Topical Bible: Theft: All Earthly Treasure Exposed To

◄ Theft: All Earthly Treasure Exposed To ►

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The concept of theft is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, highlighting the vulnerability of earthly possessions and the moral implications of taking what does not belong to oneself. The Scriptures consistently warn against the sin of theft and emphasize the transient nature of material wealth.

Biblical Definition and Prohibition

Theft is explicitly prohibited in the Ten Commandments, where God commands, "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). This commandment underscores the sanctity of personal property and the importance of respecting the possessions of others. The prohibition against theft is reiterated in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul instructs, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need" (Ephesians 4:28).

Earthly Treasures and Their Vulnerability

The Bible frequently addresses the fleeting nature of earthly treasures and the futility of placing one's trust in material wealth. Jesus Himself warns, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal" (Matthew 6:19). This passage highlights the inherent insecurity of worldly possessions, which are susceptible to decay and theft.

The parable of the rich fool further illustrates this point. In Luke 12:16-21, Jesus tells of a wealthy man who hoards his abundance, only to lose his life unexpectedly. The parable concludes with a poignant reminder: "This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:21). The narrative emphasizes the importance of spiritual wealth over material accumulation.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Theft is not merely a violation of social order but a transgression against God's law. It reflects a heart that prioritizes self-interest over love for one's neighbor. The prophet Zechariah warns of the consequences of theft, stating, "I will send it out, declares the LORD of Hosts, and it will enter the house of the thief... It will remain inside his house and consume it, with its timber and stones" (Zechariah 5:4). This imagery conveys the destructive nature of theft, both materially and spiritually.

The Bible also calls believers to a higher standard of integrity and generosity. In contrast to the thief, the righteous are encouraged to be content with what they have and to trust in God's provision. Hebrews 13:5 advises, "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: 'Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'" .

Conclusion

While the Bible acknowledges the reality of theft and the vulnerability of earthly treasures, it ultimately points believers toward a life of faithfulness, contentment, and trust in God's eternal promises. By focusing on spiritual riches and living in accordance with God's commandments, Christians are called to rise above the temporal allure of material wealth and to seek treasures that are imperishable.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 6:19
Lay not up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust does corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Rich Fool.
... in this land, than an exhortation to beware of theft. ... From this untimely and intensely
earthly interruption the ... blooming and bearing fruit, while all the rest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xix the rich fool.htm

That the Fast of Lent is not Sufficient to Make us Competent to ...
... For our earthly reputation is injured, whilst such a ... say, from fornication, or adultery,
or theft, but from ... only the barbarians laid aside all their wickedness ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xx that the fast.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... by solemn obligations to abstain from theft, robbery, and ... imparting a milder tone
to earthly legislation; and ... not of this world." [311:1] In all free countries ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

part ii
... waters, when they are freed from the ice, are directly exposed to the sun ... truly and
at the same time to be attached to earthly things, for all such things ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

The Political Constitution of Egypt
... by the same life which animated the double, upon whom it all depended: the ... by his
servants, and surrounded by everything which made his earthly life enjoyable. ...
/.../chapter ithe political constitution of.htm

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... the Duke Adalgisel, he committed the conduct of his palace and kingdom.(238) Also
he gave to his son sufficient treasure and fitted him out with all that was ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... all sinners and unbelievers, together with the devil and his angels, will, at the
time when every knee shall bow to Jesus of things heavenly and things earthly ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... you have borne the image of the earthly; if heavenly ... of the next year; but he will
have all now; but ... to Passion, and brought him a bag of treasure, and poured ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm