… and not to steal from them …
Summary: God commanded the Israelites not to steal, but that was a long time ago. Does faith in God still mean we cannot steal?
In the beginning, there was only one commandment. God told Adam, “you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:17) Adam, of course, ended up doing exactly what he was not to do.
Then came the Ten Commandments. It is the eighth commandment on this list that says, “Thou shalt not steal.” (Exodus 20:15, KJV) So when Paul says slaves are, “not to steal,” he is citing from God’s Top Ten rules of all time.
The Ten Commandments are a challenge for Protestant Christians. Luther made a big deal out of the concept of living by faith and not by works. Many have understood this to mean that we should avoid any appearance of “works.” After all, we do not give the wrong impression. Some people might even claim following the Ten Commandments is doing “works.”
In Luther’s day, the Catholic Church had been selling indulgences. Luther had been pushing hard against this unbiblical doctrine. He was finally free of the Pope’s control, but he could not free his mind from the battle he had been fighting.
Paul wrote the words that set Luther free:
“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’” (Romans 1:17)
and
“For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” (Romans 3:28)
Because Luther was pushing so hard against the doctrine of indulgences, he struggled to reconcile Paul’s words with what James had written:
“You see then that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:24)
Luther looked at James’ words and saw works. He was probably mortified by the idea that he might be wrong, even if just a little. As with so many things in life, Luther’s plight was not simple. He was right to object to the abuse of the Catholic Church’s authority. James is also right when he says that a man is “justified by works.”
The key to understanding this is the meaning of the word, “faith.”
Can a person say that they have faith in a boat if they refuse to get into the boat? Is your faith in a bridge worth anything if you refuse to cross the bridge? What then is faith in God worth if we refuse to obey God?
This is where discernment is needed. The Bible contains many rules and “laws.” The early Jewish Christians were concerned that Gentile believers did not follow their laws. The Ten Commandments stand apart from all the other rules and laws in the Old Testament. They summarize the foundational building blocks of society. God wants us to get along with Him and with each other.
The eighth commandment is not a test for getting into heaven. The eighth commandment is a statement of God’s desire that we get along with each other. Do not steal. It is simple enough. If you trust God, if you have faith in God, then live according to that faith. Accept what God gives you, and do not steal from anyone.
Application: Consider what faith in God means to you.
Food for Thought: How are the “works” James wrote about different than the works the Pharisees demanded of the Jews?
Excellent devotion brother.
The Ten Commandments are under attack today – even in certain evangelical circles. But, as you point out here, they are building blocks for society and most definitely still applicable. They are also the platform from which the gospel is preached. The Law points out our need for Christ and goes hand in hand with the gospel message. Romans 3: 20; Galatians 3: 24).
As for the question, the works James talked about flowed from faith. They were works the demonstrated our faith and not man made rules or ways to impress God for salvation. They did not lead to salvation, but were manifestations of a saved person. James 2: 18; Ephesians 2: 8 – 10.
Thank you, Rich!
I always appreciate your encouragement. 🙂
Your point about the Big Ten being the launching pad for the Gospel is really important. Thank you!
The Pharisees did the following from Matthew chapter 23:
Put heavy loads upon people’s shoulders with their legalism a self-righteousness. They placed impossible burdens on the common people and did not lift a finger to help. Vs 4
They loved the seat of honor and being called Rabbi to foster their own sense of pride and value. They completely lacked any sense of humility vs 5-12.. Jesus said Be a humble servant.
They were hypocrites. They were not and did not enter the kingdom of heaven and prevented others who were trying to do from entering or being saved. vs. 13-14.
They made disciples who were headed for hell to an even greater degree than themselves if such a thing could be possible vs 15.
They practiced taking non-binding oaths, and loved money, silver and gold. Jesus just said tell the truth vs. 16-22.
They titled (10%) of their spices, but ignored justice, mercy and faithfulness. They excelled at being hypocrites and practicing hypocrisy. This was true to such an extent that it could be said They would strain out a gnat, but swallow a camel vs. 23-24.
They cleaned up their outside appearance and their dishes, but inside they were full of greed and self-indulgence. Jesus said it was far more important to be clean on the inside in your mind, thoughts, heart, spirit. From this would flow clean habits, actions, words and deeds. They were totally blind spiritually. They were blind guides who lead their blind followers into a ditch of evil and sin. They appeared to be righteous but inside were full of hypocrisy and wickedness vs. 25-28.
In their hearts, and actions, they were murderers. They were snakes, and vipers (their company, words, demeanor and actions were poisonous to be near to and wee toxic to be around). They stood condemned to hell unless they repented and changed their minds, hearts, and actions vs 29-36.
All in all I would say not the wisest choice of role models. Certainly not people to immulate. In fact, Jesus condemnation of them and their hearts and actions is completely justified. This is an example of what not to be or practice.
Jesus instead offers rest to the weary and burdened. He is gentle and and humble in heart. He is a teacher you can follow with confidence that He knows the right path of righteousness, has saved you, is continuing to empower you to make good and right choices, and will ultimately bring you to heaven to be with Him in the presence of the Father.
He is the one who gives rest to our souls. His yoke is easy and His burden is light Matthew 11: 27- 30, Roman’s 8, John 14:1-3).
I don’t know about anyone else, but to me this appears to be an infinitely better path and choice. Much more pleasant, and fulfilling. Also the ultimate destination is a place I am quite certain would be strongly preferred over the alternative to anyone who has spiritual comprehension, and hoping not to be derogatory- even a lick of good sense.
