One Person Can Do Much Good Or Much Harm To The People Of God Adam and Jesus Christ – Romans 5:15 Need to build up every member The greatest threat to God’s people always comes from within

The Curse Of Balaam Jude 3,4,11,12

Balaam Was At One Time A Faithful Prophet Of God He is called a prophet – 2 Peter 2:15,16 He was a Gentile who lived in Pethor in Mesopotamia – Deuteronomy 23:4 He is also called a “soothsayer” – Joshua 13:22 I believe he was a prophet who God spoke to, who later became a soothsayer

Balaam Was At One Time A Faithful Prophet Of God He pointed out that a real prophet could only speak what God gave him – Numbers 22:18, 38 He also clearly recognized the folly of fighting God – Numbers 23:8 He taught that God is not like man or subject to him! - Numbers 23:19,20 He knew to worship God and offer sacrifices to Him – Numbers 23:1,2

Balaam As A Prophet Could Lose Control Of His Heart Balaam has similarities to Judas Judas had a hidden sin that started in his heart and grew into actions – John 12:4-6 The Corinthians who had spiritual gifts were so warned – 1 Corinthians 14:32 Paul set example & urged Timothy to do so- 1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Timothy 2:20- 22

Balaam Lost His Heart God allows His people to be tested Purpose is to expose the heart & help one draw closer to God The Faithful Christian will fail some test with the goal that eyes may be opened to real repentance Peter had failures – Luke 22:31,32

Balaam Was Called Upon Be A King Who Offered Great Riches Numbers 22:5-7 Balaam’s reputation came from God – Balak did not know God Elijah was clear that God’s prophets were not for hire – 2 Kings 5:15,16 There was a great conflict in Balaam’s heart A clear stand will keep one away from temptation

Balaam Would Not Be Satisfied With God’s Response Numbers 22:12-19 God’s word is rarely hard to understand Some are like children who will not take “NO” for an answer First outward step away from God is when Balaam wanted to know “what more the Lord will say to me.”

Balaam Lost His Head God’s anger was kindled God in His mercy attempts to turn the heart of Balaam He is caught up in a passionate obsession Obsession cannot see the future – Hebrews 12:16,17

Balaam Shows The Characteristics Of “Madness” His donkey speaks to him and he is unfazed – Numbers 22:27-30 God then “opened Balaam’s eyes” to see the angel of the Lord with a drawn sword – Numbers 22:31-34 There was a reason God told him not to go! The idols of the heart must be destroyed – Ezekiel 14:1-4

God’s People Were Cursed By Balaam Those among God’s people can do great damage We read about how Israel cursed itself- Numbers 25:1-3 Balaam found a way to get his money- Numbers 31:16; Deuteronomy 23:4,5 Balaam knew how to attack God’s people and sold himself to God’s enemies for money

The Doctrine Of Balaam Must Be Defeated In The Church! Revelation 2:14-17 Instead of money there can be other worldly allures Those who are dissatisfied with Bible Authority, stir the passions for the unstable – Romans 16:17,18 Do not neglect to accept a “thus say the Lord!” – Acts 20:30,31

Let Us Destroy All Idols! 1 John 5:21 NKJV 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen. Colossians 3:5 NKJV 5 Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.