Embracing Stewardship: The Eighth Commandment Explored

Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the eighth commandment, "You shall not steal," from Exodus 20:15. This commandment emphasizes respecting others' property and boundaries. We delved into the concept of personal property rights, which are affirmed by God's Word. Contrary to some interpretations of Acts 2, the Bible does not advocate for communal ownership but rather supports individual ownership and stewardship.

We also discussed the failures of communism and socialism, which ignore human nature's inherent selfishness and sinfulness. These systems have historically led to immense suffering and death. In contrast, the Bible encourages honest labor and personal responsibility.

We examined four specific applications of the commandment against stealing:

1. Keep Your Hands to Yourself: This principle is rooted in the idea of respecting others' property. Ephesians 4:28 teaches that those who once stole should now work honestly to have something to share with those in need. The transformative power of the Gospel can change even a thief into a generous person.

2. Keep Contributing: Work is not a curse but a divine mandate given before the Fall. We are called to be contributors to society, our families, and our communities. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 emphasizes that those unwilling to work should not eat, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility.

3. Keep Character in Business: In business, we must treat people fairly and not take advantage of the vulnerable. Proverbs 20:23 condemns dishonest practices like using false weights. Legal but unethical practices, such as gambling and payday lending, exploit the vulnerable and are forms of stealing.

4. Keep Giving to God: Everything we own belongs to God, and we are stewards of His resources. Malachi 3:8-10 warns against robbing God by withholding tithes and offerings. Trusting God with our finances is a test of our faith and obedience.

In conclusion, our identity is not defined by our past sins but by our status as children of God. We are called to trust God fully, including with our finances, and to live out our true identity in Christ.

### Key Takeaways

1. Respect for Personal Property: The commandment "You shall not steal" underscores the importance of respecting others' property and boundaries. This respect is rooted in the biblical affirmation of personal property rights, which contradicts the idea of communal ownership. Personal stewardship is a divine mandate, encouraging us to manage what God has entrusted to us responsibly. [01:52]

2. Failures of Communism and Socialism: These systems fail because they ignore human nature's inherent selfishness and sinfulness. Historical evidence shows that communism and socialism lead to immense suffering and death. The Bible teaches that honest labor and personal responsibility are the keys to a flourishing society, as seen in Ephesians 4:28. [03:42]

3. Transformative Power of the Gospel: The Gospel has the power to transform even the most sinful hearts. Ephesians 4:28 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 illustrate how thieves and other sinners can be regenerated and become new people in Christ. Our identity is not our sin but our status as children of God, transformed by His grace. [07:18]

4. Work as a Divine Mandate: Work is not a curse but a divine mandate given before the Fall. We are called to be contributors to society, our families, and our communities. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 emphasizes that those unwilling to work should not eat, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and the dignity of labor. [12:03]

5. Ethical Business Practices: In business, we must treat people fairly and not take advantage of the vulnerable. Proverbs 20:23 condemns dishonest practices like using false weights. Legal but unethical practices, such as gambling and payday lending, exploit the vulnerable and are forms of stealing. We are called to maintain integrity in all our dealings. [16:43]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - Introduction to "You Shall Not Steal"
[01:52] - Personal Property Rights in the Bible
[02:50] - Misinterpretations of Acts 2
[03:42] - Failures of Communism and Socialism
[05:01] - Returning to Scripture
[06:02] - Keep Your Hands to Yourself
[07:18] - Transformative Power of the Gospel
[08:33] - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
[10:05] - Our Identity in Christ
[11:20] - Keep Contributing
[12:03] - Work as a Divine Mandate
[13:06] - 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
[14:49] - Charity in the Early Church
[16:43] - Keep Character in Business
[18:19] - Ethical Business Practices
[23:02] - Keep Giving to God
[24:18] - Malachi 3:8-10
[26:16] - Trusting God with Finances
[27:49] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Exodus 20:15 - "You shall not steal."
2. Ephesians 4:28 - "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need."
3. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living."

