"He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his
own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need."
(EPHESIANS 4:28)

Exodus 20:1-17
When a prison sentence actually reforms a person, he sees that he not only must give up the life of crime he once knew, but also must pursue a new life of usefulness. What a perfect picture of the sinful man who has been redeemed and reformed by the blood of Christ! He gives up the old life and seeks to live for Jesus. This Ephesians passage is a beautiful expression of new life in Christ and of practical theology for us sinners.


Paul first tells us that the thief is to stop stealing and then that the thief must work. The same hand that once was used for stealing must now be used for work. It has been redeemed. Whatever the sin is in our lives, we must put it off and replace it with good.


Notice that Paul doesn’t tell us to work for ourselves, so that we might earn much. Rather, he tells us to work so that we might share with those in need. Our sin puts the focus on ourselves; the opposite of sin puts the focus on others. Christ lived His entire life and died to reform and redeem others – namely, you and me.



Scripture Focus

Exodus 20:1-17

Insight

AS BELIEVERS IN JESUS, LET'S FOCUS ON THE WELL-BEING OF OTHERS AND NOT JUST ON OURSELVES.

Bible In A Year

  • Leviticus 14
  • Psalm 53
  • Luke 17

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