YEA Lesson Library
Hey! That’s Mine!
About This Lesson
This lesson defines stealing and identifies what can be stolen. It emphasizes that what should be most valuable to us can never be taken away.
Scriptures
Exodus 20:15
Leviticus 19:11, 13
Micah 2:1-2
Malachi 3:8
Matthew 6:19-21
Romans 13:9-10
Ephesians 4:28
Revelation 3:20-21
Words to Know
POSSESSIONS - things which belong to a person
IDENTITY - who you are
REPUTATION - what is believed about a person
VALUABLE- having worth
PRECIOUS - worth a lot
The Lesson
Raiders of the Lost Ark opens with five minutes of tension, suspense, death, and spiders! When Indiana Jones comes out of the cave with
the golden idol, he is met by another archeologist, a gun, and hostile natives. As the other archeologist takes the idol, he tells Indiana, "Dr. Jones, again we see that there is nothing you can possess that I can not take away.”
Is that a true statement? Is there anything you can have that cannot be taken from you?
Stealing has become part of our society; the prevention of stealing has created millions of jobs. For example, years ago, people opened a refrigerated chest, chose their bottle of soda, and then paid for it. Once people began stealing the soda, machines had to be made so that you put money in first. You had to pay for the soda before you could touch the can. Then, better machines had to be made because people with small hands could reach up into the machines and still get the sodas without paying for them. This is an example of stealing in our society. But, unfortunately, people don't just steal sodas. They have begun stealing a lot of other things. And, it costs a lot of money to find ways to keep them from doing it.
Some people steal a lot - like the CEO of a company who puts millions of dollars into his own savings account. Some people steal a little - like the employee who takes home pencils and paper clips from work. Some people steal money. Some people steal possessions - like cars or CD players or jewelry. Some people have figured out a way to steal another person’s identity. That means they use another person’s credit card, social security number, bank accounts, and perhaps even their signature to pretend they are that person.Then, they use that person's credit card, charging huge amounts of money. It can take years and a lot of money to get it all straightened out again.
When we think of stealing, we think of stealing money or things. But there are other things which can be stolen. Time can be stolen. Television is a great time-stealer! People can be stolen. We call it kidnapping. When we fight with someone, we can steal their peace and joy. Telling lies about someone can steal their good name and reputation. An accident or time can steal your memory. In the United States, we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. But a criminal can steal your life, your freedom, and (if you let him) your happiness.
So, there are two things to learn about stealing. First there are many ways you can steal from other people. It doesn't have to be something big - like their car -and you may not even realize you have sinned against them - like stealing their peace. So be very aware of your actions and other people's feelings. Treat them as you want to be treated (Luke 6:31).
Secondly, don't worry so much about what you can get in this life. As Matthew 6:19-21 says: "Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." What is important is our life in Jesus Christ and the eternal life that He has promised to those who love Him and keep His commandments.
Make a list of things which are most valuable to you. Put a check mark next to the ones which could never be stolen from you. Your toys, your clothes, your pets, your family, your health, your house, even your physical life - all of it could be stolen from you. Your relationship with Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life with Him can never be stolen from you.
Carefully think about the things around you and the value you place on them. If your little brother takes your favorite toy and breaks it, it can probably be replaced. If your best friend steals your boyfriend, God will provide a better relationship. If a robber steals your family van, your insurance can give you enough money to buy another one. What is really important can never be taken from you. But it's your choice.
A relationship with Jesus Christ is a treasure you must choose to look for. And there's good news: He's right on the other side of the door, knocking and ready to come in. "Look! I have been standing at the door and I am constantly knocking. If anyone hears me calling him and opens the door, I will come in and fellowship with him and he with me. I will let every one who conquers sit beside me on my throne, just as I took my place with my Father on his throne when I had conquered" (Revelation 3:20-21 TLB). Let's invite Him in and spend time with Him. Jesus Christ is more precious than silver or gold!
Activity
Teaching the Lesson:
Legacy Lesson: Student book/Teacher book - TeachingTime: 25 mins.
Lesson Prep - Teacher book - Time: 1 hour
Treasure Hunt - Teacher book - Time: 15 mins.
Song: "Behold, Behold” - page 45 of Kids Classics Collection - Time: 5 mins.
Stealing Story Bubbles - Student book - Time: 15 mins.
Extending the Lesson - REACH Activities:
*Back to the Bible: The Door
*Journal Jot: Loving Your Neighbor
*Word Study: thésauros
*Just Toolin’ Around: Stealing From God
*Did you Know? Negative or Positive
*Stretch It Out: A World With No Theft
*Music Notes: We Give Thee But Thine Own
*Questions? - Writing Prompt
Student Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
Help me see where I am guilty of stealing from other people. Then help me learn to see that my relationship with You is really the only thing which cannot be stolen from me, and that it is the most valuable thing I have.