### Observation Questions
1. What does Exodus 20:15 command us not to do, and what does this imply about personal property? ([00:58])
2. According to Ephesians 4:28, what should a person who used to steal do instead, and why? ([06:02])
3. What does 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 say about those who are unwilling to work? ([13:06])
4. How does the sermon describe the failures of communism and socialism in relation to human nature? ([03:42])

### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the commandment "You shall not steal" relate to the concept of personal property rights as discussed in the sermon? ([01:52])
2. In what ways does Ephesians 4:28 illustrate the transformative power of the Gospel? How does this transformation affect a person's actions and character? ([07:18])
3. What is the significance of work being described as a divine mandate in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12? How does this perspective change our view of labor? ([12:03])
4. How does the sermon connect unethical business practices to the commandment against stealing? What are some modern examples given? ([16:43])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any ways, even small ones, in which you might be taking what doesn't belong to you? How can you change this behavior? ([00:58])
2. How can you apply the principle of honest labor from Ephesians 4:28 in your daily work or activities? What steps can you take to ensure you are contributing positively to those around you? ([06:02])
3. In what ways can you demonstrate personal responsibility and avoid idleness as instructed in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12? Are there areas in your life where you need to be more diligent? ([13:06])
4. Think about your business dealings or financial transactions. Are there any practices you engage in that might be considered unethical or exploitative? How can you align your business practices with biblical principles of fairness and integrity? ([16:43])
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of giving to God and trusting Him with our finances. Are you currently tithing or giving offerings? If not, what steps can you take to start trusting God with your finances? ([24:18])
6. How does understanding that everything we own belongs to God change your perspective on stewardship and generosity? What practical steps can you take to be a better steward of God's resources? ([23:41])
7. Reflect on the idea that our identity is not defined by our past sins but by our status as children of God. How can this truth impact the way you live and interact with others? ([10:05])

Devotional

Day 1: Respecting Personal Property
Respect for personal property is a fundamental principle rooted in the eighth commandment, "You shall not steal." This commandment underscores the importance of respecting others' property and boundaries. The Bible affirms personal property rights, which contradicts the idea of communal ownership. Instead, it encourages individual ownership and stewardship. By respecting what belongs to others, we honor God's design for personal responsibility and stewardship. This respect is not just about avoiding theft but also about recognizing and valuing the hard work and effort others put into acquiring their possessions. [01:52]

Exodus 22:1-4 (ESV): "If a man steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it or sells it, he shall repay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep. If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no bloodguilt for him, but if the sun has risen on him, there shall be bloodguilt for him. He shall surely pay. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. If the stolen beast is found alive in his possession, whether it is an ox or a donkey or a sheep, he shall pay double."

Reflection: Think about a time when you felt disrespected because someone did not honor your property or boundaries. How can you ensure that you are respecting others' property and boundaries in your daily interactions?

Day 2: The Failures of Communism and Socialism
Communism and socialism fail because they ignore human nature's inherent selfishness and sinfulness. Historical evidence shows that these systems lead to immense suffering and death. The Bible teaches that honest labor and personal responsibility are the keys to a flourishing society. Ephesians 4:28 emphasizes the importance of working honestly and sharing with those in need. By acknowledging the flaws in these systems, we can better appreciate the biblical model of stewardship and personal responsibility. This model encourages us to work diligently and to be generous with what we have earned. [03:42]

Proverbs 14:23 (ESV): "In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty."

Reflection: Reflect on your work ethic and personal responsibility. Are there areas in your life where you can improve your diligence and generosity towards others?

Day 3: The Transformative Power of the Gospel
The Gospel has the power to transform even the most sinful hearts. Ephesians 4:28 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 illustrate how thieves and other sinners can be regenerated and become new people in Christ. Our identity is not defined by our past sins but by our status as children of God, transformed by His grace. This transformation is a testament to the power of the Gospel to change lives. It reminds us that no one is beyond redemption and that God's grace is sufficient to cover all our sins. [07:18]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you need transformation. How can you invite the power of the Gospel to bring about change in that area today?

Day 4: Work as a Divine Mandate
Work is not a curse but a divine mandate given before the Fall. We are called to be contributors to society, our families, and our communities. 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 emphasizes that those unwilling to work should not eat, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and the dignity of labor. By embracing work as a divine mandate, we can find purpose and fulfillment in our daily tasks. This perspective helps us to see our work as a form of worship and service to God and others. [12:03]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: How can you view your work as a form of worship and service to God? What changes can you make to approach your daily tasks with this mindset?

