Almost 86% of adults claim that they completely fulfill the requirements of the 8th commandment. That's a lie.
Talking Points:
- Most clearly this commandment is taking something that doesn’t belong to you. But this command goes deeper than that. Exodus 20:15
- The 8th commandment wasn’t just for then. Here are 8 ways we can become modern day thieves: tax evasion Matthew 22:21, fraud and embezzlement, stealing from employees James 5:4, stealing from employers, stealing from society 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, stealing love through manipulation, robbing God financially Malachi 3:8, stealing intellectual property.
- The solution to stealing is a habit of generosity. Stealing is valuing a possession over a person; generosity is valuing a person over their possessions. Ephesians 4:28
Discussion Questions:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Do you ever remember being tempted to steal as a child? What happened? Share a time you’ve seen your kids try to sneak or steal. Why do you think they choose to do that?
- Why do you think 86% of adults believe they’ve never broken the 8th commandment? Do you agree with them?
- According to the list of 8 ways to steal, which one surprises you the most? Explain. Which one challenges you the most and why?
- Read James 5:4. What does this verse say about God’s heart for workers? How might you apply the spirit of this verse in other contexts beyond just an employer to workers?
- Read 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12. Identify all that this passage says about idleness and the fruit of idleness. How does this passage challenge you?
- Read Malachi 3:8. What does it mean to rob God? What are the consequences of this?
- Read Ephesians 4:28. How does generosity help us overcome the temptation to steal?
- How can you grow in being a generous person?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
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