Right, Wrong, or Irrelevant Right, Wrong, or Irrelevant? A Survey of Biblical Christian Morality STOP, THIEF! Exodus 20:15 Pew Bible p. 74

Truths to Take with You Stealing is hurtful and sinful. I don’t need to steal because God can be trusted to provide all I need.

The 8th Commandment You shall not steal. NIV Do not steal. You must not steal. No stealing. Thou shalt not steal. KJV Two words in Hebrew; literally: Never steal.

To steal is… To take the property of another wrongfully To take something that belongs to someone else without permission and with the intent of depriving the owner of it

Variations of Stealing In English, we have many words that refer to stealing. Stealing may take many forms.

Variations of Stealing Many different kinds of things can be stolen. People can even steal from God. Mal. 3:8, Matt. 12:17

Stealing from God Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. Malachi 3:8

Stealing from God Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. Matthew 12:17

The 8th Commandment throughout the Bible As one of the 10 Commandments Other Old Testament Laws Do not steal… Do not defraud or rob your neighbor. Leviticus 19:11,13

The 8th Commandment throughout the Bible As one of the 10 Commandments Other Old Testament Laws Prophets Jesus Paul and other New Testament writers

Ephesians 4:28 Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

What Is Wrong with Stealing Stealing hurts and harms people. Stealing is bad for society. Stealing violates the divinely sanctioned principle of ownership.

Greed Jealousy Animosity Laziness Addiction Extreme poverty Why People Steal Greed Jealousy Animosity Laziness Addiction Extreme poverty

Christ’s Teaching and the 8th Commandment Christ affirmed that stealing is wrong. Christ’s teaching about attachment to material possessions removes the sting and the temptation of stealing.

Christ and Material Possessions Christ taught His disciples not to place high value on owning things here on earth.

Matthew 6:19-21 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Christ and Material Possessions Christ taught His disciples not to place high value on owning things here on earth. Detachment from material possessions makes it easier to be generous, and to part with things that are stolen from us.

Matthew 5:40-42 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Christ and Material Possessions God promises He will provide the things we need to live when we put Him first. We don’t have to fret when someone steals from us, or be tempted to steal when we are in need.

Matthew 5:31-33 Do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

Matthew 5:31-33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Applications Little things matter.

Luke 16:10 NASB He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous is unrighteous also in much.

Applications Little things matter. When in doubt about taking something, ask permission. Don’t steal from God.

Truths to Take Home Stealing is hurtful and sinful. I don’t need to steal because God can be trusted to provide all I need.

Challenge Never steal. If you steal, stop! Make restitution if you have stolen. Trust God to provide what you need.