Why Gambling Is a Problem and How to Overcome It

By Pastor R. Hammond, Long Hill Baptist Church, Trumbull, CT
Originally published 2017. Updated March 2025.

This article is offered with love and compassion toward those who are struggling with this issue. There is hope. Please contact us if you would like help.

Gambling is more than just a pastime—it is a destructive habit that traps many in financial ruin, emotional distress, and spiritual bondage. In 2024 alone, Americans legally wagered $147.91 billion on sports, with over 95% of these bets placed online. A staggering 68% of online sports bettors and 81% of online slot players exhibited at least one sign of problem gambling. (FDU Poll, 2024).

This article will outline:

1. Why gambling is a problem

2. How believers can escape the temptation of gambling

Why Gambling Is a Problem

1. The Odds Are Against You

Many who gamble believe they will eventually win, but the statistics prove otherwise. Consider the odds for just a few common forms of gambling:

• Connecticut Lotto Jackpot – 1 in 7,059,052

• Winning just $2,000 – 1 in 30,961

• Winning $50 – 1 in 669

• Winning only $2 – 1 in 42

• Powerball Jackpot – 1 in 292,201,338

Clearly, gambling is a losing game. Yet many persist, hoping for a lucky break—often at great personal and financial cost.

2. The Social and Economic Costs of Gambling

Studies have linked problem gambling to increased crime rates, higher rates of domestic violence, child neglect, and financial distress.

• Research by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that the presence of casinos in a community is associated with an increase in bankruptcy rates, crime, and financial instability (NBER, 2022).

• Additionally, gambling addiction is often associated with higher rates of depression, substance abuse, and even suicide, as individuals struggle to cope with mounting losses and debt (American Psychiatric Association, 2023).

• The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates that for every pathological gambler, at least 8–10 other people, including family members and colleagues, suffer from financial and emotional distress (NCPG, 2024).

  These issues underscore the reality that gambling is not a victimless activity but one that inflicts deep and lasting harm on society.

3. Gambling is Unbiblical. Some argue, “The Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid gambling.” But this reasoning is flawed—Scripture also doesn’t mention heroin or cocaine, yet we know abusing these substances violates biblical principles. Likewise, gambling contradicts several foundational biblical truths.

Here are nine biblical principles that reveal why gambling is wrong:

1. Gambling Is Addictive and Enslaving

Gambling often leads to addiction, directly contradicting the Bible’s command to be controlled by the Holy Spirit.

• Ephesians 5:18 – And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.

• 1 Corinthians 6:12 – All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.

2. Gambling Involves Poor Stewardship of God’s Provision

God entrusts us with resources, expecting us to use them wisely—not waste them on chance.

• Psalm 24:1 – The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

• Matthew 25:14-30 – The parable of the talents teaches us to invest wisely, not squander God’s blessings.

3. Gambling Reflects a Lack of Trust in God

Gamblers put their faith in luck rather than God’s provision.

• 1 Timothy 6:17 – Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God…

• Matthew 6:25-33 – Jesus teaches us to trust in God, not wealth.

4. Gambling Is Often Driven by Discontentment

At its core, gambling often stems from dissatisfaction with what God has provided.

• Hebrews 13:5 – Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have…

• Philippians 4:11 – I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

5. Gambling Can Become an Idol

If money and risk-taking consume our thoughts, they take the place of God in our lives.

• Matthew 6:24 – Ye cannot serve God and mammon (wealth).

6. Gambling Reflects A Wrong Love

The Bible warns against loving money more than God.

• 1 Timothy 6:10 – For the love of money is the root of all evil…

7. Gambling Is Rooted in Greed

The Bible warns of the misery greed brings.

• Proverbs 15:27 – He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house…

• Ecclesiastes 5:10 – He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver…

8. Gambling Encourages Covetousness

Wanting what others have—or seeking easy wealth—violates God’s commands.

• Exodus 20:17 – Thou shalt not covet…

• Luke 12:15 – Beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

9. Gambling Is Associated with Other Sins

Casinos and gambling environments often promote immorality, drinking, and other sinful behavior.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:22 – Abstain from all appearance of evil.

• 1 Corinthians 15:33 – Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

How to Overcome the Temptation to Gamble

God’s Word offers clear solutions for those struggling with gambling.

1. Trust Christ as Your Savior

True victory over sin begins with salvation. Learn more.

• John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

• 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2. Ask Christ for Strengh to Forsake Gambling and Choose Righteousness

• John 8:11 – Go, and sin no more.

• Romans 6:1-2 – Shall we continue in sin…? God forbid!

