee well,

I am happy, it makes me glad

To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Thy friendship suits me well,

Both young and old will sing Thy song,

We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Christ was Thy first teacher,

The Holy Spirit, great teacher,

Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

This testimony is sure,

That God, the Father Almighty,

Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,

Though the sun be so bright,

Or if the clouds be black with rain,

I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day

I rejoice to see Thee,

Will thou pass over me today?

Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Timothy 6:6-11

1 Timothy 6:6-11

[6]But godliness with contentment is great gain.

[7]For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

[8]And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

[9]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.

[10]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.

[11]But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

MEMORY VERSE: “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5 (NKJV).

INTRODUCTION: To gamble means to risk something of value on an outcome that depends on chance. Other related activities to gambling are betting, lotto/lottery, gaming, casinos, ‘money doubling’, and ‘get rich quick’ programmes, among others. Although some people often equate lot casting in the Bible with gambling, they are not the same. The scriptures do not specifically mention gambling or betting, rather, it warns us to stay away from the love of money (1Timothy 6:10; Hebrews 13:5). The Bible also encourages us to stay away from attempts to “get rich quick” (Proverbs 13:11; 23:5). Gambling most definitely is focused on the love of money and undeniably tempts people with the promise of quick and easy riches. Jesus warns us against letting riches get in the way of our spiritual growth (Mark 4:19; 10:25).

OUTLINES:

1. Gambling Versus Lot Casting

2. Fate Of And Counsel To Gamblers

1. GAMBLING VERSUS LOT CASTING

Gambling and lot casting involve the concept of chance. However, lot casting in the Bible was used for religious or divine leading (John 19:24; Acts 1:26) whereas gambling is related to the games of chance for entertainment and possible monetary or material gains (Judges 14:12-13).

The instances of lot casting mentioned in several portions of the Bible are not synonymous with the testing of luck or gaining material wealth. They have to do with random selection, seeking divine direction, and making a decision. It was often employed to determine God’s will (Proverbs 16:33) or make choices, such asselection of leaders (Acts 1:26), division of lands (Joshua 18:10), or atonement (Leviticus 16:8-9).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you taken part in lot casting before? Share your experience.

2. FATE OF AND COUNSEL TO GAMBLERS

The love of money makes people test their luck with numbers with the hope of making a lot of money without sweat. But such hopes are mostly empty (Ecclesiastes 5:10). Those who are desperate and covetous of getting rich quickly end up being deceived, ensnared, and destroyed (1Timothy 6:9; Proverbs 1:32). Proceeds from gambling/lottery/betting do not last (Proverbs 13:11) and those who engage in get-rich-quick schemes stand the risk of losing everything (Proverbs 23:5). Studies show that many lottery winners ended up in worse financial situation after the jackpot (1Timothy 6:10).

God wants His people to prosper (Psalm 35:27; 3 John 2) and to earn their money honestly through hard work (2 Thessalonians 3:10; Proverbs 10:4). Believers must choose between serving God or money (Luke 16:13). Money should not be wasted or gambled away; save for the future and give generously to the needy and the Lord’s work (Proverbs 19:17; Exodus 35:5). Money and material wealth should not be the primary pursuit of a believer, rather, it should be the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Seeking a professional counsellor or an accountability partner will help an addicted gambler (Proverbs 24:6). It is important for anyone struggling with gambling to cry to God for deliverance (Psalm 71:2; John 6:37).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Do you know an ardent gambler around you, what can you see in their lives?

CONCLUSION: Do not gamble your money, materials, and life. Be content with what you have, work hard, and believe in God for increase.

QUESTIONS:

* Explain the difference between gambling and lot casting.

* Give three counsels to gamblers.

FURTHER READING: SUN: Matt.6:21; MON: Prov.13:11; TUE: Eccl.5:10; WED: Ps.37:16-17; THUR: Heb.13:5; FRI: Matt.6:24; SAT: 1Tim.6:10.

ASSIGNMENT: Give five (5) reasons people still gamble away their hard-earned income despite its overwhelming risk and danger (2×5=10 Marks).