The eighth commandment was given to protect our neighbor's property (Exodus 20:15). Remembering that love fulfills the law we know that this command is broad enough to cover the actions of the heart as well as those of the hand. Love leads us not only to avoid theft but to protect and respect our neighbor's property (Exodus 23:4).

1. The Right of Private Property - Exodus 20:15
The twentieth century will go down in history as one of unequalled barbarity and bloodshed. The main cause has been the doctrine of political communism, which denies the rights of private possession and justifies the confiscation of private property. The too common heartlessness of the wealthy and the greed of the envious poor have helped propel this evil system.
While communism is a direct contradiction of the eighth commandment, yet the record of other forms of government is far from pure. Most war is caused by the desire to possess what belongs to others (James 4:1-2).
While our comments about governments may seem to be off the point we must recall that the actions of nations are the result of men’s character. The same greed that destroys millions is behind every act of dishonesty. What a different world this would be if men were all honest. We cannot control the masses but the gospel can make a difference one person at a time. Like salt the saved are the preserving influence of this world (Matthew 5:13).

2. Causes of Theft
A. Absence of Love - Romans 13:8-10
As with every sin there lies behind the act of theft an appalling lack of love for one's fellow man.
B. Discontent - I Timothy 6:6-8
Rather than cultivate a thankful spirit many feel cheated in life. They envy others and feel justified in their unlawful acquisitions.
C. Unbelief - Matthew 6:33
Theft is totally incompatible with faith in God. Why would one who believed that God would supply for them according to His infinite wisdom feel the desire to steal.
D. Laziness - Ephesians 4:28
E. Pride - Many thieves seem to feel superior to their victims and able to "put one over" on their fellow man.
F.Poverty - Proverbs 30:8-9
Nations that allow the masses to be oppressed and unfairly held down are making themselves ripe for communism and other forms of theft.

3. Types of Theft
Who could begin to list all the ways in which the eighth commandment may be broken. Think of the vast number of words in our English language that describe various forms of theft. Man's ingenuity in sin is amazing. We can mention only a few ways in which dishonesty manifests itself.
A. Robbery
B. Dishonest Weights & Measures
C. False Advertising
D. Withholding Of Wages
E. Laziness On The Job
F. Falsifying Tax Returns
G. Robbing God - Mal 3:8-10

4. The Evil Of Theft
A. Theft is the very opposite of love. It is the epitome of self-centeredness and selfishness.
B. Theft is unnecessary - Matthew 6:33
C.Theft always goes hand in hand with other sins (Covetousness, Murder, Perjury).

5. Living Honesty
We as Christians need to be strictly honest in all our dealings (I Thessalonians 4:6). Our heart must be kept from covetousness (Proverbs 4:23) and everything which leads to dishonesty must be avoided. We must also act in a way that gives no one cause or room to suspect us (Romans 12:17).

6. God's Law And The Lost
All sin is damning by nature (I Corinthians 6:10). This law as others reveals to men their need of a Saviour. Christ Jesus can both forgive thieves and deliver them from the power of this sin (I Corinthians 6:10-11, Compare Matthew 27:38 with Luke 23:43).