3. Avoid Temptation

• Romans 13:14 – Make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

4. Seek Accountability

• Hebrews 13:17 – Obey them that have the rule over you…

• James 5:16 – Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another…

5. Stay Active in Church

• Hebrews 10:25 – Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…

6. Strengthen Your Walk with God

Daily prayer and Bible study keep us strong against temptation.

• Psalm 55:17 – Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray…

• 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God…

7. Replace Gambling with Godly Pursuits

• Ephesians 4:22-24 – Put off…the old man…and put on the new man…

Final Thoughts

Gambling is not just a financial issue—it is a spiritual battle. But through Christ, victory is possible.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." – James 4:7

Would you like additional help in overcoming gambling? Contact us today!

The Spiritual Danger of Identity Politics

So-called identity politics has become a cultural force, urging individuals to align themselves with specific groups based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics. As Christians, it's imperative to evaluate this trend through the lens of Scripture and to discern whether such engagement aligns with biblical principles.  An careful analysis of Scripture reveals that Christians are called to transcend divisive identity politics and to embrace biblical unity.

Our Identity in Christ

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, emphasizes the unity and equality found in Christ: "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). This passage underscores that, regardless of our earthly distinctions, our primary identity is rooted in our relationship with Jesus.  Christians militate against this truth when we emphasize earthly distinctions over our shared identity in Christ. 

The Call to Unity

Jesus prayed fervently for the unity of believers, as recorded in the Gospel of John: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us" (John 17:21). Engaging in identity politics often fosters an "us versus them" mentality, which can lead to discord and strife in churches. Fellow church members are called to pursue unity around biblical doctrine, focusing on our shared faith rather than our earthly differences.

Avoiding Partiality and Division

The book of James warns against showing partiality: "But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors" (James 2:9). Identity politics, by its nature, can lead to favoritism and bias, elevating one group over another. This contradicts the biblical mandate to love our neighbors impartially and to treat each person with the dignity and respect inherent in being made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27).

The Danger of Worldly Philosophies

The Apostle Paul cautions believers: "Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ" (Colossians 2:8). Identity politics is often rooted in secular ideologies that conflict with biblical principles. By immersing ourselves in these worldly philosophies, we risk being led into their apostasy.  

Embracing a Higher Calling

As Christians, our biblical mission transcends societal divisions. We are called to be ambassadors for Christ, delivering the message of reconciliation and hope to all people (2 Corinthians 5:18-20). In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."  Our focus should be on making disciples of all peoples rather than becoming entangled in divisive identity politics.

Conclusion

While it's natural to acknowledge and appreciate our diverse backgrounds, Christians are called to a higher standard—one that prioritizes our unity in Christ and our shared biblical mandates.  Engaging in identity politics can sow seeds of division within our churches. By embracing our common identity in Christ, we avoid unnecessary division. And we encourage the "one body" unity that Christ desires (1 Corinthians 12:12).

Why Does God Allow Trials?

First published October 7, 2010. Revised and expanded July 2018 & January 2025.

Pastor Robert Hammond

People often ask why the LORD allows believers to experience injuries, illnesses and other trials.  This short articles answers three related questions:

1. What does the Bible teach about God’s purposes for trials?

2. How should believers respond to trials?

3. What is our proper attitude about trials?

What does the Bible Teach About God’s Purposes for Trials?

1. The Lord Uses Trials to Demonstrate His Comfort. Sometimes, the LORD simply wants us to experience his comfort so that we can be better-equipped to comfort others. Consider this verse that Paul wrote to the church members at Corinth: 

(2 Corinthians 1:3-5)   Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;  4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort  them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.  5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.

2. The Lord Uses Trials to Encourage Our Spiritual Growth.

Psalm 66:10 For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. 11 Thou broughtest us into the net; thou laidst affliction upon our loins. 12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

James 1:3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Romans 5:3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.

3. Sometimes, the Lord Uses Trials to Correct Us. Often, we see that the LORD allows great trials into our lives  in order to get our attention. In Psalm 119:67, the psalmist wrote, “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” And Psalm 119:71 states, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes."  How true it is that the LORD can use serious afflictions to correct us!

4. The Lord Uses Trials in Our Life to Reach Others. Of course, in the case of Job, we also see that, sometimes, the trial has nothing at all to do with us!  But the LORD can still use our response to the trial as a testimony to others -- as He did when Paul, Silas and Timothy were imprisoned at Philippi (Acts 16).

5. The Lord Uses Trials to Encourage Humility. In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul states, “And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.” There, we see that the Lord permitted Satan to cause Paul to suffer a physical affliction — in order to encourage Paul to remain humble.

