God’s economy

“You shall not steal.” Exodus 20:15

When we have money in our wallets and the ability to purchase what we need for life by the work of our own hands, we may feel that we get a free ride when we hear the Lord say, “You shall not steal.”

Yet, in these four compelling words, the Lord has more in mind than bank-robbing avoidance. God’s economy holds out a message of true kingdom community, wooing us toward loving our neighbors, specifically as it applies to treasures. Enjoying the generosity of all we have received from Christ, we are compelled not to just ask, “Have I obeyed this commandment?” Instead, we are on a journey of wanting to become increasingly cheerful givers like him.

Reflect

Who is giving this command? Look up Psalm 24:1 and Job 41:11 to discuss who the Lord is in regard to ownership, what that assumes of the receivers of this command, and why it matters.
The Lord makes a statement in Exodus 20:2 prior to the commandments. How does this retrospective verse give context to the particular sin of stealing?

Interpretation

Read Deuteronomy 25:13–16

The word “steal” feels far away and easy to judge until it is specific. Make a list of modern day forms of stealing and greed in business, home ownership, forms of monetary spending, home budgeting, personal spending, church stewardship, and even spiritual gifts and talents. Which descriptions unveil more about the heart of a thief?

Read Luke 12:15–21

How would the character in this passage define the Lord’s role in ownership, and how does that line up with Psalm 24:1 and Job 41:11 from earlier? How does his view of God affect behavior and choices?
At what point in the story does the rich man become a fool? Why?
What does it mean to be “rich toward God,” and what would that look like in this story?
Discuss “sins of omission” seen in this passage (i.e., not doing what the Holy Spirit has asked you to do).

Read Ephesians 4:28. In this verse, the Apostle Paul has more in mind than sin avoidance. What is the end result of no longer stealing and learning an honest work ethic?

Read the following passages and discuss with others what you learn about God and  Satan. How do the actions of Christ matter in a discussion on thievery?

Application

Near antonyms of “steal” presented in the Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary are “buy, purchase; bestow, contribute, donate, give, hand over, present.” These words recall the victories and gifts of the gospel and show that Christ’s work is the antonym of thievery in our lives. Christ bought our lives. He purchased our pardon. He bestowed us a new identity. He contributes every blessing to our lives. He gives us all we need for life, especially himself. God handed over his son, though it was we who deserved death. He has presented us with full life.

God gives; Satan steals. God is generous with good blessings; Satan has nothing good to give, so he can only take. God is jealous for what is his; Satan is envious for what is not his. Jesus humbled himself and became nothing in order to win every blessing to pour over us richly. In our flesh, we resemble the nature of our enemy, living for ourselves and even taking what we have not been given. In Christ, we are transformed and can imitate his love for our neighbors with lavish generosity.

Read the questions below and then allow a moment for the Holy Spirit to prompt your heart.

Do you struggle to “act honestly” in your spending or giving at home, work, or church with credit card debt, generosity, living within your means, or tithing?
Deuteronomy 25:13 asks the question, “What’s in your bag?” Have you been hiding a purchase from your spouse by getting rid of the bag, hiding it in your closet for a time, buying it with cash, or being dishonest by purchasing it in a “superstore” under the disguise of a grocery bill? Did you technically buy something honestly but in your heart you stole it because it was out of your budget, dishonest to your spouse, or birthed from covetousness?
Acknowledging a sin in your heart is not full confession. Confession is agreeing with God, taking it to the cross of Christ, being broken over it, having gratitude for the gospel of Jesus, confessing verbally, and walking away from it in worship of God as your true treasure. What do you need to confess? Do you fear this? If so, read Ephesians 5:13–14.
If you are struggling with the desire for possessions, it may be helpful to answer this question: how does God view you as a believer? (See 1 Jn. 2:1 and Eph. 2:4–10, noting the Lord’s attitude demonstrated). How could the “immeasurable riches of God’s grace” battle your desire for riches, for your good and freedom?