Gambling for Christ: Risking Our Lives for Jesus' Gain

The sermon, preached by Pastor Daniel Medders, centers on Philippians 2:25–30 and the often overlooked figure of Epaphroditus, whose common Greek name contrasts with his uncommon faithfulness. Paul’s descriptions of him as a brother, co-worker, fellow soldier, messenger, and caretaker are unpacked to show deep relational loyalty, shared work for the gospel, spiritual struggle side by side, high personal trust, and sacrificial service. Pastor Daniel then explains that the word translated “risked” in verse 30 comes from a Greek term with a gambling flavor, and uses Scripture along with data on lotteries and sports betting to show how the Bible warns against dishonest gain, the love of money, and practices that harm the poor. He clarifies that Epaphroditus was not a gambler for personal profit but someone who “rolled the dice” with his own life for Christ’s sake, and he calls believers to become that kind of gambler, going all in so that God and others, not themselves, are the ones who gain.