How can we avoid the "curse" mentioned in Deuteronomy 11:28 today? The context of Deuteronomy 11:28 “ ‘…and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the LORD your God, but turn aside from the way I command you today by following other gods you have not known.’ ” Why a curse still matters today • God’s moral standards do not change (Malachi 3:6) • Blessing or curse flows from our response to His revealed will (Deuteronomy 30:19) • The curse represents tangible, negative consequences—now and eternally—for rebellion (Romans 6:23) Christ breaks the curse, yet calls for obedience • “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law…” (Galatians 3:13) • Redemption does not nullify the call to obey; it empowers it (Titus 2:11-14) • Love-driven obedience proves genuine faith (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6) Practical ways to avoid the curse today 1. Continual trust in Christ • Receive His atoning work by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9) • Abide daily in Him—the true Vine (John 15:4-5) 2. Whole-hearted obedience to God’s commands • Let Scripture set the agenda (Psalm 119:105) • Resist selective obedience; embrace the “whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27) 3. Guard the heart against modern idolatry • Identify anything treasured above God—career, money, pleasure, relationships (Colossians 3:5) • Replace rivals with fervent worship and gratitude (Psalm 16:11) 4. Keep short accounts through repentance • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9) • Turn decisively; do not linger in compromise (Proverbs 28:13) 5. Cultivate a lifestyle of hearing and doing • Daily meditation, not mere reading (Joshua 1:8) • Apply the Word immediately—“doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:22-25) 6. Fellowship with obedient believers • Mutual exhortation guards against hardening (Hebrews 3:12-13) • Corporate worship fuels perseverance (Hebrews 10:24-25) 7. Depend on the Spirit’s power • Walk by the Spirit to silence fleshly desires (Galatians 5:16) • Seek His fullness continually (Ephesians 5:18) The blessing of choosing life • God delights to bless obedient children (Deuteronomy 28:1-2) • Obedience leads to peace, fruitfulness, and eternal reward (John 15:10-11; Revelation 22:14) Choose faith-filled obedience today, and the curse loses all claim. |
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