Scripture Reading: Leviticus 26:3–7, 14–18
Introduction
A. God promised to bless Israel if they would be faithful to Him and to curse them if they forsook Him.
B. God always kept His promises, and He always will.
Discussion
I. God promised to bless them if they were obedient.
A. This would apply to their harvest (Leviticus 26:3–5).
B. It would apply to their enemy relations (Leviticus 26:6–8).
C. These blessings would reach future generations (Exodus 20:5–6).
II. God always kept His word to Israel.
A. When they did right, God blessed them (Joshua 21:43–45).
B. When they forsook Him, He corrected them (1 Samuel 15:23).
C. God sent prophets to warn them of the consequences of rebellions (2 Chronicles 16:7–10; 25:14–16; Jeremiah 7:13–15; Ezekiel 5:11–17).
D. When they refused to repent, God had no choice but to destroy them (Amos 4:7–12; Jeremiah 25:29; Matthew 23:37–38).
III. God promises to bless us if we are faithful.
A. We enjoy peace and joy that surpass human understanding (Philippians 4:7; 1 Peter 3:14–15; Acts 16:25).
B. We are blessed with the knowledge that we will live forever with God (1 Thessalonians 4:17–18; Revelation 2:10).
IV. Curses belong to those who are unfaithful.
A. All of God’s blessings require that we be faithful to Him (John 8:31–32; Romans 11:20–22).
B. If we forsake Him, it would have been better never to have found Him (2 Peter 2:20–21; Hebrews 6:4–6).
Conclusion
A. When God blesses us, may we never allow our prosperity to become our ruin (Hosea 10:1; 13:6; Amos 8:5)!
B. You have before you today a blessing and a curse (Deuteronomy 30:19). Which will you choose?