Study Guide for “Once a Curse but Now a Blessing”

Introduction

In this powerful sermon, Rev. C. H. Spurgeon reflects on the transformation from being a curse to becoming a blessing, as illustrated in Zechariah 8:13. He emphasizes the historical suffering of the Jewish people and the promise of their restoration, while also drawing parallels to the spiritual condition of unconverted individuals. Spurgeon encourages listeners to recognize their need for salvation through Christ, who alone can turn their lives from a curse into a blessing.

Discussion Questions

  1. Understanding the Context: How does the historical context of the Jewish people as described in the sermon inform your understanding of God’s promises to them? What does this mean for us today?

  2. Personal Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the transformation from being a curse to a blessing in your own life? Can you identify specific moments or influences that contributed to this change?

  3. The Role of the Church: Spurgeon mentions the indifference of the Christian church towards the Jewish people. How can the modern church better support and pray for the Jewish community and their recognition of Christ?

  4. The Nature of Sin: Reflect on Spurgeon’s assertion that unconverted individuals contribute to the evil in the world. How does this perspective challenge or affirm your view of sin and its impact on society?

  5. The Power of Conversion: Spurgeon emphasizes that conversion is a work of God, not of human effort. How does this understanding of grace affect your approach to sharing the Gospel with others?

  6. Encouragement in Faith: The sermon concludes with a call to “let your hands be strong” and “fear not.” What fears or doubts do you struggle with in your faith journey, and how can you apply Spurgeon’s encouragement to overcome them?

  7. Practical Application: What steps can you take this week to be a blessing to those around you, reflecting the transformation that Christ has made in your life?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart that longs for transformation. I acknowledge the times I have been a curse to myself and others through my actions and words. Thank You for the promise that through Christ, I can be made a blessing. Help me to grasp hold of Your grace and to trust in Your power to change me. May Your Spirit work within me to reflect Your love and truth in my life. Strengthen my hands to serve others and to share the hope of salvation with those who are lost. I pray for the Jewish community and ask that You would draw them to Yourself, revealing the truth of Jesus as their Messiah. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

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