The Eighth Commandment Lesson 8 Series

EIGHTH COMMANDMENT

“Thou shalt not steal” (Ex. 20:15).

“To the rich young ruler, ‘I said . . . you shall not steal”

(Matthew 19:18).

“I wrote through Paul, “You know the commandment,

‘You shall not steal’” (Rom. 13:9).

A. INTRODUCTION: HOW TO GET STUFF

1. How do I want you to get STUFF . . . work. “Let him that stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something good” (Eph. 4:28, NKJV).

a. Work for money and buy STUFF.

b. Work to give you self-respect and self-esteem.

2. Make it. You can farm, cook, or be a “furniture maker.”

3. Investment. “I delivered five talents to a servant; look, he has gained five more talents. I said to him, well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord” (Matt. 25: 20-21, ELT).

4. Inherited. “That I may cause those that love you to inherit substance; and I will fill your treasures” (Prov. 8:21).

5. Divine providence. “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matt. 6:11).

B. HOW CAN A PERSON STEAL?

1. Thief. “From old English to crouch, one who takes illegally, by secret, or stealthily” (Webster). This is a sneak thief, or burglar.

2. Robbery or mugging. To take illegally by force. “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him . . . leaving him half dead” (Luke 10:30).

3. Seizure. Using another person’s stuff without permission, taking their assets, using and abusing another’s possession, etc.

4. Deceit. “I hate dishonest scales and dishonest weights” (Prov. 20:23). Mechanics charging for work not done, adding to expenses, false advertising, false claims, exaggerations, selling a person something he/she does not need, or should not have, promises you cannot keep.

5. Defraud. “To deprive a person of something by deception; the old English word means to cheat.” (Webster). To withhold something rightfully due. If you don’t pay a debt on time, you defraud and not allow them the use of their money, i.e., stole capital or interest for 120 days. Also, not giving employer eight hours of work for eight hours of pay.

C. WHAT DO THEY STEAL FROM YOU?

1. Your use of your possessions.

2. Your time and talents to acquire the possession.

3. Your reputation and respect that is identified with your possession.

4. Your love and passion.

MY ATTITUDE ABOUT A THIEF

He steals your dreams and hopes, your future

He steals your ability to worship and serve God.

He steals your ability to use it to become better and stronger.

D. HOW DO YOU FEEL WHEN SOMETHING IS STOLEN?

1. Angry, because you are possessive.

2. Violated, because someone took part of your life.

3. Hurt, because you need it or miss it.

4. Confused, you don’t know what to do.

5. You are thankful he didn’t take your ability to make money.

6. You are thankful he didn’t take your life.

7. You are thankful you are not the thief.

E. DON’T BE LIKE OUR ENEMY

1. “He (the devil) is a murderer from the beginning” (John 8:44). Don’t kill.

2. “The thief (the devil) cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10). He steals.

3. “He (the devil) is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). He lies.

F. WHY STEALING IS A SIN

1. You are made in the image of Me, and if a person would steal from you, he/she would steal from Me.

2. “Will a man rob Me”? Yes, but you ask the question where have I robbed the Father? I answer, “You robbed Me in tithes and offerings” (Malachi 3:8-9, Author’s Translation). Not paying tithe.

3. We are to worship and serve God. When things, time or ability are stolen from you, you cannot do service for Me.

4. Stealing harms a person internally, i.e., discouragement, gives up, vengeful, rage, suicide.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.