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i.e., temple robbery.

I. THE JEWS WERE GUILTY OF IT.

1. In reference to heathen temples (Acts 19:37).

2. In withholding or misappropriating tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8).

II. In not giving God the glory which is His due. They made the temple a den of thieves (Jeremiah 7:11; Matthew 21:13), and were charged with offering the blind and lame for sacrifice (Malachi 1:8). Thus they abhorred false gods, but robbed and dishonoured the true God.

II. WE MAY COMMIT SACRILEGE by —

1. Withholding what is God's.

2. Appropriating to our own use what properly belongs to God in regard —

(1)  To property: a portion claimed for His service (Malachi 3:10).

(2)  To time: the whole of the weekly Sabbath claimed as His own (Exodus 20:8). It is sacrilege, therefore, to appropriate any part of it to business or pleasure (Isaiah 58:13).Conclusion:

1. Sacrilege the climax denoting intense coveteousness.

2. Unrenewed men only substitute one idol for another.

(T. Robinson, D. D.)

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KJV: Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,

WEB: Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, and rest on the law, and glory in God,