Download 5-Day Devotional for this week: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Set-Free-Live-Free-Do-Not-Steal-Devotional.pdf

Sermon Summary: This sermon explores the eighth commandment, "You shall not steal," delving beyond surface-level obedience to address the heart issues underlying theft. Pastor John Dukes emphasizes that Jesus is concerned with heart transformation rather than mere behavioral modification. He challenges listeners to confront subtle forms of stealing in daily life and encourages the practice of generosity as an antidote to the desire to steal. The sermon underscores the importance of walking in step with the Holy Spirit to overcome sinful tendencies and live in the abundance that Christ offers. Key Points:

• Stealing goes beyond physical theft and includes taking credit, time, attention, and dignity from others
• Jesus is after heart transformation, not just external obedience
• Walking by the Spirit is crucial to overcoming the desires of the flesh
• Change is possible through God's grace and our intentional effort
• Putting off stealing requires putting on generosity
• Trust in God's provision is the ultimate solution to the temptation to steal

Scripture Reference:

• Exodus 20:15 - "You shall not steal"
• Galatians 5:16-25 - Walking by the Spirit and the fruit of the Spirit
• John 10:10 - Contrasting the thief's intentions with Jesus' offer of abundant life
• Colossians 3:1-10 - Putting off the old self and putting on the new self
• Proverbs 30:8-9 - Prayer for neither poverty nor wealth