Part 1: The Power of Choice: Blessing or Curse?
Scriptural Text: Deuteronomy 28:1-9 & 15
In Deuteronomy 28, we find one of the clearest presentations of God’s covenant with His people: obedience leads to blessings, while disobedience leads to curses. The fundamental principle here is choice. The Word of God is clear — "if" you choose to obey, blessings will overtake you. If not, curses will follow.
1. The Significance of "If"
The word "if" in Scripture signals the importance of human responsibility in relation to divine promises. God sets the conditions, and our choices determine the outcomes. As Deuteronomy 28:1 states, “If you diligently listen to and obey the voice of the Lord your God...” This conditional aspect stresses that blessings are available, but they require our commitment.
In the same way, Isaiah 1:19 affirms, “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.” God's promises are sure, but we must be aligned with His will. Obedience is not a burden but an opportunity to experience God’s favor.
2. The Rewards of Obedience
Deuteronomy 28:1-9 outlines several blessings that follow obedience:
Blessings in every area of life:
You will be blessed in the city and in the field (v. 3). This symbolizes that regardless of where you are, God’s favor follows you.
Blessings on your family and livelihood:
Your children, livestock, and harvest will be blessed (v. 4). This includes the blessing of generational prosperity.
God’s protection: Your enemies will come one way and flee seven ways (v. 7). The Lord will not only bless your efforts but protect you from harm.
Divine favor in all your endeavors: God will command blessings on all your undertakings (v. 8).
This passage speaks to the completeness of God’s blessing when we align our hearts and lives with His commands. It affects your family, your work, your community, and even your future generations.
3. The Consequences of Disobedience
Conversely, Deuteronomy 28:15 serves as a stark warning: “If you do not listen and obey the voice of the Lord... then all these curses will come upon you and overtake you.” This is where the power of choice becomes even more significant. Failure to obey results in destruction, scarcity, and separation from God’s blessings.
Curses, in biblical terms, represent the consequences of rejecting God's order. To "curse" is not just punishment but the natural result of choosing self-will over God’s will. As Jesus states in Matthew 6:24, “No one can serve two masters.” You must choose — blessings come from serving God, and curses come from choosing anything else.
Part 2: Blessing Your Family Through Obedience
Scriptural Text: Joshua 24:15, Deuteronomy 28:4-6
1. The Family Legacy of Obedience
Joshua 24:15 is a declaration of intentional leadership: “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Every family must make a decision about who or what they will serve. As spiritual leaders, whether as fathers, mothers, or guardians, our decisions influence not only our personal lives but the spiritual destiny of our families.
Your decision to obey God or not doesn't just affect you. Deuteronomy 28:4 emphasizes that the “offspring of your body” will also be blessed. This includes your children, grandchildren, and all who come after you. In other words, your choices create a spiritual ripple effect.
2. Generational Blessings vs. Generational Curses
When we obey God, the blessings are not confined to the present moment; they extend through generations. Deuteronomy 7:9 states, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.”
However, if we choose disobedience, the opposite can occur. Exodus 20:5 warns that the iniquity of the fathers is visited upon the children to the third and fourth generation. Curses that follow disobedience may manifest as broken homes, spiritual disconnection, and even physical or emotional suffering.
3. The Power of Modeling Obedience
Parents, your example of obedience to God teaches your children more than words alone. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Your devotion, prayer life, and adherence to God's commandments are living testimonies to your family.
When you prioritize God, your family sees that life with God is the foundation of all blessings. Your decisions, sacrifices, and even how you handle trials shape the faith of your children. They witness what it looks like to trust God.
4. Practical Ways to Bless Your Family
Teach and live the Word: Regular Bible reading and family prayer foster an environment of spiritual growth.
Celebrate obedience: Encourage your family by celebrating moments of faithfulness to God.
Serve together: Engaging in acts of service as a family can build a legacy of faith.
Repent and realign: When you or your family strays, repentance is essential. It realigns you with God’s will and reopens the flow of blessings.
Part 3: Christ’s Redemption and the Power to Choose Life
Scriptural Text: Romans 10:9, Deuteronomy 30:19
1. Christ: The Fulfillment of Blessings
The blessings of Deuteronomy, while tied to obedience, are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. He is the ultimate blessing, the embodiment of all that God promises. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Christ broke the curse of sin and opened the door to eternal life.
