Don't Steal (Exodus 20:15) | True North High School Ministry | Pastor John Fabarez

Main message: The eighth commandment "You shall not steal" (Exodus 20) is broader than obvious theft — it includes deception, force, and negligence — and Christians must stop stealing, make restitution, work honestly, and begin to give instead. Unrepentant thieves show they are not inheriting God's kingdom, but forgiveness and restoration are available for those who repent (1 Cor 6; Eph 4:28).

Key points:

• "Stop being a thief": stealing includes many forms — deception (fraud, scams, plagiarism, cheating), force (robbery, oppression, bribery, usury, extortion, kidnapping), and negligence (not returning lost property, wage theft, defaulting on loans).
• Biblical law treats theft seriously and prescribes restitution (examples and penalties in Exodus/Numbers) — voluntary confession requires full repayment plus an extra part.
• Practical examples today: identity theft, online scams, falsifying work hours, return fraud, academic dishonesty, withholding wages, and taking others’ labeled food or belongings.
• Start being a giver: work honestly so you can share; make restitution where possible (follow biblical principles of repayment); trust God’s provision instead of stealing.
• Respect property rights: Scripture protects others’ possessions (even an enemy’s) and condemns moving boundaries or taking what isn’t yours.

Scriptures mentioned: Exodus 20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Leviticus 19:13, Proverbs 11:1, Proverbs 22:16, Deuteronomy 24:14, Exodus 21:16, Exodus 23:8, Proverbs 28:8, Deuteronomy 22:1-4, Exodus 23:4-5, Psalm 37:21, Ephesians 4:28, Exodus 22, Numbers 5, Psalm 50:10-12, Matthew 6:31-32, Proverbs 30:8-9, Proverbs 23:10-11, Luke 3:14