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