Romans 10:9 outlines the decision required to receive this blessing: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Salvation is the greatest blessing and the foundation for all other blessings.
2. The Choice Between Life and Death
In Deuteronomy 30:19, God presents the ultimate choice: “I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live.” The choice to follow Christ is a choice between life and death, not just for you but for your family.
Salvation, as presented in Romans 10:9, requires an act of faith, a decision that is both personal and communal. Accepting Christ not only changes your eternal destination but transforms your present reality. The curse of sin is lifted, and the abundant life that Jesus promised in John 10:10 is made available.
3. The Ripple Effect of Salvation
Just as decisions for disobedience carry generational consequences, so does the decision for salvation. When you choose Christ, you set in motion blessings for your family. You establish a new spiritual legacy rooted in the redemptive work of Jesus. No longer bound by the curse of sin, your family can live in the fullness of God’s promise.
4. Daily Choosing Christ
Following Christ is a daily decision. In the same way we are called to obedience in Deuteronomy 28, we must choose each day to follow the path that leads to life. This requires faith, dedication, and a heart that is constantly aligned with God’s will.
"The Weight of Influence: Guiding Your Family Toward Promise or Pain?"
Scripture Reference: Genesis 24–27 (Rebekah’s Story
I. Introduction: The Power of Influence in the Family
Another word for curse: Consequence, negative outcomes, chain reaction, influence, impact.
Issac prayed for Rebekah’s infertility and God answered his prayer with the birth of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:21 AMP) Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was unable to conceive children; and the LORD granted his prayer and Rebekah his wife conceived [twins].
Rebekah’s story in Genesis 24–27
Illustrates how disobedience and manipulation can bring about curse-like consequences. Her favoritism toward Jacob and deceptive actions to secure his blessing, despite God's plan for Jacob’s rise, led to family strife, division, and long-term estrangement. Esau’s hatred and Jacob's exile reflect the painful outcomes of her interference.
Genesis 24:58-61:
Rebekah’s humble response when called to be Isaac’s wife.So they called Rebekah and asked her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ ‘I will go,’ she said... So the servant took Rebekah and left.
Genesis 25:23 AMP
"The LORD said to her, '[The founders of] two nations are in your womb; And the separation of two nations has begun in your body; The one people shall be stronger than the other; And the older shall serve the younger'"
(The prophecy is fulfilled in the following verses, when Rebekah gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob. Esau is firstborn, red and hairy, and becomes a hunter who is favored by his father. Jacob is the secondborn, quiet, and stays at home, and is favored by his mother.)
II. Rebekah’s Early Faith and God’s Promise (Genesis 24)
Genesis 24:64-65:
Rebekah’s modesty and respect when meeting Isaac.Rebekah also looked up and saw Isaac. She got down from her camel and asked the servant, ‘Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?’ ‘He is my master,’ the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself.
Genesis 24:67:
Rebekah and Isaac’s marriage as part of God’s greater plan.Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
III. The Birth of Jacob and Esau: A Blessing in Childlessness (Genesis 25:21-23)
Genesis 25:21:
Isaac prays for Rebekah’s barrenness, and God answers.Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.
Genesis 25:22-23:
God’s prophecy of the future conflict between Jacob and Esau.The babies jostled each other within her, and she said, ‘Why is this happening to me?’ So she went to inquire of the Lord. The Lord said to her, ‘Two nations are in your womb... and the older will serve the younger.’
IV. Rebekah’s Favoritism and Manipulation: Guiding or Controlling? (Genesis 27)
Genesis 27:5-10:
Rebekah overhears Isaac and plots to deceive him.Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau... Rebekah said to her son Jacob, ‘Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau... Bring me game and prepare me some tasty food... so that I may give you my blessing... Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you.’
Genesis 27:18-19:
Jacob deceives Isaac under Rebekah’s instruction.Genesis 27: 18-19 AMP So he went to his father and said, “My father.” And Isaac said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau your firstborn; I have done what you told me to do. Now please, sit up and eat some of my game, so that you may bless me.”
V. The Consequences of Influence: Conflict and Estrangement (Genesis 27:41-45)
Genesis 27:41:
Esau’s hatred toward Jacob after the deception.Esau held a grudge against Jacob because of the blessing his father had given him. He said to himself, ‘The days of mourning for my father are near; then I will kill my brother Jacob.’
