Welcome to Authorized Sword Ministries. This is Breaking the Chains, Series Three, Breaking Spiritual Strongholds. Lesson Two: Gambling and the Love of Money, the Chain of Chance.

We're so glad you're here.

Before We Begin

A gentle note first. This course is Bible teaching and spiritual encouragement. It does not replace professional counseling or medical care. We encourage you to use those good resources right alongside your faith. And if you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please call or text 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, any time, day or night, in the United States. In an emergency, call 911.

If gambling is hurting you or someone you love, the National Council on Problem Gambling runs the National Problem Gambling Helpline. You can call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.

Where We Left Off

In Lesson One, we learned what a stronghold is: a fortress of lies that sets itself up against the knowledge of God. We learned that our weapons are the Word of God and prayer.

Today we look at a stronghold that is spreading fast. Gambling used to mean a trip to a casino. Now it's on the phone in your pocket, any hour of the day. Sports betting apps, online casinos, scratch-offs at the gas station. It's advertised during ball games and called "entertainment." But for many people it becomes a chain.

Our Key Verse

Today's key verse is 1 Timothy 6:10.

"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." — 1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)

Notice what Paul says. Not money, but the love of money. Money is a tool. But when we love it, chase it, and trust it, it becomes a root that grows "all evil." And those who covet after it "pierced themselves through with many sorrows." That is exactly what gambling does to so many families.

The Root Under Gambling

At the heart of gambling is a desire to get something for nothing, to get rich quick without working for it. The Bible speaks plainly to that:

"Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase." — Proverbs 13:11 (KJV)

"He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him." — Proverbs 28:22 (KJV)

"Considereth not that poverty shall come upon him." The gambler thinks about the jackpot. He doesn't think about the rent money, the light bill, or the children's shoes. God's way is honest work:

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth." — Ephesians 4:28 (KJV)

Notice the goal: "that he may have to give." God's plan for money is work, provide, and give. Gambling turns that upside down: risk, take, and lose.

Covetousness Is Idolatry

Gambling is fed by covetousness, wanting what isn't ours. God put that in the Ten Commandments:

"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." — Exodus 20:17 (KJV)

In gambling, one person's win is another person's loss. And Paul goes further. He calls covetousness idolatry:

"Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:" — Colossians 3:5 (KJV)

When we trust luck, the next bet, or the big win to meet our needs, we have set up an idol in the place of God.

"No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." — Matthew 6:24 (KJV)

How the Chain Gets On

It almost always starts small. A few dollars on a game. A free bet from an app. A scratch-off for fun. Then a win, and the rush that comes with it. Then a loss, and the urge to win it back. That's the trap: chasing losses. The person bets more to cover what they lost, and the hole gets deeper.

Paul warned about this:

"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." — 1 Timothy 6:9 (KJV)

A snare. A trap that closes on you. "Drown men in destruction." Families lose homes. Marriages break over hidden debts. People lie, borrow, and even steal to keep going. Remember Lesson One: "Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin."

Warning Signs

Ask yourself honestly:

• Do I hide my gambling from my spouse or family?
• Do I bet more to win back what I lost?
• Have I borrowed money or missed bills because of gambling?
• Do I feel restless or irritable when I try to stop?
• Am I thinking about the next bet when I should be thinking about God, my work, or my family?

If you answered yes to any of these, it's time to get help. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET.

The Secret of Contentment

God's answer to the love of money is contentment.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." — 1 Timothy 6:6-8 (KJV)

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." — Hebrews 13:5 (KJV)

Why can we be content? Because God has said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." You don't need a lucky break. You have a faithful Father.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." — Philippians 4:19 (KJV)

Breaking Free

If gambling has a hold on you, here are some practical steps.

Come into the light. Tell your spouse, or a trusted believer, the whole truth, including the debts.

Cut off access. Delete the betting apps. Close the accounts. Ask the helpline about ways to block yourself from gambling. Give someone you trust control of your money for a season.

Get help. Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET. Look for a counselor or a support group.

Make it right where you can. Like Zacchaeus, who said, "If I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold" (Luke 19:8). Start paying back what you owe, little by little.

And put God first with your money:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." — Matthew 6:33 (KJV)

Questions for Study

1. According to 1 Timothy 6:10, is money itself evil? What is the real root?
2. Read Proverbs 13:11. How is God's way of gaining wealth different from gambling?
3. Why does Colossians 3:5 call covetousness idolatry?
4. What does "chasing losses" mean? How does it fit the "snare" of 1 Timothy 6:9?
5. Which of the warning signs, if any, do you see in your life or in someone you love?
6. According to Hebrews 13:5, why can a believer be content?

Simple Steps for This Week

First, if you gamble, delete every betting app and close the accounts.

Second, tell your spouse or a trusted believer the whole truth about your money.

Third, write down a simple budget, and set aside a portion to give to God's work first.

Fourth, memorize 1 Timothy 6:10 and Hebrews 13:5.

And fifth, read 1 Timothy chapter six and Matthew chapter six.

Next Time

In Lesson Three, we'll look at strongholds of the heart: anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness, and how they keep so many believers bound.

A Prayer

Let's pray together.

Heavenly Father,

You are our provider. Forgive us for loving money and trusting in chance instead of trusting in You.

For everyone bound by gambling, break this chain. Bring their secrets into the light. Give them courage to get help, and wisdom to rebuild.

For families hurt by lost money and broken trust, bring healing and provision.

Teach us that godliness with contentment is great gain.

In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Thank you for spending this time with us. We'll see you in Lesson Three.

This is Authorized Sword Ministries. God bless you.

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Sources

All pages opened and checked on October 24, 2026.

1. National Council on Problem Gambling. "Helpline Home." https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/ (National Problem Gambling Helpline: call or text 1-800-MY-RESET, or chat online; connects callers with local resources.)