Becoming
The Seventh Commandment not only forbids theft but confronts the deeper root of greed and idolatry. Christians are called to order their desires under God, practice active love through works of mercy, and honor the Lord through responsible stewardship and tithing. True obedience replaces greed with generosity grounded in faith and love.
Deuteronomy 5:19
“You Shall Not Steal”
New Testament Confirmation
1 Corinthians 6:10 lists thieves, the greedy, and robbers among those who will not inherit the Kingdom of God.
Theft is a mortal sin that leads to spiritual death if practiced without repentance.
The commandment is morally binding under both Old and New Covenants.
The Vice of Greed
Greed as the Primary Obstacle
Greed is the main obstacle to Christian generosity.
Matthew 6:24 — “You cannot serve God and mammon.”
Mammon refers to money or material wealth.
Greed is an inordinate or disordered desire for financial gain.
Every desire must be rightly ordered under God.
Money becomes idolatrous when it replaces God as our source of security and satisfaction.
Matthew 6:19–21 — Where your treasure is, there your heart will be.
Greed is the root behind theft and violations of property rights.
Idolatry occurs when a lower good is elevated above God.
The Virtue of Love
Love as the Proper Use of Property
Luke 10:25–27 — The Good Samaritan defines neighbor-love.
A neighbor is anyone in need whom we encounter.
Love requires action, not merely sentiment.
We are to use our goods for the good of others.
Love your neighbor as yourself.
The Seven Corporal Works of Mercy (Matthew 25:27–46)
Feed the hungry.
Give water to the thirsty.
Shelter the homeless.
Clothe the naked.
Visit the sick.
Visit the imprisoned.
Bury the dead.
Jesus separates the sheep and goats based on their works.
Faith without works is dead (James 2:14–17).
Works must flow from sincere faith and love (1 Corinthians 13).
Mercy is especially required within the household of faith.
Personal and Corporate Responsibility
Christians must act individually in mercy.
The Church corporately supports the body of Christ.
Property includes both personal goods and God’s property.
The Tithe
Biblical Foundation
The tithe represents one-tenth of income.
Genesis 14:20 — Abraham tithed before the Mosaic Law.
Matthew 23:23 — Jesus affirms tithing but emphasizes greater matters.
1 Corinthians 9:9 — Ministry workers are worthy of support.
1 Timothy 5:17 — Elders who labor are worthy of double honor.
The Meaning of the Tithe
It predates the Law of Moses.
It honors the Lord with first fruits.
Everything ultimately belongs to God.
The tenth symbolizes that 100% belongs to Him.
Giving should not be grudging but cheerful.
Tithing enables the Church’s ministry.