Genesis 27:42-45:
Rebekah’s plan backfires as Jacob is forced to flee.When Rebekah was told what her older son Esau had said, she sent for her younger son Jacob and said to him, ‘Your brother Esau is planning to avenge himself by killing you. Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Haran.’
VI. Rebekah’s Legacy: Promise and Pain
Genesis 49:31:
Burial of Isaac and Rebekah in the Cave of the Patriarchs (implied).There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah.
VII. Application: Steering Your Family Toward Promise
Proverbs 3:5-6:
Trust in God’s guidance, not our own understanding.Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Ephesians 6:4:
The responsibility of parents in guiding their children.Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
VIII. Conclusion: Steering Toward Promise, Avoiding Pain
Avoiding a curse, as illustrated in Rebekah's story, involves understanding and adhering to biblical principles of integrity, trust, and obedience to God’s will. Here are several key strategies drawn from her narrative:
1. Embrace God’s Plan
Trust in God's Timing:
Rebekah acted out of fear and impatience when she deceived Isaac to secure the blessing for Jacob. Instead, waiting for God to fulfill His promise would have prevented the ensuing conflict.
Scripture Reference:
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
2. Avoid Favoritism
Treat All Family Members Equally:
Rebekah’s favoritism toward Jacob created a rift with Esau. By valuing each child equally and fostering a spirit of unity, families can avoid jealousy and conflict.
Scripture Reference:
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” (Proverbs 14:30)
3. Practice Honesty and Integrity
Value Truthfulness:
Rebekah’s manipulation and deceit brought significant pain to her family. Choosing honesty, even when it's difficult, can prevent harmful consequences.
Scripture Reference: “The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” (Proverbs 12:22)
4. Seek God’s Guidance
Pray for Wisdom:
Before making significant decisions, Rebekah could have sought God’s wisdom rather than relying on her understanding. Prayer can provide clarity and direction.
Scripture Reference:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5)
Conclusion
By embracing key principles of trust, unity, and divine guidance, individuals and families can avoid the mistakes seen in Rebekah's story and foster a supportive environment. Rebekah's lack of reverence and respect for her husband, along with her favoritism towards her sons, led to rivalry, deceit, and conflict (Genesis 25:28 AMP). Even with good intentions, her actions were misguided. Ultimately, she faced the painful consequence of spending her final years separated from the son she loved, highlighting that misguided motives can lead to significant relational fallout. Aligning our actions with respect and God’s will is essential for family harmony.
Sermon Title: One Sound, One Word, One Family: Uniting The Path to A Blessing or A Curse"
Sermon Theme: Are you setting your family up for a blessing or curse? Part 3
Introduction: In our lives, we often hear about individual success and personal achievements, but in the context of family, success is never just about one person. Families are designed by God to function as a unit, working together to fulfill His divine plan. The Bible is full of examples where families and partnerships working in unity accomplished great things. In contrast, discord and division led to disastrous outcomes.
Today, I want us to reflect on this powerful truth: Is your family moving toward a blessing or a curse? Are you creating an environment of unity, love, and cooperation, or is there discord and division pulling you apart?
Let’s look to God’s Word for guidance on how we can ensure that our families are set up for a blessing through unity and partnership.
Point 1: Unity Brings God's Favor – The Power of Agreement
Scripture: Amos 3:3 - "Can two walk together unless they are agreed?"
When there is unity in a family or partnership, it allows God’s favor to flow. Unity is the foundation of teamwork, and it is essential for a family that desires God’s blessing. Amos 3:3 asks the question, "Can two walk together unless they are agreed?" The answer is no. Agreement and harmony create an environment where God’s presence dwells and His favor rests upon that family.
Consider the example of Noah and his family (Genesis 6-9). God gave Noah instructions to build an ark to save his family from the flood. Noah could not have accomplished this alone. His family had to come together in unity to complete the task. It was their cooperation and shared vision that allowed them to be saved and receive God’s blessing.
In your family, are you walking in agreement? Are you working together toward common goals, or are you pulling in different directions? Remember, unity brings God's favor. Division leads to confusion and ultimately to a curse.
Point 2: The Blessing of Cooperation – The Story of Priscilla and Aquila
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:9 - "Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their labor."
