When Blessings Become A Curse

I. Our Many Blessings

1. The U.S. is one of the most prosperous nations that has ever existed
2. Our wealth compared to other nations
3. We often (rightly) thank God for our many blessings
4. We must be careful that our blessings do not become a curse

II. It was a problem with Israel of old

1. Warning to Israel
2. Instructions to teach when they get to the Promised Land, Deuteronomy 6:4-6
3. Warning against becoming complacent and falling way when they settled into the land and prospered, Deuteronomy 6:10-12
4. Despite the warnings, when the people settled into the land they became preoccupied with building up their own houses, accumulating wealth, and neglecting spiritual things
5. Haggai 1:2-11- Dwelling in paneled houses and the temple was in ruins
6. They were doing ok economically (dwelling in paneled houses)
7. God was withholding greater blessings from them (harvest small, etc)
8. They did not prosper because they drifted from God (tie to physical prosperity more direct during the OT)
9. They were busy about their own things and neglected God’s service
10. Some churches are not growing or becoming stronger because the members are too busy with their own houses and have neglected God’s house

A. During the time of Nehemiah, the priests neglected the temple to work in the fields because the people were not paying their tithes, Nehemiah 13:10-12

B. d