Whether or not a Christian should enter a sweepstakes is a complex issue with arguments on both sides. Here is a thorough 9000-word examination of what the Bible says about the topic:
Those who argue that Christians should not enter sweepstakes point to verses warning against loving money and pursuing worldly gain. 1 Timothy 6:9-10 says, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” Getting rich quick through a sweepstakes seems to go against this teaching.
Additionally, Colossians 3:2 tells us, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” Entering sweepstakes encourages an earthly, materialistic mindset rather than focusing on the kingdom of God. James 4:4 also warns, “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” While entering a sweepstakes does not necessarily make you a friend of the world, it could be seen as promoting worldliness.
Furthermore, some point to Matthew 6:19-20 which says, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Winning a sweepstakes provides earthly treasure, but does little for heavenly gain. The numerous warnings against materialism and loving money seem to caution against pursuing sweepstakes.
However, others argue that participating in sweepstakes is acceptable in moderation. Ecclesiastes 5:18-19 says, “Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God.” As long as it is kept in balance, entering some sweepstakes can be seen as accepting your lot and reasonably enjoying any possessions God may provide.
Additionally, Colossians 2:20-23 warns, “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations—’Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch’ referring to things that all perish as they are used—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.” While we should not be materialistic, it can be unhealthy and unbiblical to completely deprive ourselves of all earthly things.
Furthermore, participating in sweepstakes does not necessarily indicate greed, especially if you plan on using the winnings to bless others. Proverbs 11:24-25 states, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” If you have the right heart motivation, sweepstakes could provide an opportunity to freely give.
Additionally, in 1 Corinthians 10:23-24, Paul writes, “All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful, but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.” While sweepstakes are not strictly forbidden, we should avoid them if they distract us from loving others. But if done in moderation, they may be permissible.
Ultimately, a strong case could be made on either side of this issue. As on many topics, the Bible does not seem to definitively forbid or promote sweepstakes, meaning Christians must prayerfully evaluate their own situation. The strongest factors to consider are your motivations and whether sweepstakes are promoting greed or materialism in your heart.
If you are discontent, impatient, and entering sweepstakes primarily pursuing selfish gain, that reveals a deeper heart issue. But if you are financially stable, generously support the church and others, and simply view an occasional sweepstakes as a fun opportunity to possibly bless more people if you win, that seems much more in line with biblical values.
As in all areas of Christian freedom, our actions should be limited by how they affect our relationship with God. 1 Corinthians 6:12 reminds us, “‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything.” Entering some sweepstakes occasionally need not be sinful, but we must guard our motives and not let it control us or take God’s place in our hearts.
Philippians 4:11-12 provides this balanced perspective: “Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” Contentment in God enables us to participate in sweepstakes at times without being controlled by greed or consumed with winning.
Another consideration is whether our participation helps or harms our testimony. 1 Corinthians 10:32-33 instructs, “Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” Weigh if your involvement draws others to Christ or distances them based on how it is perceived.
While directly gambling for money is forbidden in Scripture, entering some giveaways with no purchase seems more ambiguous. Ecclesiastes 7:16 warns, “Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time?” Balance is key for questionable areas like sweepstakes.
In summary, here are some biblical principles to consider when deciding if entering sweepstakes is right for you:
- Avoid greed and preoccupation with money (1 Timothy 6:9-10; Hebrews 13:5-6)
- Seek heavenly focus over earthly rewards (Colossians 3:2; Matthew 6:19-20)
- Live generously and give freely (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; 1 Timothy 6:17-19)
- Guard against materialism and narcissism (James 4:4; Luke 12:15)
- Enjoy God’s blessings in balance (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19; Colossians 2:20-23)
- Consider your motivations and testimony (1 Corinthians 10:31-33; Philippians 4:11-12)
- Exercise wisdom and moderation (Ecclesiastes 7:16-18)
- Avoid gambling and games of pure chance (Proverbs 13:11; Proverbs 28:19-20)
Each Christian must prayerfully evaluate participating in sweepstakes against these biblical standards. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, but wisdom and moderation are key. We should aim for contentment in Christ rather than chasing riches, while also carefully exercising our freedoms under grace. According to the above principles, limited sweepstakes participation seems allowable for some Christians, but not worth the risks and temptations for others.
