We Are All Thieves | First And Ten | Sam Kelly

Main message: The commandment "You shall not steal" applies far beyond obvious theft — stealing is taking as much as you can while giving as little as you can — and the gospel transforms takers into givers, calling believers to repent, make restitution, work faithfully, and give generously.

Key points:

• Stealing isn't only bank robberies; it includes small, everyday behaviors (stealing time, credit, trust, service, money, or from God by withholding allegiance or tithes).
• Definition offered: stealing = taking as much as you can while giving as little as you can; small sins matter because they train the soul toward more serious sin.
• The commandment is rooted in who God is (first four commandments are vertical); right relationship with God enables right relationships with others.
• Paul’s remedy (Eph. 4:28): stop stealing, work honestly, and give to those in need — work is worship (Col. 3).
• Illustration: Zacchaeus (Luke 19) shows how encountering Jesus turns a taker into a giver who repays and gives generously.
• Practical challenge: ask God to reveal where you’re living like a thief, make restitution where possible, and allow the gospel to shape you into a giver.

Scriptures mentioned: Exodus 20:15, Matthew 5, John 10:10, 1 Corinthians 6:20, Malachi 3, Ephesians 4:28, Colossians 3, Psalm 24, Luke 19