Paul's letter to the Christians around Ephesus is useful for Bible teachers. It is a more generic letter and contains a broad spectrum of topics. After opening with three chapters demonstrating the wonderful gift of Jesus, Paul spends his time addressing issues that he saw Christians were facing.
Stealing was among these problems, to which Paul states, "He who steals must steal no longer" Ephesians 4:28 (NASB).
The absolute simplicity of this statement is what appeals to me. There is no argument about how stealing hurts others and is fed by one's own laziness & covetousness. Instead, Paul simply says, "Stop it!"
He does, however, continue on:
"He who steals must steal no longer; but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need." Ephesians 4:28 (NASB)
It is not enough to merely stop stealing. We have to Labor and Work for ourselves.
It is not enough to merely work for ourselves. We have to labor and work to give to Others.
This is a clear explanation of repentance. Not only "changing your mind", but pushing for the other direction. We don't just stop stealing, but instead we work hard to help others out!
(That's the opposite of lazy selfishness!)
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