Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 11:26-29

Curses from the Mountain

Intro.

1. Curse: To invoke harm upon someone; Denounce, declare abhorrent; Opposite of a blessing (happy, fortunate).

2. Curses spoken from Mt. Ebal, Deut. 27:11-13 (26).

3. Jesus spoke blessings from a mountain, Matt. 5:1-12 (Beatitudes).

4. The opposite conditions bring curses.

5. Both the negative and the positive persuade us, Rom. 2:3-4; 11:22.

6. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of God (Heb. 10:31).

I. CURSES FROM THE MOUNTAIN, Matt. 5:3-12.

A. Cursed are the Arrogant and Self-Righteous: The Kingdom Does Not Belong to Them, 5:3.

1. Because they trust in themselves, not God, Lk. 18:9-14.

2. They are never crushed by own sins; “Whataboutism” gives these people confidence to break God’s will (2 Cor. 10:12).

3. God resists the proud and favors the humble, 1 Pet. 5:5-6.

B. Cursed are those Who Do Not Mourn: They Will Have No Comfort, 5:4.

1. No godly sorrow for their sins, 2 Cor. 7:9-10; Jas. 4:9-10.

2. Rich man showed no sorrow for his sins or regard for the suffering of others (Lazarus), Lk. 16:25.

C. Cursed are the Headstrong: They Forfeit Eternal Riches, 5:5 (Eph. 1:3).

1. Their covetousness and lack of compassion drives them to get ahead of others at all costs; Lose everything, Lk. 12:20-21; Matt. 16:26.

2. Meek advance righteousness, not self, cf. 1 Cor. 6:7-8.

D. Cursed are Those Who Crave the World: They Never Will Be Satisfied, 5:6; 1 Jno. 2:15-17.

1. An appetite for sin is never satisfied (filled).

2. Sin hardens the heart as it drives souls into the wilderness of sin, searching for contentment, yet finding none.

E. Cursed are the Unmerciful: They Will Not Obtain Mercy, 5:7.

1. Mercy: Compassionate good will, active kindness toward anyone in trouble, Lk. 6:36 (as our Father is merciful).

2. Judgment without mercy for the merciless, Jas. 2:13.

3. Heartless, cf. Col. 3:12-13.

F. Cursed are the Impure in Heart: They Will Not See God, 5:8.

1. These live in disobedience and do not obey truth from sincere love, 1 Pet. 1:22.

2. With unholy hearts, these vacillate (double-minded), content to live without the conviction of faith, 1 Pet. 1:13-16; Jas. 4:8.

G. Cursed are the Troublemakers: They are Sons of the Devil, 5:9.

1. Like Ahab, they trouble Israel and blame the righteous, 1 Kgs. 18:17-18.

a. False teachers, false brethren, 2 Pet.2:1-3; Gal. 2:4.

b. Enemies of the cross, Phil. 3:17-19; Rom. 16:18.

2. While truth divides, the troublemaker doesn’t seek unity in truth; this person takes “rule or ruin” approach (3 Jno. 9-10).

H. Cursed are the Persecutors: Theirs is the Kingdom of Hell, 5:10.

1. Fighting against God, they will be overthrown, Acts 5:39.

2. Hell will be inhabited by the faithless opponents of Christ, His gospel, and His people, Matt. 8:11-12.

I. Cursed are those Who Compromise to Escape Persecution: These Cowards Will Weep Eternally, 5:11-12.

1. These compromise truth to avoid pressure, Gal. 6:12.

2. Faithless cowards who betray the faithful condemn themselves, cf. Matt. 24:10 (10:36); Rev. 21:8.

Conclusion

1. Our God is a rich reservoir of blessings for the righteous, and a powerful source of punishment for the wicked.

2. God sets blessings and curses before us: Our choice, Deut. 11:26-28.

3. Bless, and you will be blessed; curse, and you will be cursed (Gal. 6:7-8).

By: Joe R. Price

Posted January 13, 2021