* This verse shows us the cure to thievery:

* 1) Work hard.

* 2) Give generously.

* Stealing begins as covetousness in the heart.

* Working & giving go hand in hand to keep us from coveting.

* God made us to work, and when we do we feel a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment.

* God also made us to give, and when we do we feel a sense of gratitude and connection.

* We feel grateful we could give and connected to the people we give to.

* This will squash our discontentment.

* Paul gets to the root of why many people wanted to steal - they were poor and needy and would rather steal than work.

* He gave them a vision of what they could become if they simply worked hard enough.

* They could become the very people they tried to steal from - people who have things to give.

* The power of vision would keep them motivated to move forward.

* The clearer the vision, the fewer the options, the easier the decision (Andy Stanley).

* Vision not only keeps you moving forward but helps you remember where you came from when you arrive.

* Stealing isn’t just stuff - it’s what we owe to others as well.

* There’s always an easy way out that goes around “work.”

* A husband looking at porn has stolen intimacy from his wife.

* He chose the easy way and refused to work, therefore he cannot be generous and give her what she needs to thrive in their relationships.

* Having a vision for his marriage would help him make it through that temptation.

* His mindset would be, “I gotta win this battle so I can one day help others to get through it like I did.”