Theft: Illustrates the Guilt of False Teachers
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The concept of theft in the Bible extends beyond the mere act of stealing physical possessions; it also serves as a metaphor for spiritual and doctrinal deception. False teachers, who mislead believers and distort the truth of the Gospel, are often likened to thieves in Scripture. This metaphor underscores the severity of their actions and the spiritual harm they inflict upon the faithful.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible explicitly condemns theft in the Ten Commandments: "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20:15). This commandment establishes a moral foundation that extends to all forms of taking what is not rightfully one's own, including the misappropriation of spiritual truths. In the New Testament, Jesus warns against false prophets and teachers, comparing them to thieves and robbers. In John 10:1, Jesus states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever does not enter the sheepfold by the gate, but climbs in some other way, is a thief and a robber."

Characteristics of False Teachers

False teachers are characterized by their deceitful nature and their desire to exploit the flock for personal gain. The Apostle Paul, in his farewell address to the Ephesian elders, warns of such individuals: "I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them" (Acts 20:29-30). These "savage wolves" are akin to thieves who seek to steal the truth and lead believers astray.

Spiritual Theft and Its Consequences

The spiritual theft perpetrated by false teachers results in significant harm to the body of Christ. By distorting the Gospel, they rob believers of the true knowledge of God and the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Peter warns of the destructive nature of false teachers: "They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction on themselves" (2 Peter 2:1). This spiritual theft not only endangers the souls of those deceived but also brings judgment upon the deceivers themselves.

Guarding Against Spiritual Theft

Believers are called to be vigilant and discerning to protect themselves from the spiritual theft of false teachers. The Apostle John exhorts the faithful to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). This testing involves a careful examination of teachings against the truth of Scripture, ensuring that the Gospel remains untainted by falsehood.

The Role of Shepherds

True shepherds of the flock are tasked with guarding against the intrusion of false teachers. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, contrasts Himself with the thief, stating, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness" (John 10:10). Faithful leaders are called to emulate Christ's example, protecting the flock from spiritual theft and nurturing them with sound doctrine.

In summary, the metaphor of theft in relation to false teachers highlights the grave nature of their deception and the spiritual damage they cause. Scripture calls for vigilance, discernment, and faithful leadership to safeguard the truth of the Gospel and protect the body of Christ from those who would steal it away.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jeremiah 23:30
Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, said the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 10:1,8,10
Truly, truly, I say to you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Period iv. The Age of the Consolidation of the Church: 200 to 324 ...
... to become Christians, the latter would not desire it." That this is false, is evident ...
of rank and delicate and high-born ladies, receive the teachers of the ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iv the age of.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... things he never wrote, to put in false words for ... is a parable of the Gospel which
illustrates this ... blushed through their own consciousness of guilt; since they ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Period iii. The Dissolution of the Imperial State Church and the ...
... The following section from the conclusion of a novella illustrates the manner in
which ... of these laws there is a reference to the prohibition of pagan teachers. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period iii the dissolution of.htm

Resources
What is the definition of evil? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to be free from sin? | GotQuestions.org

How can I know if the desires of my heart are from God? | GotQuestions.org

Theft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Theft

Theft and Thieves by Rachel, of the Household Gods (Teraphim)

Theft and Thieves: Achan

Theft and Thieves: Figurative

Theft and Thieves: General Scriptures Concerning

Theft and Thieves: Judas

Theft and Thieves: Micah

Theft and Thieves: The Spies of Laish

Theft is an Abomination

Theft: Achan

Theft: All Earthly Treasure Exposed To

Theft: Brings a Curse on Those Who Commit It

Theft: Brings the Wrath of God Upon Those Who Commit It

Theft: Connected With Murder

Theft: Defiles a Man

Theft: Excludes from Heaven

Theft: Forbidden

Theft: from the Poor Specially Forbidden

Theft: Heavenly Treasure Secure From

Theft: Illustrates the Guilt of False Teachers

Theft: Includes Fraud Concerning Wages

Theft: Includes Fraud in General

Theft: Micah

Theft: Mosaic Law Respecting

Theft: Proceeds from the Heart

Theft: Rachel

Theft: Saints: Warned Against

Theft: Shame Follows the Detection of

Theft: Shechemites

Theft: The Wicked: Addicted To

Theft: The Wicked: Associate With Those Who Commit

Theft: The Wicked: Commit, Under Shelter of the Night

Theft: The Wicked: Consent to Show Who Commit

Theft: The Wicked: Destroy Themselves By

Theft: The Wicked: Lie in Wait to Commit

Theft: The Wicked: May, for a Season, Prosper In

Theft: The Wicked: Plead Excuses For

Theft: The Wicked: Repent not of

Theft: The Wicked: Store up the Fruits of

Theft: They Who Connive At: Hate Their own Souls

Theft: They Who Connive At: Shall be Reproved of God

Theft: Woe Denounced Against

Related Terms

Thief (41 Occurrences)

Lift (283 Occurrences)

Genubath (1 Occurrence)

Pilfer (2 Occurrences)

Steal (29 Occurrences)

Code (6 Occurrences)

Ten (234 Occurrences)

Stealing (8 Occurrences)

Adultery (49 Occurrences)

Commandments (181 Occurrences)

Crimes (22 Occurrences)

Crime (45 Occurrences)

Hammurabi

Agriculture

Owns (13 Occurrences)

Landmark (5 Occurrences)

Last (1087 Occurrences)

Guard (185 Occurrences)

Wicked (476 Occurrences)

Impiety (9 Occurrences)

Thee-ward (1 Occurrence)

Thefts (4 Occurrences)

Repayeth (16 Occurrences)

Restitution (21 Occurrences)

Rachel (42 Occurrences)

Robbery (18 Occurrences)

Dies (71 Occurrences)

Deceit (160 Occurrences)

Mercurius (1 Occurrence)

Men's (76 Occurrences)

Mercury (1 Occurrence)

Pilfering (2 Occurrences)

Purposes (67 Occurrences)

Punishments (31 Occurrences)

Plunder (118 Occurrences)

Perjury (3 Occurrences)

Punishment (417 Occurrences)

Proselyte (2 Occurrences)

Blood-guiltiness (4 Occurrences)

Bloodguiltiness (15 Occurrences)

Bloodshed (43 Occurrences)

Bloodguilt (9 Occurrences)

Bribe (27 Occurrences)

Covetousness (22 Occurrences)

Crib (3 Occurrences)

Annas (4 Occurrences)

Sunrise (25 Occurrences)

Stealth (3 Occurrences)

Speech (107 Occurrences)

Breaking (69 Occurrences)

Repay (79 Occurrences)

Slavery (31 Occurrences)

Amorites (82 Occurrences)

Restore (122 Occurrences)

Happens (32 Occurrences)

Slave (148 Occurrences)

Shed (73 Occurrences)

Borrowing (1 Occurrence)

Sold (92 Occurrences)

Philemon (2 Occurrences)

Struck (373 Occurrences)

Guilty (131 Occurrences)

Guilt (180 Occurrences)

Ass (95 Occurrences)

Hosea (6 Occurrences)

Hospitality (9 Occurrences)

Pay (212 Occurrences)

Risen (169 Occurrences)

Pontius (4 Occurrences)

Pilate (60 Occurrences)

Host (261 Occurrences)

Surely (587 Occurrences)

Jacob (361 Occurrences)

Joshua (211 Occurrences)

Zechariah (55 Occurrences)

Resurrection (42 Occurrences)

Covenant (309 Occurrences)

Theft: Heavenly Treasure Secure From
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