God's Glory Church

We continue the series of sermons on the topic of the Ten Commandments. Today we will look at the eighth commandment.

“Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15)

Often we think that this commandment applies more to non-believers, since believers simply do not steal. Is this true? This can be known if every Christian will personally reflect in the light of Scripture about himself where he is.
The meaning of the word thief is: to steal, rob, steal, rob, rob, abduct, appropriate, carry away, conceal, snatch, steal, pull out. Theft has many faces. It is disgusting and terrible in its essence because even before the beginning of the existence of the human race, a tragic event occurred in the spiritual world, which entailed grave consequences for everyone living on earth. The devil is a thief who rebelled against God and His creation. The very first theft occurred in the Garden of Eden, when the serpent tempted a man.

The sin of theft, the appropriation of other people’s property, is terrible because God deprives those guilty of it of His Kingdom:“Do not be deceived: …neither thieves nor covetous… will inherit the Kingdom of God.” (1 Cor. 6:9-10)

People who believe in God should not give the devil a place in their lives. Jesus said directly: “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy. I came that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul, addressing believers, instructs them saying: “And do not give place to the devil. Whoever stole, do not steal first, but rather work, doing useful things with your own hands, so that you have something to give to those in need.” (Eph.4:27-28)

For example. You work in a car repair service center, or are involved in social activities at some enterprise. You are guided by a sense of responsibility and, of course, you do your job well. When a client contacts you, you get to work, do it efficiently and on time. High-quality work leaves the client satisfied and develops your professionalism. People begin to trust you more because your sincerity and honesty contribute to this. They see that you are different and at one point this becomes an opportunity for you to testify about Christ and why you live the way you do.
By conducting a re-inventory of all parts and components, you won’t even steal a screw. This also applies to IT programmers when servicing or repairing computer equipment, when it comes to equipment configuration, information integrity and confidentiality of client data.

If something is “badly lying” somewhere, you not only won’t steal it, but you will even make sure that everything is fine.

“Love does not harm your neighbor; Therefore love is the fulfilling of the law”(Rom. 13:10)

One day, while walking down the street, one sister found someone’s lost cell phone at a bus stop. The first thought was: “This is a blessing for me!” But then God said in his heart: “after all, it’s someone’s cell phone.” This sister made the right choice. Having waited for the owner’s mobile phone to ring and met with him, she handed over the lost property without demanding anything in return. I believe this will definitely bring change to the life of this person with the found cell phone, and it has already brought encouragement and blessing to the sister.
“It is a great gain to be godly and contented. For we have brought nothing into the world; It’s obvious that we can’t take anything out of it. Having food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (1 Tim. 6:6-8)

The psalmist David said:“And I love Your commandments more than gold, even fine gold.” (Ps. 119:127)
What thoughts drive you? Do thoughts about yourself or concern for others take over?Jesus Christ said:“In everything therefore, whatever you want people to do to you, do so to them, for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) – this is the answer to why you need to do this. Treating people the way you would like to be treated is what it means to be the light and salt of this world. Light because Jesus Christ lives in us, and salt because we are called to salt. Just don’t over-salt, but salt with love for people. Our actions and attitude should radiate the light of the love of the Heavenly Father – this is the best sermon and testimony. Look at your neighbor through the eyes of God’s love.

The Lord wants you to be blessed and to be a blessing where you are. “He who is faithful in a little is also faithful in much”(Luke 16:10).

“and do not give place to the devil”. (Ephesians 4:27)
Analyze how you allow the enemy to rob you? The most the devil robs people through is time. We rush too much, fuss, trying to do everything at once. Due to the lack of discipline and daily routine, we undermine our health, which prevents us from being effective and full of energy. Perhaps we constantly put off important things until tomorrow, or spend too much time at the computer. Or maybe we are so concerned about work and food that there is simply no time left to help or serve someone. Perhaps incorrect contacts take away time for communication with loved ones.

Samuel Richardson once said: “Take care of time – it is the fabric of which life is made.” Time is the distance in the race that is given to everyone. On earth we are limited by time, but the Lord tells us to value time.
“If only none of you suffers as a murderer, or a thief, or a villain, or as someone who encroaches on someone else’s property; and if you are a Christian, then do not be ashamed, but glorify God for such a fate. For it is time for judgment to begin at the house of God; But if it [begins] with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the Gospel of God? And if the righteous are barely saved, then where will the wicked and sinful appear? So let those who suffer according to the will of God surrender their souls to Him, as a faithful Creator, doing good.” (1 Peter 4:15-19)

God has a purpose for every person and each one is special. Because God’s purpose is a dream for which you and I are worth living. This is the treasure we have in Christ. These are the gifts and talents that God has given us to serve Him through caring and being involved in the lives of others.
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter into the sanctuary through the blood of Jesus Christ, in a new and living way, which He again revealed to us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and [having] a great Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart, in full faith, having sprinkled our hearts from an evil conscience, and having washed our bodies with pure water, let us hold on to the confession of hope steadfastly, for He who promised is faithful. Let us be attentive to each other, encouraging each other to love and good deeds.” (Евр.10:19-24)

Christians should conform to the character of Jesus Christ in every detail of life. Strive to be honest, kind and generous with all the people around you: with friends, with those with whom you study, with work colleagues. Learn to love, give, give money, tithe, time, things, love, the warmth of your soul.
Giving is the best antidote to the addiction of acquisition or possession. When we give, we do as Christ teaches us: “It is more blessed to give…” (Acts 20:35)

Alexey Avdeev.