What are we to remember in particular?

In particular we are to remember that accumulating possessions is not the substance or goal of a Christian’s life. A Christian’s goal is the bliss of heaven. We use our possessions in the right way, when we use them to serve the members of our family and our neighbors, particularly the needy, and to support the work of God’s kingdom.

Luke 12:15: Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

1 Tim. 6:17,18: Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, Who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate.

Gal. 2:10: We should remember the poor.

2 Cor. 9:7: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.

What does God require of us in the Seventh Commandment?

In the Seventh Commandment God requires that we act in such a way, that our neighbor can continue to make a living and prosper and that his possessions can remain intact and increase.

This occurs when:

1. We help our neighbor make a living with good advice and deeds.
   
   

   Heb. 13:16: But to do good and to communicate forget not; for with such sacrifice God is well pleased.

   
   
   Assignment: Read Gen. 46:33-34: Joseph advises his brothers, and Ex. 23:4: taking care of our enemy’s possessions.



2. We faithfully take care of the private and corporate property entrusted to our care.
   

   
   1 Cor. 10:24: Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth.

   
   
   Assignment: Read Gen. 39:4-6: Joseph faithfully took care of his employer’s property, Gen. 41:46-57: and of the Egyptian economy.



3. We are ready to serve our neighbor with our possessions, trusting that God in His grace will take care of us.
   
   

   Prov. 19:17: He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

   
   
   Assignment: Read Gen. 13:4-12: Abraham permitted Lot to choose the best area.

Who sees every theft and renders punishment for it?

God sees every theft and eternally punishes everyone, who does not repent of his sin. Therefore we must carefully guard against falling into this sin. If we have wrongfully acquired our neighbor’s possessions, we must confess our sin and, as far as possible, make restitution.

1 Thess. 4:36: For this is the will of God... that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter, because that the Lord is the avenger of all such.

Eph. 4:28: Let him that stole steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

Assignment: Read Luke 19:8: Zaccheus promised to pay back what he had acquired through wrongful means.

What does God forbid in the Seventh Commandment?

In the Seventh Commandment God forbids all stealing or all taking of other people’s property without their permission, to their detriment.

The following are types of this sin:

1. Assault (robbery):
   
   Assignment: Read Luke 10:30: (robbers)



2. Stealing
   
   Assignment: Read Josh. 7:20-26: Achan, 2 Kings 5:19-27: Gehazi, and John 12:6: Judas Iscariot.



3. Dealing with stolen goods
   
   

   Prov. 29:24: Whoso is partner with a thief, hateth his own soul.




4. Profiting, at the expense of our neighbor, through fraudulent business deals.
   

   
   Jer. 22:13: Woe unto him that buildeth his house by unrighteousness, and his chambers by wrong; that useth his neighbor’s service without wages, and giveth him not for his work.




5. Usury. Illegally charging exorbitant interest, profiting by charging interest from those in need, and extortion.
   
   

   Ex. 22:25: If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.

   
   
   Assignment: Discuss: Is charging interest always sinful? Read Matt. 25:27 and Luke 19:23.



6. Taking unwise loans and not paying back loans.
   
   

   Ps. 37:21: The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again.




7. Laziness.
   
   Assignment: Read Prov. 6:6 and 2 Thess. 3:10. Also discuss on what basis a Christian can with a good conscience accept a pension or welfare.



8. Desiring the possession of others, envy, selfishness and greed.
   
   

   Matt. 15:19: Out of the heart proceed... thefts.
   
   1 Tim. 6:10: The love of money is the root of all evil.




9. Using common possessions for one’s personal use, wasting them or not properly caring for them; being dishonest in paying one’s taxes or stealing from the community or business establishments in some other way.
   

What things are included in God´s life-plan for us, as far as our earthly possessions are concerned?

God’s life-plan for us includes, among other things, work and wages, money and possessions, the right to buy, sell, own and establish businesses. People have the right to acquire earthly possessions through honest means, and they also have the right of ownership.

2 Thess. 3:10: If any would not work, neither should he eat.

Luke 10:7: The laborer is worthy of his hire.

Assignment: Read Gen. 23:3-18: Abraham buys property, and Mark 1:19-20: Zebedee’s fishing enterprise and its workers. Discuss: What are we to think of unemployment? Read Matt. 20:1-12.

From whom have we received our earthly possessions and the right to own them?

God has given us our earthly possessions, for He is the creator and owner of all things. God blesses our life on this earth by providing us with our livlihood, salaries and other forms of income, wealth and possessions.

Ps. 24: 1: The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof.

Matt. 6:26: Behold the fowls of the air, for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?

Assignment: Read Job 42:12-13: The blessing that Job received.

What does God protect in the Seventh Commandment?

Thou shalt not steal. What does this mean? We should fear and love God that we may not take our neighbor’s money or goods, nor get them by false ware or dealing, but help him to improve and protect his property and business.

In the Seventh Commandment God protects our neighbor’s earthly possessions.