In Jesus' name.
Amen.
Daily Devotions
Sunday - Exodus 20:15
Monday - Matthew 6:19-21
Tuesday - Ephesians 4:28
Wednesday - Micah 2:1-2
Thursday - Romans 13:9-10
Friday- Leviticus 19:11, 13
Saturday - Malachi 3:8
Objectives
At the end of this lesson, the students will be able to:
1. Recite the Eighth Commandment.
2. List things which can be stolen.
3. Recognize what cannot be stolen.
4. State that Jesus Christ stands at the door and knocks.
Topics & Themes
Eternal Life
Relationship with God
Stealing
Ten Commandments
Stealing
Treasure
Materials Needed
Bible, YEA Students' and Teacher's books, pencils, pens, paper, attendance and memory verse charts, stars, songbook, cassette or CD, music player, chalkboard, chalk, treasure trinkets, treasure hunt clues, 1 Peter 2:6 rocks, newspaper articles
Preparation
Clip newspaper reports of theft to bring to class as examples for this lesson. Try to get a variety, not just theft of material possessions, but perhaps examples of stealing time, health, peace, happiness, etc.
Before class, make clues for the Treasure Hunt very specific to your Sabbath School room. You'll hand the first clue to the students. It will read something like "Look behind the blackboard." Hide the next clue behind the blackboard. That clue might read "Look under the tape player." The clue under the tape player might read "Turn right, walk six steps, look under the chair to your right." It is important that the clues are clear, otherwise the treasure hunt will not flow smoothly. Once students learn how to do treasure hunts, they will beg for more. As they become really good at following the clues, you can make them more vague, i.e. Psalm 46:4. Then the students have to look up the verse to figure out the clue. The river in Psalm 46:4 might direct them to the drinking fountain.
Students can work together in a small class to find the clues. If you have more than six, split them into pairs. In that case, make multiple treasure hunts; that is, each team will have its own set of clues to follow to the treasure. They will have to prove they have followed all of their clues and not accidentally switched to someone else's trail. This can be done with colored paper: blue for one team, red for another, etc.
Arrive early to arrange the seats in a semi-circle and hide clues prior to class. You may want to hide little treasures along the way to emphasize that although they got something they like, it is not the treasure. This world may lead them to think that material possessions are the measure of success, but that's not God’s definition. Also, bring enough rocks for each student in class to have one. Print 1 Peter 2:6 on each rock. Every student should get a rock to reinforce that Jesus does not belong to one person. Every person called by God has equal access to Jesus Christ.
How to Teach This Lesson
Open the class with prayer and begin by having students share the stories they wrote in the cartoon bubbles in the students' lesson.
Insurance Records - Tell the students that before an insurance agent will insure a home, he will ask for a list of the valuables in it. This list will help him determine just what the insurance will cover in case of fire, theft, or some other disaster. Give each student a piece of paper and pencil to list their most valuable possessions, as they would for an insurance agent.
Materialistic - We are a very materialistic society. Talk with the students about what that means and how that makes stealing a big problem.
Precious - Ask students to compare the insurance list with the list they made of the things which are most valuable to them. Is there a difference? II so, what is the difference?
Tangible Possessions - Ask students to share their lists. Write on the chalkboard the things that are most valuable to the students. Divide the things into two categories without telling the students the two categories. The first category is those things which can be stolen, and the second is those things which cannot be stolen. Ask the students how the two groups differ. Be prepared to not have anything in the second column. If they don't say "Jesus Christ, the things of God, eternal life," etc., be prepared to say everything on the board could be stolen. Then ask: What could not be stolen from you?
Digging Deeper - Ask students how they could steal things like time, health, happiness, or peace from someone. Ask them to ask God to show them how they may have stolen something without being aware of it.
Storing Up Treasure In Heaven- Read Matthew 6:19-21. Discuss this verse. Ask: How do you do this?
Jesus Christ - Ask: Who is more precious than gold and silver? How do you "get" Jesus Christ? Read Revelation 3:20-21. If they want Jesus Christ, then God is working with them and Jesus Christ is standing on the other side of the door waiting for them to open the door of their heart and let Him in. He is not far away. If they desire Him, He is right there.
Philippians 3:7-8 - Read this scripture and talk about how Paul considered all things to have the value of dung, that he might gain Christ. We shouldn't want to accumulate more things on this earth. When our things are broken, stolen, or lost, don't be overly upset. They don't matter compared to knowing Jesus Christ.
Knowing Jesus Christ - Ask: How can we get to know Jesus Christ? (Reading the Bible, attending church and Sabbath School, talking with their parents about Jesus, praying to God.)