How May Believers Endure Trials?

1. Understand that the Lord provides strength to endure trials. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Paul writes of Christ's response to his prayer for deliverance from a physical trial.  There, Christ asserts, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

2. Trust that the Lord is sovereign to accomplish his good purposes in trials. Praise God for the knowledge that “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Ro. 8:28)

3. Pray - with the knowledge that the Lord promises peace and deliverance from trials:

   Phil 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

   Psalm 34:17 The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

4. Find strength in God’s words.

Psalm 119:92 Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction.

Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

5. Rely on the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

John 14:16-17: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever."

6. Stay connected to your church.

Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

What should Our Attitude Be Regarding Trials?

In 2 Corinthians 12:8, Paul states, "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me." Both Peter and James also express the Lord's desire that we rejoice in trials -- knowing that He is working in trials to accomplish our growth. In James 1:2, the Lord commands, "... count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience." And in 1 Peter 4:12, the Bible states:

"Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified."

Praise God for the certainty that he is working in our trials. And praise him that believers have the certain hope that trials will end!

Should Christians Drink Alchohol?

Pastor Robert Hammond

Some Christians argue that the Bible does not teach against drinking so long as we avoid intoxication. Let’s examine some biblical reasons why Christians should not drink alcohol.

1. We are called to yield control to the Holy Spirit rather than to alcohol. Ephesians 5:18 states, "And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit." That verse highlights the truth that God desires Christians to yield control of their lives to Him alone;

2. The Bible explicitly states that drinking is unwise. Proverbs 20:1 states, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise."

3. The Bible states that drunkenness is sinful. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, the Bible lists drunkenness among sins that condemn the lost to hell: "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God." The best way to avoid being a drunkard is to avoid drinking alcohol!

4. The Bible reveals that wine causes spiritual harm. In Hosea 4:11, the Lord reveals that “Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.” One Bible commentator explains that, in the Bible, the heart pictures both our understanding and our affections. Here, we are warned that alcohol tends to both pervert our understanding and cause our affections to turn away from Godly things.

5. The Lord calls us to demonstrate love to others. In 1 John 4:7, we read, "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God." Engaging in behaviors such as smoking or drinking around others is arguably unloving, as it has potential to encourage them to partake in something that is physically and spiritually dangerous.

6. The Bible commands us to refrain from even looking upon alcoholic wine. In Proverbs 23:31-32, the Lord commands, "Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." The language of this verse seems to allude to the fermentation process that produces alcohol. That process causes the color of grape juice to change. And it releases carbon dioxide bubbles that cause the wine to “move.”

In summary, we observe that the Bible teaches that drinking is unwise. Drinking leads to intoxication, which is inherently sinful — and necessarily involves yielding control to a substance rather than to the Spirit. Further, alcohol tends to cause our hearts to turn to ungodly thoughts and actions. Lastly, drinking in the presence of others is arguably unloving — as it may encourage others to engage in a practice that is contrary to the words of God. Lord, give us grace to abstain — for your honor and glory.

If you are struggling with alcohol, consider these suggestions:

1. Pray and confess the sin;

2. Ask God for strength to stop drinking. And ask him to help you seek comfort from him. Praise God for his grace and comfort!

3. Get support from your pastor or someone else in your church.

If your’re not certain that you know Christ as your Savior, please learn more here.

Related Articles:

• The Bible Has the Answer for Anxiety

• Is it OK for Christians to Smoke or Vape?

• “Why do I need Jesus since I already believe in God?”

What About Generational Curses?

Pastor Robert Hammond. February 2022.

Definition:  When used today, the term “generational curse” tends to be associated with the unbiblical idea that the LORD punishes people for the sin of their parents and grandparents.

Sometimes, this  idea is also wrongly used to excuse sin. An individual holding to this idea may attempt to excuse his or her sin with statements such as, “I sin like this because my parents sinned like this.” 

Biblical Background:

The notion of a multi-generational curse is drawn from the Old Testament books of Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and Lamentations.  However, a careful examination of those passages reveals that children are held accountable only for their own sins (rather than for the sins of their parents);

Consider the context of the Exodus passage in which we find the LORD pronouncing multi-generational consequences due to  idolatry. In Exodus 20:4-5 the LORD commanded Israel to refrain from idolatry: 

Exodus 20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: 5a Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God…

In that context, the LORD pronounced consequences “upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me” (Ex. 20:5b). 

There, the LORD taught that the consequence of committing idolatry would endure to future generations “of them that hate me.” 

