This document discusses the 8th commandment against stealing. It notes that this commandment implies the right of ownership, but that God is the ultimate owner of all things. It also notes that stealing goes against the essence of the Christian life, which is giving rather than getting. Finally, it discusses how the reach of this commandment is broader than often realized, as it relates to issues of dignity, productivity, charity, credibility, and notability in our relationships with God and others.

2. Psalm 119:105
Your word is a lamp to my feet and
a light for my path.
Psalm 119:165
Great peace have they who love
your law, and nothing can make
them stumble.

4. ‘11
Rediscovering the Good News
that We Dare Not Forget!

5. The Heidelberg
Catechism (1563)
129 questions
and answers
52 Lord’s Day
Readings

6. The Apostles’ Creed
The Ten Commandments
The Lord’s Prayer

7. The Master’s
Handbook
Matthew 6:9-13 on Prayer
August 2011

8. Doing Life Together
September 2011

9. Exodus 20:15
You shall not steal.

10. 86% of adults in the
U.S. are satisfied that
they keep this
commandment!

11. 1. This commandment implies
the right of ownership.

12. We must always remember the
“bottom line” of ownership.

13. Deuteronomy 10:14
To the LORD your God belong the
heavens, even the highest
heavens, the earth and
everything in it.

14. 1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness
and the power and the glory and
the majesty and the splendor, for
everything in heaven and earth
is yours.

15. Job 41:11
Everything under heaven
belongs to me.

16. Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD‟s, and
everything in it, the world, and
all who live in it.

17. 1 Timothy 6:17
Command those who are rich in this
present world not to be arrogant nor
to put their hope in wealth, which is
so uncertain, but to put their hope in
God, who richly provides us with
everything for our enjoyment.

18. “John, I object!
I have worked hard
for all the things
my family and I
enjoy!”

19. Deuteronomy 8:17
You may say to yourself, “My
power and the strength of my
hands have produced this wealth
for me.”

20. Deuteronomy 8:18
But remember the LORD your
God, for it is he who gives
you the ability to produce
wealth . . .

21. 1. This commandment implies
the right of ownership, but
always remember: God is the
ultimate owner of all!

22. When a baby is
born into this
world, what
does he have
in his little
hands?
NOTHING!!!

23. Job 1:21
Naked I came from my mother‟s
womb, and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD
has taken away; may the name of
the LORD be praised.

24. 1. This commandment implies
the right of ownership, but
always remember: God is the
ultimate owner of all!

25. 2. This 8th word of grace
touches the very essence of the
Christian Life.

26. What is the essence
of stealing?
Getting!
Is stealing a problem
in our society today?

27. Consider the growing
epidemic of fraud. . .

28. What is the essence
of stealing?
Getting!
What is the essence
of the Christian life?
Giving!

29. Matthew 10:8
Freely you have received; freely
give.
Acts 20:35
It is more blessed to give than to
receive.

30. 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.

31. 2. This 8th Word of Grace
touches the very essence of the
Christian Life (which is GIVING
vs. GETTING!).

32. 3. This Word’s reach is far
broader than we often realize!

33. The Two Dimensions of Theft
God
Property
Productivity
Others Others

34. Colossians 3:22
Slaves, obey your earthly masters
in everything; and do it, not only
when their eye is on you and to
curry their favor, but with sincerity
of heart and reverence for the
Lord.

35. Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all
your heart, as working for the
Lord, not for human masters, since
you know that you will receive an
inheritance from the Lord as a
reward. It is the Lord Christ you are
serving.

36. The Two Dimensions of Theft
God
Property Dignity
Productivity
Others Others

37. Proverbs 22:1
A good name is more
desirable than great riches; to be
esteemed is better than silver or
gold.

38. The Two Dimensions of Theft
God
Property Dignity
Productivity Charity
Others Others

39. Matthew 22:39
And the second is like it: „Love
your neighbor as yourself.‟

40. The Two Dimensions of Theft
God
Credibility
Property Dignity
Productivity Charity
Others Others

41. 2 Corinthians 5:7
We live by faith, not by sight.

42. The Two Dimensions of Theft
God
Credibility Notability
Property Dignity
Productivity Charity
Others Others

43. Malachi 3:8
Will a man rob God? Yet you rob
me. But you ask, „How do we rob
you?‟ In tithes and offerings.

44. The Two Dimensions of Theft
God
Credibility Notability
Property Dignity
Productivity Charity
Others Others

45. 1. This commandment implies
the right of ownership, but
always remember: God is the
ultimate owner of all!

46. 2. This 8th Word of Grace
touches the very essence of the
Christian Life (which is GIVING
vs. GETTING!).

47. 3. This Word’s reach is far
broader than we often realize!

49. The Master’s
Handbook
Matthew 6:9-13 on Prayer
Next Sunday: Prayer 101
Lord’s Day readings #45-46

50. Q.115
No one in this life can obey
the Ten Commandments
perfectly: Why then does
God want them preached
so pointedly?

51. A. 115
First, so that the longer we live
the more we may come to
know our sinfulness and
the more eagerly look to
Christ for forgiveness of
sins and righteousness.

52. A. 115
Second, so that, while praying
to God for the grace of the
Holy Spirit, we may never
stop striving to be renewed
more and more after God‟s
image, until after this life we
reach our goal: perfection.

53. How willing are
you to strive to
live out your
day-to-day life by
these ten words
of grace?