Review Questions
Review - Recite the eighth commandment. Ask: What can be stolen from you? How can someone steal your peace? What cannot be stolen from you? What is the most valuable thing in the world? Revelation 3:20-21 tells us that Jesus is where? Why doesn't Jesus open the door?
Teacher-Directed Activity
Treasure Hunt
Have the students follow the clues you hid before class to find the treasure. There can be treasures such as miniature candy bars, small stuffed animals, a new package of markers, or other small prizes. But the treasure should be a rock on which 1 Peter 2:6 is written. Whoever finds the stone first can read the scripture reference and keep the stone as a reminder. Then pass out rocks with the reference written on them to the remainder of the class.
REACH Activity
Back to the Bible: The Door
People like to say that you choose to come to Jesus and they use Revelation 3:20-21 to support that idea. The only problem is that this passage is part of a letter to church in Laodicea. These people were already in a relationship with God; they were supposed to be His people who were following His ways. They had started to go astray. Jesus was standing at the door, knocking, encouraging them to repent and come back into fellowship with Him. Read it for yourself.
The reality is that God chooses us. Read these verses: John 6:44; 1 Peter 2:9; Ephesians 1:4; James 2:5; Deuteronomy 7:6. Write down what you find. Can you think of any examples of God doing the choosing? (Hint: There are lots.)
Journal Jot: Loving Your Neighbor
Read Romans 13:9-10 again. Each one of these tells you what you should not do if you want to show love to your “neighbor.” But Jesus also gave the parable of the Good Samaritan which demonstrates just far we should be willing to go to show love towards our neighbor. Read Luke 10:25-37. Write down specific actions and attitudes the Samaritan had or did which demonstrates loving his neighbor. Can you think of ways to apply this to your life?
Word Study: thésauros
This Greek word is the one found in Matthew 6:19-21 translated “treasure.” It means "a store-house for precious things; hence: a treasure, a store. . . . properly, stored-up treasure (riches); (figuratively) a storehouse of treasure, including (treasured) thoughts stored up in the heart and mind. . . . It literally means a “receptacle for valuables.” (Source: https://biblehub.com/greek/2344.html)
You might recognize this word as the root for the English term “thesaurus” which refers to a “storehouse (treasure) or synonyms.”
Write this word, its definition, and the scripture reference in your Bible notebook.
Just Toolin’ Around: Stealing From God
Malachi 3:8 puts stealing in a whole other light. Read this scripture. Using a concordance or center reference Bible, find other scriptures which are related to this idea. Write down what you find in your Bible notebook. Spend some time thinking about what belongs to God and how very much you owe Him. And if you owe Him something, how does He want to be paid? Write down your thoughts and share them with your family.
Did you Know? Negative or Positive?
Read Romans 13:9-10 again. Each one of these commandments is written in the negative sense: Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not covet; do not lie. Some people have complained that God is so negative and all of His commandments are “Don’t do this; don’t do that.” The reality is that in giving us the commandments this way, God is giving us the most freedom possible. Here are the few things you must not do; you can do anything else. It’s like having a table full of food. Your mom says, “You can’t have any wine, but you can have anything else on the table you want.” Do you focus on the thing you can’t have? Or do you see all of the freedom of choice you have available to you? You can’t commit adultery, but you can give your friend a hug. You can’t steal, but you can rake leaves for your neighbor and make a card for your aunt. Do you see the difference? Write about this in your Bible notebook.
Stretch It Out: A World With No Theft
Imagine how different our world would be if there was not stealing! You wouldn’t have to lock your house. In fact, you wouldn’t have to have a key any more. Make a list of the ways that life would be completely different if no one stole anything. It would have an incredible ripple effect, wouldn’t it?! Someday we all will get to experience a world like that. Write a description of what that world will be like in your Bible notebook. Then thank God that He will make it happen.
Music Notes: We Give Thee But Thine Own
This hymn is on page 182 of the CEM Hymnal.
William W. How was a bishop in the late 1800s in England when the Industrial Revolution pulled so many people from rural life to work in the factories and dockyards. There was so much poverty and squalor and alcoholism and child labor. Life was dismal for so many and William W. How tried desperately to make a difference to the working poor. You can see his heart in the words of this hymn written in 1864. (Source: Then Sings My Soul, Robert J. Morgan, 2004, p. 101.)
Giving what you have to make a difference in people’s lives is the opposite of stealing their possessions. As you sing this song, think of the difference that you can make in someone’s life if you share God’s love with them in word and deed. Write your favorite line from the hymn in your Bible notebook.
Questions?
Write down any questions you have in your Bible notebook so that you can remember to ask your parents or your pastor.
Song
"Behold, Behold" is on page 45 of Kids Classics Collection.
Closing Prayer
Ask a student to lead in prayer asking God to help them recognize what can and cannot be stolen.
Printable Pages