Those consequences would endure to future generations because children tend to learn sin patterns from their parents. As children learned idolatry from their parents and then committed idolatry (thereby demonstrating personal  hatred of the LORD), those children would experience the consequence of their own sin;

Note, however,  that the very next verse (Ex. 20:6)  states that the LORD would show “mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments” (Ex. 20:6).

A child could escape the so-called generational curse when he demonstrated love to the LORD, i.e. by keeping the commandments. In the immediate context, a child could do that by refusing to enter into the same idolatry that was committed by his parents. While sinful parents model sinful behavior to their children, children always have a choice about whether or not to follow a sinful example!

Importantly, we should take care to observe that the generational curses pronounced in the Old Testament were pronounced to one nation (Israel). And they were pronounced in  the immediate context of warnings of one particular sin (idolatry);

Our understanding is further  guided by comparing “generational curse” passages with passages that clearly indicate that individuals are responsible only for their own sin:

Ezekiel 18:20 The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.

In John 9:1-3, Jesus’ disciples asked if a certain man was blind because he had sinned or because his parents had sinned. Evidently, they believed in some sort of punishment for sin committed by one’s parents. Jesus replied, “neither hath this man sinned nor his parents” (John 9:3).  In doing so, Jesus taught that the man’s blindness was not the result of either a generational curse or the blind man’s sin.  

Dr. David Sorenson summarizes that “God does not punish the children for the sins of the fathers. However, the sins of the fathers will influence and affect their children to three and four generations.

God therefore announced that the sins of the fathers, reproduced in their children, would extend to three and four generations and God would deal accordingly with each generation. A sober principle is at hand how that sin will influence children, grandchildren, and even great grandchildren”

A Biblical Response

• Recognize that the only biblical sense in which an individual suffers from a generational curse is the sense in which we inherit a sin nature as the result of the curse that God proclaimed upon all of creation in response to the sin of Adam and Eve. Individuals are released from the eternal consequence of their own sin when they are saved by grace through faith in Christ;

• That said, the  idea that Christians need to be released from generational curses has no biblical foundation;

• Parents should recognize that their sin tends to serve as a poor example to children. As such,  parents should confess sin and look to the LORD for strength to forsake a sinful example;

• Those who attempt to excuse sin by pointing to the sinful example of parents or grandparents must take responsibility for their own actions. Recognize that, while the sinful example of our parents can influence us to commit the same sin, all of us always have the opportunity to choose obedience to the LORD.  If you have attempted to excuse your sin by pointing to someone else’s sinful example, take a moment to pray and confess that sin;

• When the Holy Spirit is convicting of sin, be quick to agree (i.e. to confess the sin). Ask the LORD for strength to repent and to forsake the sin. Ask him for grace to put on obedience.

Read More:

• The Gospel of Jesus Christ Offers Certain Hope

• Why do I Need Jesus Since I Already Believe in God?

• Information about visiting our church

_____________________
Sources: Walter Martin,  The Kingdom of the Occult, Thomas Nelson, 2008;  David Sorenson, Understanding the Bible, Northstar Ministries,  2005.

Should Christians "Decree and Declare" Our Desires?

Pastor Robert Hammond

Recently, a well-meaning man sent a note in which he stated, "I decree and declare that God will multiply" blessings toward me.  While I don't doubt the good intentions of that man, I was concerned enough about his theology that I asked him to explain his statement.  He replied to confirm his understanding that Christians have the authority to "decree and declare" our intentions into existence. And he provided his proof text:

Job 22:28 "Thou shalt also decree a thing, and it shall be established unto thee: and the light shall shine upon thy ways." 

Here's my concern:  Job 22:28 is part of a speech by Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's friends. It is important to understand the context and who is speaking in this passage. Eliphaz was offering his perspective on why Job was suffering, wrongly suggesting that Job's trial was due to sin and that if Job repented, he could expect blessings and favor from God. However, the Bible later reveals that, in the case of Job, the counsel of Job's friends, including Eliphaz, was flawed (see Job 42:7). 

Because this verse is spoken by Eliphaz, whose understanding and theology are not endorsed by God, it would be incorrect to interpret it as a doctrinal promise that Christians today can "declare" or "decree" our desires into existence. 

In Psalm 37:4, the Bible does teach “delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.” However, Scripture nowhere teaches that believers have the authority to declare or decree their desires into existence by their words alone. Instead, Scripture emphasizes prayer, submission to God's will, and trust in His sovereignty.

Indeed, 1 John 5:14 states, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us." And James 4:15 teaches, "… ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that." 

