With a negative command, to not do something, it might seem like an easy one. A no brainer. In Hebrew, it’s only 2 words, “No stealing.”
Keith uses some of the sections found in the Westminster catechism. Yeah, I know. Keith and Nathan are Baptists, why are they using the Westminster catechism? To be fair, it’s only Keith who is reading from it. After a little hassle from the Retrobots, Nathan pops in for a few moments in the middle, with his own independent and timely thought on the topic. The catechism is still a good tool for a breakdown on the topic, as well as offering some supporting scriptures.
We don’t get all the way through the command, but here’s the partial list of discussion questions and points in the episode.
140. Which is the eighth commandment?
Answer: The eighth commandment is, thou shalt not steal. 1
Exodus 20:15 “You shall not steal. NASB
141. What are the duties required in the eighth commandment?
Answer: The duties required in the eighth commandment are, truth, faithfulness, and justice in contracts and commerce between man and man, 1
- Psalm 15:2 One who walks with integrity, practices righteousness,
And speaks truth in his heart.- Zechariah 7:10 and do not oppress the widow or the
orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’
rendering to everyone his due; 2
- Romans 13:7 Render to all what is due them: tax to whom tax is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. NASB
restitution of goods unlawfully detained from the right owners thereof; 3
Leviticus 6:2-5
2 “When a person sins and acts unfaithfully against the LORD, and deceives his companion in regard to a deposit or a security entrusted to him, or through robbery, or if he has extorted from his companion,
3 Or has found what was lost and lied about it and sworn falsely, so that he sins in regard to any one of the things a man may do;
4 then it shall be, when he sins and becomes guilty, that he shall restore what he took by robbery or what he got by extortion, or the deposit which was entrusted to him or the lost thing which he found,
5 or anything about which he swore falsely; he shall make restitution for it in full and add to it one-fifth more. He shall give it to the one to whom it belongs on the day he presents his guilt offering. NASB
compare with
Luke 19:8 Zaccheus stopped and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my possessions I will give to the poor, and if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I will give back four times as much.” NASB
giving and lending freely, according to our abilities, and the necessities of others; 4
- Luke 6:30 Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.
- Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”
- 1 John 3:17 But whoever has worldly goods and sees his brother or sister in need, and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God remain in him?
- Ephesians 4:28 The one who steals must no longer steal; but rather he must labor, producing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with the one who has need.
- Galatians 6:10 So then, while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. NASB
moderation of our judgments, wills and affections concerning worldly goods; 5
- 1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment.
- 1 Timothy 6:7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either.
- Galatians 6:14 But
far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through
which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. NASB
a provident care and study to get, 6
1 Timothy 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. NASB
keep, use, and dispose these things which are necessary and convenient for the sustentation of our nature, and suitable to our condition; 7
- Proverbs 27:23-27
23 Know well the condition of your flocks,
And pay attention to your herds;
24 For riches are not forever,
Nor does a crown endure to all generations.
25 When the grass disappears, the new growth is seen,
And the herbs of the mountains are gathered in,
26 The lambs will be for your clothing,
And the goats will bring the price of a field,
27 And there will be enough goats’ milk for your food,
For the food of your household,
And sustenance for your attendants.- Ecclesiastes 2:24 There is nothing better for a person than to eat and drink, and show
himself some good in his trouble. This too I have seen, that it is from the hand of God.- Ecclesiastes 3:12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime;
- 1 Timothy 6:17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies
us with all things to enjoy.- 1 Timothy 6:18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good
works, to be generous and ready to share,- Isaiah 38:1 In those days Hezekiah became
mortally ill. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Set your house in order, for you are
The duties suggested in this part of the catechism continue, but the object should be clear. We can take a proactive stance to prevent theft. We can enforce harsh and fair retributions on a thief. There are several forms to recognize as stealing, whether it’s outright robbery, subtle ways of taking property, or even oppressing mental anguish on those who are already helpless.
Even if you are not an outright thief, there are measures that can be taken to remove temptation for someone else to steal. Take measures to help a thief reform and be set on a productive lifestyle. As far as God has blessed you, Be charitable and generous to the helpless. It will go a long way to keep them protected, provided for. and a barrier from temptation.
It’s deep, but there’s a lot more to do than not stealing.
Scriptures in the show notes and episode are quoted from the King James Version, except when read by Keith, then it’s the NASB.
“Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995
by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.”
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