Cooperation- Collaboration between people who assist each other in achieving common goals.
Partnership with cooperation is a major theme that is taught in the Bible.
In the story of Priscilla and Aquila in the bible Priscilla and Aquila became two of Paul's most valued associates, who even “risked their necks for my life,” according to Paul's testimony in Romans 16:3‒4. They are highly esteemed co-workers of the Apostle Paul in teaching the gospel to the early church.
In Ecclesiastes, we are reminded that two are better than one because they can accomplish more together.
In marriage or any partnership, when two people work together, they can achieve far more than they could individually. This is a principle that extends to families.
One of the best examples of this in the New Testament is the husband and wife team, Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18). They worked together as tent makers, but more importantly, they were ministry partners.
Their cooperation not only strengthened their family but also helped to spread the gospel. Together, they were able to mentor and disciple the powerful preacher, Apollos, helping him to grow in his understanding of the Word.
Families today can take a lesson from Priscilla and Aquila.
Cooperation within the family unit brings productivity and blessings. Are you partnering with your spouse, your children, or even your siblings in a way that builds each other up?
Or are there areas where competition and strife are tearing you apart? Remember, cooperation brings blessings.
Point 3: A House Divided Cannot Stand – The Warning of Division
Scripture: Mark 3:25 - "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand."
Jesus Himself warned us about the dangers of division. In Mark 3:25, He said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” Division within a family leads to instability, dysfunction, and ultimately failure. Just as a house built on shaky ground will collapse, so will a family that is filled with strife and division.
Look at the tragic story of Jacob’s family (Genesis 37). His sons were filled with jealousy and hatred toward their brother Joseph. That division caused Joseph to be sold into slavery, leading to years of pain and suffering for the entire family. It was only when they were reunited and reconciled that the family was able to experience healing and , choose unity, and watch God restore and bless your family.
blessing.
If your family is experiencing division, it’s time to make a change. It’s time to forgive, reconcile, and rebuild. Don’t let division lead your family down a path of curse. Instead
Point 4: The Blessing of Unity – The Promise of Psalm 133 Unity-a state of oneness, harmony, and love among believers in Jesus Christ.
Scripture: Psalm 133:1 - AMP
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133 paints a beautiful picture of the blessings that flow from unity. The psalmist describes how God’s blessing is poured out on those who live together in harmony. This is not just about the absence of conflict; it’s about working together in love and purpose. When families dwell in unity, God commands a blessing.
One of the greatest examples of this is Joshua and the Israelites as they conquered the Promised Land (Joshua 6). When the Israelites obeyed God’s command and marched around the walls of Jericho in unity, the walls fell.
Their collective obedience and unity brought about a supernatural victory.
Your family can experience this kind of breakthrough as well. When you choose to come together, putting aside differences, and focusing on God’s will for your family, the blessings will flow. Unity is a magnet for God’s favor.
Conclusion: Unity is a Choice, Blessing is the Result
As we reflect on these biblical examples, it becomes clear that unity in families and partnerships is not just a nice idea—it is essential for experiencing God’s blessing. The choice is yours: Will you build your family on the foundation of unity, or will you allow the division to set you on a path toward destruction?
Unity requires intentionality. It requires communication, forgiveness, and mutual respect. But the rewards are great. When your family is united, you create an atmosphere where God’s blessing can flow freely. But division invites confusion and chaos, leading to a curse.
Take a moment to examine your family. Are you setting them up for a blessing or a curse? What areas need healing and restoration? What steps can you take today to move toward unity?
Sermon Series Conclusion: Part 4
Title: "Legacy: A Family's Future is Written Today"
Theme: Vision
Introduction
In this final part of our series, we will tie together everything we’ve learned about choice, influence, unity, and now, legacy. Today’s message focuses on how the decisions we make, our influence, and the unity we foster in our families shape the legacy we leave behind for generations to come. Every family is writing a story—whether of blessing or curse depends on how we live today.
Summing Up the Series
Part 1: "The Power of Choice" reminded us that every decision we make impacts our family’s future.
Part 2: "The Weight of Influence" taught us that our influence shapes our family's spiritual direction.
Part 3: "One Sound, One Word, One Family" emphasized the importance of unity in bringing God's blessings into our homes.
