Generational Curses 01

Introduction and Overview 

Much of this study is based on the CD series "Curses: Cause and Cure" by Derek Prince. The CD's are from a series of sermons Derek Prince gave circa 1978 somewhere in Florida. Although the original series was copyright in 1981, for me, it is relevant today where I am at in my life. Additional material provided by "Fasting for Breakthrough & Deliverance" by John Eckhardt. 

I noticed some things in my life that I just could not change. In discussing these situations with a pastor in Texas, my son-in-law, he shared with me the book "Fasting for Breakthrough & Deliverance." Then a family member suggested that our family may be under a generational curse and asked me to listen to the Derek Prince CD's. So I began to do a little reading and some research, to better help me organize my thoughts I wrote this paper.

  Definition

Blessings and curses are words, generally spoken, with some spiritual authority that set in motion consequences that may last for generations. There may be something in your life that is a result of the sins of a family member several generations back (emphasis mine.)

Exodus 20:5-6 NIV

You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, [6] but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Blessings and curses are the direct consequence of either obeying or not obeying God's voice. The one consistent requirement of God for His people, that we listen and obey, was true before the Law, under the Law, and under Grace. The requirement for Adam before the Law:

Genesis 2:15-17 NIV

The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. [16] And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; [17] but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die."

Under the Law given by Moses at Gerizim to Israel:

Deuteronomy 28:1-2 AMP

Now it shall be, if you diligently listen to and obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all of His commandments which I am commanding you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you pay attention to the voice of the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 28:15 AMP

But it shall come about, if you do not listen to and obey the voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments and His statutes which I am commanding you today, then all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:

 The Words of Jesus:

Luke 11:28 NIV

He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

When Jesus spoke in parables He often ended with "He who has ears, let him hear." The one consistent requirement of God, under any dispensation, is listening and obeying. If you don't listen how can you obey?