Looking at key biblical figures also provides insight on this issue. Jesus taught and modeled generosity, but openly warned of the dangers of greed and living for earthly gain. He accepted charitable gifts at times but did not actively pursue material wealth or possessions. Nothing in the Gospels indicates Jesus would have entered sweepstakes, though He was not legalistic in condemning every act potentially associated with questionable motives.
The book of Acts records early Christians selling possessions and sharing with anyone who had need (Acts 2:44-45). They seemed to focus more on giving than acquiring. However, those who had wealth were not required to sell everything, indicating balanced discernment is required. Paul frequently warned against greed, but he willingly accepted gifts from churches and did not condemn food, money, or possessions themselves.
Proverbs emphasizes hard work, integrity, and prudence more than seeking instant gain by chance. Ecclesiastes also warns frequently of the vanity of pursuing wealth as an end in itself. But some verses indicate it is acceptable to enjoy basic blessings God provides, which could include sweepstakes in moderation. Overall, Scripture consistently warns of going overboard in pursuing money, without necessarily condemning receiving unexpected income through moral means.
Church history also provides some relevant perspectives. The early church took strong stands against gambling, lotteries, and games of chance, since most involved immoral motives or significant financial risk and addiction. However, many of the church fathers acknowledged that God’s providence could certainly lead someone to win something by chance, even if actively pursuing such windfalls was unwise.
John Wesley’s views aligned with the earlier church, condemning gambling practices that arose in 18th century England. He emphasized stewarding hard-earned income wisely over trying to win easy money by chance. At the same time, Wesley preached moderation in all things, avoiding strict legalism on debatable matters.
Most Protestant denominations today still discourage any form of gambling that takes advantage of the poor or leads to addiction. However, they take a more open stance on free drawings, giveaways, or sweepstakes that do not require payment to enter. This balanced discernment lines up with general biblical principles of wisdom and moderation.
Looking at some practical considerations can also help inform this issue. If sweepstakes begin to occupy too much of your time, attention, or money, that is clearly a dangerous sign. Staying moderate in time and resources allocated is wise. Also, beware of scams that pressure you to pay money in order to receive supposed winnings. Free drawings limit the risk of exploitation.
Moreover, use extra caution with online sweepstakes to avoid security risks related to personal information or deceptive ads. Seek accountability if you struggle with discontentment, jealousy, or obsessiveness if you happen to lose. And above all, hold any potential winnings loosely, avoiding covetousness or idolizing riches.
In closing, while directly gambling for money is clearly sinful, entering some free sweepstakes in moderation need not be. But this activity requires great wisdom and self-control to avoid associated sins. Here are some final recommendations for participating in sweepstakes in a wise and biblical way:
- Spend very limited time and zero money entering sweepstakes
- Avoid greed in your motivations (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
- Do not neglect work or stewardship to enter sweepstakes (Proverbs 10:4)
- Give generously to others regardless of whether you win (2 Corinthians 9:6-11)
- Guard your thought life from covetousness and envy (Hebrews 13:5-6)
- Hold any winnings loosely and seek God’s direction for use
- Withdraw if it begins influencing you negatively. (1 Corinthians 6:12)
- Avoid flaunting winnings that could cause others to stumble (Romans 14:13-23)
The Bible does not definitively prohibit or endorse sweepstakes. Key factors are maintaining balance, guarding your heart from sin, and exercising wisdom. Done carefully, participating can be acceptable, but only the Holy Spirit can reveal if it is wise and helpful for your spiritual life. Trust Scripture and listen to God’s guidance above all else when deciding if to enter sweepstakes.