Part 4: "Legacy: A Family's Future is Written Today" shows us that without vision, our efforts may lack direction. Vision unites our choices, influence, and unity into a powerful legacy that can span generations.
Part 4: "Legacy: A Family's Future is Written Today"
(With Focus on Vision: Essential to God and Family)
Key Scripture: Proverbs 13:22 – “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”Additional Scripture: Proverbs 29:18 – "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (KJV)
1. Understanding Legacy and Vision
Defining Legacy: A legacy is more than material wealth; it’s the spiritual, moral, and relational foundation we leave behind. Our legacy impacts generations—our children’s children.
Defining Vision: Vision is the God-given direction and purpose that guides our lives and our families. Without vision, people lose direction, become aimless, and fall into destructive paths.
Vision as an Anchor: Just as God gave vision to biblical figures like Abraham, Moses, and Nehemiah, He also wants to impart a vision for our families. That vision serves as a road map, guiding us through decisions and challenges.
2. The Importance of Vision in Family Life
Vision from God: The Key to Blessing
Scripture Support: Habakkuk 2:2 – “Write the vision, and make it plain… that he may run who reads it.”
Application: Vision brings clarity and purpose. For a family to experience blessing, there must be a clear understanding of where God is leading. A family without a God-given vision will struggle to stay unified or thrive spiritually.
Illustration: Consider Noah, who received a vision from God to build an ark. He was obedient to that vision, and as a result, his entire family was saved from destruction. Without that vision, Noah’s family would have perished.
How Vision Shapes Family Decisions
Proverbs 29:18 says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Vision helps families make decisions that align with God’s purpose. It provides direction, helping family members avoid distractions that could lead to curses rather than blessings.
Practical Example: Imagine a family who sets a vision of raising their children to know and love Christ. That vision shapes how they spend time together, what they prioritize (prayer, worship, service), and even how they navigate challenges. When the going gets tough, the vision serves as a reminder of God’s purpose, keeping them from drifting into division or worldly influences.
3. Passing Down a Vision of Faith
Leaving a Vision as Part of Your Legacy
Vision isn’t just for one generation; it should be passed down as part of the legacy we leave for future generations.
Illustration: Abraham's vision from God didn't end with him—it continued through Isaac and Jacob, shaping the course of their lives and the history of Israel. Similarly, the vision we receive from God for our families should guide not just our generation but the ones that follow.
Scripture Support: Genesis 17:7 – "I will establish my covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come."
Practical Ways to Pass Down Vision
Teach Your Children: Explicitly communicate the vision God has given your family. Talk about it regularly during family prayers and devotions.
Model Visionary Living: Children learn by watching. Live out the family vision by demonstrating faith, obedience, love, and sacrifice.
Write It Down: Habakkuk 2:2 encourages us to write down the vision. Consider creating a family mission statement or a set of family values that reflects God’s vision for your household.
4. Vision Protects Against Division and Confusion
Unity Around a Common Goal
Families that share a God-centered vision are less prone to internal division and chaos. When everyone knows the vision, each family member can contribute to making it a reality.
Scripture Support: Amos 3:3 – “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”
Application: A family without a unified vision is susceptible to being torn apart by differing priorities, distractions, or external pressures. But when the family is unified around God’s vision, they stand strong, even in the face of adversity.
Vision as Protection Against the Enemy
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual powers of darkness. The enemy seeks to disrupt families by sowing confusion, distraction, and division.
A family with vision is like a house built on a solid foundation (Matthew 7:24-25). The storms of life may come, but the house remains standing because it is grounded in the clear direction and purpose given by God.
Conclusion: The Power of Vision in Building a Legacy
Throughout this series, we've discussed the importance of choices, influence, and unity in setting your family up for a blessing or a curse. Today, we add the final and crucial piece to the puzzle: vision. A family without vision is like a ship without a rudder—adrift and vulnerable to the tides of life.
As we reflect on this series, remember that vision is key to leaving a legacy that brings blessings rather than curses. Vision brings clarity, unity, and direction. It is the foundation upon which families can build a future that honors God and leaves a spiritual inheritance for generations to come.
God desires that each family carry out His vision, ensuring that the legacy we leave is one of blessing, not curse. What is your family’s vision? Are you writing a legacy that glorifies God?
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