# You shall Not Steal - The 8th Commandment

> Ex 20:15

## Explanation of theft

- Taking what belongs to another. Assumes private property.

- Includes physical possessions, extends to spouse and reputation, even intellectual property.

- Embezzlement is theft from an employer, using for personal enrichment funds that have been entrusted to you.

- Because we are only stewards who must give account, waste is a form of theft.

## Evils of Theft

- Disregards God’s provision for us.

- Disregards God’s provision for others.

- In the case of intellectual property, it represents someone else’s work as our own, which is lying.

- In the case of taking a spouse, it is equal to Adultery.

## Effects of theft

- It undermines progress in society. No one is certain that what they have worked hard to purchase or invent will be respected.

## Examples of theft.

- Ananias and Saphira (Acts 5)

- David and Bathsheba (2 Sam 11)

- Achan (Josh 7)

## An Excellent View Of Possessions

The Good Samaritan.

> Lk 10:25-37

- the thieves: What’s yours is mine, I’ll take it.

- The priest and Levi: What’s mine is mine, I’ll keep it.

- The Good Samaritan: What’s mine is yours, I’ll share it.

> Ephesians 4:28

Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.