When Blessings Become a Curse: Lessons from Deuteronomy

Explore the biblical insights from Deuteronomy 30:19 on how blessings can turn into curses when not honored. Examples from Adam and Eve, the Bronze Serpent, Solomon, and Jeroboam shed light on the consequences of misusing God's blessings.

• Bible
• Deuteronomy
• Blessings
• Curses
• Lessons

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1. When Blessings Become a Curse Deuteronomy 30:19

2. Deuteronomy 30:19 This is Moses farewell address to Israel as they prepare to inherit the Promised Land. Moses promises blessings if they are faithful to YHWH, but curses if they rejected Him. See 11-19 His admonition in our text is an encouragement t0 chose God s blessings (life) instead of cursings.

3. Deuteronomy 30:19 Israel inherited the land and enjoyed God s abundant blessings. Sadly, Israel s history records continued ingratitude, disregard for God s blessings and rejection which led to their blessings becoming a curse. This is what we want to examine this evening

4. Examples of blessings becoming a curse Adam and Eve They were given a perfect environment eat of any tree except one (Genesis 2:16-17) In spite of this, they took God for granted and disobeyed. Genesis 3:17-19 the ground cursed Romans 8:20-22 even to this day. Consider how great a curse it can be if we reject God s will

5. Examples of blessings becoming a curse The Bronze Serpent Numbers 21:4-9, after Israel complained (again) in the wilderness Looking upon that serpent would save them a blessing John 3:14-16 Jesus would illustrate the blessing of it with Himself 2 Kings 18:3-4 some 750 years later, they had made an idol out of it. Hezekiah destroyed it. How many take blessings of God, and misuse them bringing condemnation?

6. Examples of blessings becoming a curse Solomon 1 Kings 3:9-13, he asks for wisdom. God blesses him abundantly 1 Kings 11:1-4 he marries many idolatrous wives who turn his heart away from God. His sin leads to Israel being divided into 2 kingdoms (11:11-13)

7. Examples of blessings becoming a curse Jeroboam 1 Kings 12:4, Jeroboam leads the rebellion against Solomon. The LORD is with him. 1 Kings 11:29-39 he is promised if he remains faithful, he too will be established 1 Kings 12:28-30 fearing the people he builds idols at Dan and Bethel. They become a curse throughout Israel s history until captivity

8. Can blessings be a curse today? Godly families Proverbs 18:22, Psalm 127:3, God designed the IDEAL family unit of society. Much of our grief as a society centers around the rejection of God s pattern for the family. What ought to be a blessing often becomes a curse.

9. Can blessings be a curse today? Wisdom and education The ability to learn is a great blessing. It is how God created us. Consider Solomon, who with wisdom turned away from God. How many today are CURSED because their worldly learning turns them away from God? 1 Corinthians 1:18-20, 3:18- 20, Worldly wisdom is foolishness with God

10. Can blessings be a curse today? Wealth and prosperity Again, consider Solomon. He had it all . But how did he use it in later years? He failed to remember God Many today put their trust in wealth, but it can become a great curse 1 Timothy 6:9-10, 17; cf. Proverbs 30:8-9, Matthew 19:23-24, how hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of heaven (but NOT impossible)

11. Can blessings be a curse today? Time We all receive the same amount of time. How are we using it? Time is a precious commodity, Ephesians 5:16, redeeming the time, make the most of your time (CSB)

12. Can blessings be a curse today? Time Time is a blessing as it gives us opportunities -to let our light shine, to strengthen others, to repent, reach others, raise a family, develop character, draw closer to God, etc. God gives us time, 2 Peter 3:9 But time squandered can be a curse Psalm 90:12

13. Can blessings be a curse today? Prosperity of a congregation We are blessed to be here. Consider our comforts. Do we take these for granted? Consider Laodicea - Revelation 3:15-17; Sardis - Revelation 3:1 Churches can become self-satisfied and complacent. Their blessings turn into a curse, unless they repent. We CANNOT let down our guard

14. Can blessings be a curse today? Technology Properly used enables us to do more. But how many use it for evil? Consider the past year or so what we have been able to do during this pandemic? Sadly, for many it has become a curse they no longer see the need to assemble, more casual approach, used to divide brethren, misplaced resources, etc.

15. Can blessings be a curse today? Returning to the world Once one becomes a Christian, they must remain faithful to God (cf. Revelation 2:10, 14:13, etc.) If we reject Him and return to the world it can be a curse the wrath of God (Hebrews 10:26-31, 2 Peter 2:20-22)

16. Turning curses to blessings Joseph Sold into slavery, but in time this results in the saving of his family. Note Genesis 50:19-20 When we overcome trials, it can be a blessing (James 1:2-4, Romans 5:1-4) Consider one facing God s wrath (a curse) who obeys the gospel and now they have hope (Ephesians 2:11-12)

17. God has blessed us abundantly. What are we doing with our blessings?

18. Let us pray!