Stealing I. Introduction A. An age-old difficulty B. Stealing C. Romans 13:9, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Ephesians 4:28, 1 Peter 4:15 D. Thoroughly condemned as sin in the Bible E. Let us consider the subject in greater depth II. What is Stealing? A. The concept would seem rather simple and self-explanatory B. Taking the goods of another feloniously; withdrawing imperceptibly; gaining gradually (Webster's) C. Many things are generally recognized as falling under the heading of stealing F. Burglary 1. Going into someone's home or business and taking things 2. Taking something from someone in other contexts 3. Often involves breaking and entering, assault 4. Considered a felony G. Shoplifting 1. Going into a store, taking things without paying for them 2. Generally a misdemeanor, but still wrong H. Piracy and Bootlegging 1. Modern technology has led to new kinds of stealing 2. Piracy: copying software, music, movies, or other things, distributing them to others, or taking a copy of such things digitally without paying 3. Bootlegging: recording a movie or concert and selling copies of them 4. While many people think that these matters are more "iffy", it's still best to avoid them! 5. If you like the entertainment, pay for it! I. Stealing in Various Contexts 1. At work: taking office supplies beyond what is necessary to complete work tasks, using work time to deal with personal issues, spending company money on unnecessary or personal matters, fudging expense reports 2. At school: copying the work of others, passing off the thoughts of others as your own, taking of any supplies 3. In life: discovering money or other items and not giving it to the authorities, being overpaid in change and not making it right, etc. J. Whenever you take something or obtain a benefit for which you have not paid or to which you are not entitled, you are stealing! III. Problems With Stealing A. Why is it such a big deal? 1. Many times this is asked, especially in the context of "inexpensive" stealing or in the office 2. What's wrong with pirating songs or software? The companies make enough money, right? 3. Stores make enough money as it is! 4. As hard as I work, I deserve some supplies or to deal with personal things! 5. I spend enough for this school; I should get something for it! 6. Should these excuses appeal to us? B. God calls it a sin 1. Romans 13:9: it was one of the Ten Commandments, wrong also today 2. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: those who do it will not inherit the Kingdom 3. If God thinks it is wrong, it is wrong! C. It deprives others of what is rightfully theirs 1. When stealing takes place, somebody loses! 2. Stores charge higher prices to make up for stolen items 3. Companies suffer from employee theft, and are not able to perform as well and thus benefit the employees 4. It causes trauma and pain to many! D. It violates the Golden Rule 1. Luke 6:31 2. If you were a recording artist and the only money you made was on people buying your music, how would you feel about piracy? 3. If you paid someone for their time and provided them resources, and they took them for their own personal use, how would that make you feel? 4. If someone came and took your things, or you owned a store and lost a lot of money because of shoplifting, would you not feel wronged and violated? 5. Then why do it to others? E. There is no excuse for stealing-- it is wrong, it hurts, and it is sinful! IV. Righting the Wrong A. What should be done about stealing? B. Ephesians 4:28 C. Paul sets out what should be done D. Repentance 1. The thief is to steal no longer 2. He must change the way he thinks and acts 3. Ideally, he will make restitution for the injuries done and also to face any penal requirements E. Find labor 1. It is not enough to just stop stealing-- he must find work (1 Timothy 5:8) 2. He must be made a healthier part of society! F. Help Those in Need 1. The full indication of repentance! 2. As opposed to defrauding people for his needs or wants, the thief now works to have something to freely give to those who are in need G. Something good for all of us to think about! 1. We may not have stolen, but the principles of Ephesians 4:28 are evident 2. In the past, we have sinned; we need to live properly and now be a blessing to others, even if before we were a hindrance to them! V. Conclusion A. Stealing is an age-old sin B. It may be excused or justified in the minds of many, but it is still sinful and wrong in the sight of God C. We must not steal, but ought to work diligently to have things with which we can benefit others! D. Let us strive to be profitable servants of God's Kingdom! E. Invitation/songbook