Thieving to Thriving (LD 42; Ephesians 4:28)

Reformed & Expository Preaching

The Deeper Meaning of “You Shall Not Steal”

We have to follow the Lord’s law to perfection because even a small amount of failure would condemn us. While many might limit “stealing” to obvious acts like robbery or shoplifting, the catechism reveals deeper implications, including deceptive business practices, exploiting others in financial transactions, greed, and squandering God’s gifts. True obedience considers not just outward actions but also inner motives, as God sees the heart with perfect clarity. Stealing is thus any selfish taking or misuse of what God has entrusted to us, violating love for God and neighbor. It is something that is motivated by greed and entitlement.

The Old Self vs. the New Self in Christ

We look at Ephesians 4:28 as a key text because it instructs thieves to stop stealing and instead work so they can help those in need. Paul contrasts the “old man,” shaped by Adam’s sinful domain (selfishness, greed, sensuality), with the “new man” in Christ, shaped by the Spirit. The Christian’s life is reoriented by redemption that sets us in a new historical precedent. We are no longer under the domain of this world, and we do not think according to the patterns of the old historic precedent. Work itself is a God-honoring act, rooted in humanity’s original calling in Eden. Even small tasks become acts of worship when offered to God, aiming to bless others rather than exploit them.

Living by the Spirit: Transformation and Patience

Sinclair Ferguson has some helpful insights regarding life under the domain of the new man. We have to be conscious that we will continually fight between flesh and Spirit, the need for humility, and resting in our identity in Christ rather than self-achievements. Spiritual growth is compared to farming, as we see sowing to the Spirit requires patience, as fruit is not instantaneous. The principle “you reap what you sow” is reframed: living by the flesh reaps misery, while living by the Spirit yields joy and Christlikeness over a lifetime. Growth involves daily giving oneself over to the Spirit to honor Christ, a conscious mindfulness of motives, and perseverance despite slow progress.

Community, Generosity, and Not Grieving the Spirit

Paul’s command not to grieve the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30) reminds believers that sin disrupts our dynamic, ongoing relationship with God, who has sealed us for redemption. Christianity is not purely individualistic, my Christ in me, but we are believers who live as a community, caring for one another, sharing with those in need, and encouraging spiritual growth together. The call to stop stealing is ultimately a call to reorient life: away from self-centered gain, toward glorifying God, building up others, and living in light of being a redeemed “new temple people” in Christ. The command is less about legal compliance and more about cultivating a lifestyle of generosity, honesty, and worship. We do this in the Spirit.

Let us be such a people who continually look for ways to give ourselves over to the Spirit, desiring the Lord to search our hearts, convict us of sin, and bring to life the fruits that honor him.