In contrast the book of James mentions:
The good and perfect gifts the Father gives, including the new birth vs 16-18.
Listening, getting rid of moral filth, practicing what the Word of God teaches, being blessed, and keeping a tight rein on ones’ tongue vs. 19-26.
Looking after orphans and widows, not showing favoritism for any reason but especially economic circumstances is commended vs 14 &2: 1-4.
Keep the royal law – live your brothers, sisters in the Lord, and your neighbor (all people) as yourself. Don’t sin instead be merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment vs 8-13.
Practice your faith by adorning, and backing it up with deeds and good works, tame your tongue, have the right kind of wisdom, submit yourselves to God, and trust the Lord for tomorrow and your future vs. 2:14-26;3:1-4:17.
Quite a different list of priorities and commands than the Pharisees.
Have a great day and Be Blessed.
Thank you, Jeff.
There is a HUGE contrast between reliance on the Law and on our Lord.
Sorry Royal law is Love your neighbor as yourself not live your neighbor. Sometimes smart keyboards are less than smart as is this water using them. 🤫🙃
Writer using them.
One more time.. “Writer using them.”
How are the “works” James wrote about different than the works the Pharisees demanded of the Jews?
Is it enough to know, understand and agree with the truths of the gospel, even agree with a personal conviction that these truths apply to me personally, and never shun sin or submit to our Lord Jesus?
The Bible is God speaking through His created beings to all humanity and should be studied for our personal salvation and growth, and communicated to others by our words and deeds. The true character of saving faith is seen in light of the believer’s works, Christ in us, how we live our lives.
The book of James is saying, people can be deluded into thinking they believe when in fact they do not, and the single factor that distinguishes counterfeit faith from true faith is the righteous behavior. The “fruit” produced in those who have authentic faith.
Believers enter into salvation by grace through faith. Faith is by nature turned toward obedience, so good works are inevitable in the life of one who truly believes. These works have no part in bringing about salvation, but they show that salvation is present. Put another way, “faith is always obedient faith.” Salvation by faith does not remove the necessity and importance of works. Rather it calls for good works as a consequence of faith.” Works, then, distinguish true faith from counterfeit varieties and help each of us as we travel on the path of growth in Christ.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Acts 5:32, Romans 1:5, 2:8, 16:26, 3:20, 3:24, 4:5, Titus 3:5, Ephesians 2:10, 5:9, 1 John 2:5
Thank you, Ron.
The only thing I would add is that it is not our place to judge another person’s faith. At the same time, we are expected to use good judgement as it relates to our own faith.
😇
The apparent contradiction of whether or not we are justified through faith by grace or faith by works was something that I had formerly resolved in my mind as a Catholic by asserting that both were essential but that grace wasn’t sufficient. Whether I consciously knew it or not I was mingling the old leaven of the law and legalism of the pharisaical mindset with the gospel of grace revealed in the New Testament. I wasn’t throwing out the old leaven.
I’m now reminded of Matthew 16:11-12:
“How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.”
Back in June of 2020 the Lord came to me in His written word and one of the first transformations resulting from truly being born-again in Christ was the realization that my salvation was truly by the grace of God. My relationship with Him and my faith could not be mediated to man, tradition, or religion. In short-time (less than two days) I realized I could no longer be Catholic after forty years of following in that tradition to varying degrees. I also realized that I had created my own version of God in my heart and mind and didn’t really know Him in truth.
All glory to God! Through the Holy Spirit it was clearly shown to me what decades of intellect and flesh couldn’t reveal: That works are only indeed the fruit of faith and evidence of it if they are done in and through Christ.
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
John 15:5
We see further clarification on the nature of works being dead without Christ and done through the flesh in the law in Hebrews 9:12-14:
“Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh:
How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Here we see that the works of the flesh are dead but the works of the Spirit through Christ leads us to serve the living God. What I believe is implied in the Book of James, although not explicitly stated therein, is that true faith will result in fruit and that the works in and through Christ are evidence of that, but different altogether from works of our own self-effort.
I’m reminded also of Matthew 7:17-20:
“Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.”
We are known by our fruit as evidence of our faith, but it is not by our fruit that we are justified. For me, Ephesians chapter 2, verses 8-10 most succinctly reconciles the relationship between salvation by grace, faith, and works:
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Not of works, lest any man should boast.
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Ultimately, if we are truly found to be in faith in Christ we will walk in the good works pre-ordained for us, giving evidence of the fruit that a good tree should yield. The fruit is not what grafts us to the true vine of Jesus Christ though. As branches, we are grafted in by the grace of God as a gift that we cannot possibly attain by dead works. Remember, we are a dead branch worthy of being cast into the fire prior to being grafted into the true vine of Jesus Christ. What works can a dead branch do of its own accord to graft itself into the tree of life?
Matt,
Welcome to the Blog and welcome to the world of walking (and working) by faith! Obviously God’s Spirit and Word have taken root in your heart. Thank you for sharing your insights with us today! I hope we see more of you here!
🙂
Thanks for the warm welcome. I look forward to using this site as another resource in my walk in faith and seeing what others have to share.
Matt. These are excellent comments and I am so grateful for your participation. Thank you for joining the blog and thank you for the excellent input.
Thanks Rich. I appreciate the encouragement. I don’t know if you recall, but we briefly met at my brothers – Chris and John’s place – when John really needed some prayer and support. Hopefully we’ll get to meet again sometime.
👍🏻