Importantly, we should also be aware that the "decree and declare" practice can be traced to the unbiblical Word of Faith movement, which emerged in the mid-20th century.  More recently,  New Age philosophies have promoted the idea that individuals can manifest their desired reality through spoken affirmations or declarations.  In my opinion, this practice bears striking similarities to the practise of casting spells in witchcraft.  

In summary:

• Scripture encourages making humble petitions, not decrees and declarations;

• Biblical prayer seeks alignment with God's will, whereas "decree and declare" often focuses on the individual's desires alone;

• Biblical prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty, while "decree and declare" overestimates the authority of believers. 

Lord, give us a heart to pray as Christ prayed — "nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt" (Matt. 26:39).

Encouraging Examples of Humility

Pastor Robert Hammond

Growing in our walk with Christ involves accepting the truth that life is more about humbly serving him than about pridefully living to serve ourselves. John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). In John 12-13, examples of Christ-like humility are contrasted with cases of self-centered pride. 

First, we find Mary humbly annointing Jesus’s feet with an expensive perfume called spikenard (12:1-8). John records that Mary then wiped his feet with her hair. Mary’s humble heart is seen in her willingness to use the expensive perfume on someone other than herself. And it is seen in her willingness to use her hair to wipe her Lord’s feet! Clearly, both actions reveal that she placed serving her Savior ahead of herself. 

Second, we find Jesus humbly riding into Jerusalem on a donkey (John 12:12-19). This fulfilled Zechariah’s prophecy that Jesus would come “lowly, and riding upon an ass” (Zechariah 9:9).   Shortly thereafter, we find Jesus humbly washing the feet of his disciples (13:4-10). As Mary used her hair to wipe Jesus’s feet, Jesus humbly used the towel that he wore to wipe the feet of the disciples.  

Jesus’s humble actions are complemented by his humble words. “For I have not spoken of myself, but the Father which sent me,” said Jesus.  “He gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak (12:49). Jesus humbly submitted himself to the Father. No doubt, this is an example for us. 

The humility of Mary and Jesus is sharply contrasted with the pride of Judas and the Jewish rulers. Judas pridefully asked “Why was not this ointment sold… and given to the poor” (12:5-6). He cared not for the poor, but rather coveted the proceeds from the sale. The Jewish rulers believed on Christ, but pridefully refused to serve him by confessing him to others (12:42). John records that they feared being put out of the synagogue. He explained, “For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (12:43). They pridefully valued their power and position before men over humility and service to their Lord and Savior. 

Jesus calls believers to not only confess him (Matthew 10:32), but also to humbly serve him and follow him (John 12:26). He calls us to recognize that we are not greater than our Lord (13:16).  As such, we should not live to serve ourselves. Rather, we should live to follow his example of humble service (John 13:14-15).

Praise God for his promise to bless us as we humbly submit to serve him (John 13:17; 1 Peter 5:5; James 4:6,10).

Father, help us humble ourselves (Romans 12:3; Philippians 2:5-7). And help us to give ourselves to humbly serve you as we serve others (Romans 12:1; Galatians 6:10).

Copyright 2020 Robert W. Hammond.

Are you choosing to grow in Christ?

Pastor Hammond.  

Believers understand that although all our past, present and future sins are forgiven when we receive Christ as our savior, we continue to sin!  That's because we still possess a sin nature that draws us into sin (James 1:13-14).  Yet, the Bible calls us to grow in holiness.  Praise God that we are eqipped with both the Holy Spirit and the Bible to aid that growth.  It's because we have the Bible that we can know that the LORD calls us to do "our part" in this process by choosing to live an increasingly holy life. Consider the specific instructions that we receive in Paul's letter to the Ephesians:

(Ephesians 4:17-24)  "17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,  18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:  19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.  20 But ye have not so learned Christ;  21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:  22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;  23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;  24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness." 

Here, Paul instructs us to "walk not ... in vanity... " (17), put off... the old man" (22), "be renewed" (23) and "put on the new man."   We understand that all of this is possible because of the cross and the regeneration that occurs when we place our faith in Christ.  With that said, you can't help but see that, in this passage, the LORD is instructing us to be very intentional about choosing not to sin.  We should, of course, pray that the LORD will help us not to sin.  But, importantly, we need to do "our part" by choosing to "put off... the old man" (22), "be renewed" (23) and "put on the new man." 

We are responsible to choose to receive Christ (to be sanctified positionally before God).  And we are equally responsible to choose to live a holy life (to be sanctified practically before God).  Both are possible because of the Holy Spirit.  But we are still responsible to choose.   

Let's choose to follow the Lord's instructions of Ephesian 4:17-24; Let's choose to grow in Christ!