First Ref0rmed Presbyterian Church of Cambridge, Massachusetts

The Lord’s Day December 15, 2002 Anno Domini

Ephesians 4:28

Converted thieves relieve the poor.

  I.  The many forms of stealing...
 

  II.  Stealing is a sin from within, not just the outward act.
 

      A.  Stealing comes from the heart.
             

Matthew 15:19; Prov 9:17.

      B.  Stealing comes from idolatry and not fearing the Lord.
        

Hosea 4:1-2; Malachi 1:13; Luke 3:14-17; Gen 31:19; Rev 9:20-21

      C.  Stealing is not excused by poverty.
             

Proverbs 6:30-31

   III. God’s justice for stealing applies the law of love.
     

Exodus 20:15 " You shall not steal.

Leviticus 19:11 ' You shall not steal, nor deal falsely, nor lie to one another.

      A.  Repentance evidenced by restitution and a fine.
        

Ex 22:1

      B.  After restitution, a sacrifice for forgiveness.
        

Leviticus 6:6; Eph 4:22-24.

      C.  Loss of the kingdom for the unrepentant.
             

1 Corinthians 6:10

  IV.  Replace stealing with godly desires, good work, and alms giving.
 

      A.  Cultivate godly desires.
         1.  Heavenly goals in life, Matthew 6:19-20
         2.  Prayer for godly contentment, Proverbs 30:8-9
         3.  Live properly before non-Christians and do your work,
1Thessalonians 4:11-12; 2Thess 3:10-12.
        

      B.  Do good work: apply the law of love to vocation.
     

“ let him labor, working with his hands what is good...” Acts 20:34-35.

      C.  Give to the poor: apply the law of love to true needs.
     

Pastor Christian Adjemian, Dipl.Div., Ph.D.

phone: 617.864.3185