Day 5: Ethical Business Practices
In business, we must treat people fairly and not take advantage of the vulnerable. Proverbs 20:23 condemns dishonest practices like using false weights. Legal but unethical practices, such as gambling and payday lending, exploit the vulnerable and are forms of stealing. We are called to maintain integrity in all our dealings. By upholding ethical standards in business, we reflect God's justice and righteousness. This commitment to integrity not only honors God but also builds trust and respect in our relationships with others. [16:43]

Leviticus 19:35-36 (ESV): "You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measures of length or weight or quantity. You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt."

Reflection: Are there any business practices or personal dealings where you need to improve your integrity? How can you ensure that you are treating others fairly and justly in all your interactions?

Quotes

1. "If you can steal somebody's stuff, if that's a possibility. And that's a sin. Then that implies that that stuff belongs to that person, which means there is such a thing as personal property rights. That we can actually own stuff according to God's word. That this is God's plan. That we would have stuff that was ours to oversee. And it doesn't belong to someone else. It belongs to us." [01:52] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Communism assumes that all humans are gods. We're good when the Bible teaches us very clearly that all humans are infected with selfishness and simpleness and especially this affects leaders. It comes out at least because they have power and then their selfishness is then expressed through the decisions, the choices that they make. And that's why communism leads to so much misery and destruction in the world always has and always will." [04:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "No matter where you've been, no matter what you've been up to, no matter how you have rebelled against God's loving leadership in your life. God's power, the Holy Spirit, through the gospel can transform you." [07:18] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "You are not your sin. But the power of God. Jesus Christ. The power of the Holy Spirit. He wants to transform you. He wants to forgive you. And He wants to relieve you of the penalty of sin. But also, He wants to empower you. And free you from the power of sin. So you can live out the true identity that God has given you." [10:05] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You are not your worst day. That's not your identity. Your identity is not the rebellious choices that you've made in your past. It's not the destructive decisions that have harmed you. And harmed those whom you love. That is not who you are. You are a child of God. By the grace of God. And because of that. That God is transforming us. And sanctifying us. And remaking us. Regenerating us. We are born again. We're putting on the new self. That's being transformed. That's being pressed into a new mold. To reflect the image of our Savior Jesus Christ." [10:44] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Work is not a curse. Some people mistakenly believe that work is a curse of the fall. But he talks about work in Genesis chapter 3. But work comes into the picture before the fall. Matter of fact, the first human beings were given two jobs. One, we talked about, I think it was last week or the week before. Yeah, the week before. Be fruitful and multiply. That's our number one job. And then our number two job, which the being fruitful and multiply assists us with. Is to exercise. Dominion over the earth." [12:03] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "In business, in the business world, sometimes people can take advantage of other people. And that's not good. As a matter of fact, Proverbs 20, 23 says this. It says, directly addressing the business community. He says, unequal weights are an abomination to the Lord, and false scales are not good. So what does that mean? That means somebody would go in the marketplace, and they would have little weights that were counterweights, and they would say, okay, say they're selling you, I don't know. They didn't eat rice in the biblical times in the Holy Land. Say they had wheat. They're weighing out some wheat, and they have some false weights. And so they're going to charge you for, let's say, a pound or whatever, but they're weighing incorrectly. So they're selling you less than a pound, but they're charging you for a pound. That's dishonest, and it's a form of stealing." [17:29] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Everything you own and everything you are actually doesn't belong to you. It actually belongs to God. We talked about this. Just a couple weeks ago. Even your body is not at your disposal to do just anything what you want to do with your body. Because the scripture teaches that our body was bought with a price. He purchased us on the cross of Calvary. So everything that we have and everything that we own actually belongs to God. But we are managers. We're stewards. It's a very important job. We have a lot of responsibility in this job of stewarding God's resources." [23:41] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Are you trusting the Lord? Are you willing to let go and let God? Are you willing to put him first place? In your life, first place? In your finances? Do you trust him to care for your needs? And a lot of your wants with the remaining 90%? We need to learn to trust him. He says, we're robbing God if we don't. We're stealing from God if we don't. Learn to trust him. What are you holding on to? What's got your heart captured? What's keeping you from going all in with the Lord? What's keeping you from giving your whole? What's keeping you from giving your whole self to him? And truly trusting him with your heart and with your life?" [25:29] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Some of us, we have grasping hands. We're grasping out of fear and out of anxiety that we're not going to be cared for. But God is calling us. God's promising to care for us. And he's calling us to let go. To have open hands. Open to receive and also open to give." [26:16] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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