The Way Of Balaam

Examining The Dangers Of Disobeying God

The Way Of Balaam It Begins With Rebellion Num 22:5-22a 2 Pet 2:15 We do not know how Balaam came to know Jehovah We do know what happened through his efforts….both good & bad

The Way Of Balaam It Begins With Rebellion Num 22:5-22a 2 Pet 2:15 Good His attitude expressed in v. 8 His attitude expressed in vv. 13, 18a Bad His actions vv. 18b-19, 22 cp. 2 Pet 2:15

The Way Of Balaam It Is Fraught With Stumbling Blocks Num 31:16 Rev 2:14 For Israel Once Balaam made up his mind, it became irrelevant as to what would happen to Israel One thing he knew…he couldn’t curse her But he knew another way to make her “disfavored” before God

The Way Of Balaam It Is Fraught With Stumbling Blocks Num 31:16 Rev 2:14 For Balaam Greed caused him to stumble from his “professed allegiance” to only speak what God said Stumbling blocks = dangerous Mt 18:6-9

The Way Of Balaam It Ends With Death Num 25:9 31:8 This “way” takes one away from God…it only invites His wrath 25:9 Israel knew what God had said Ex 20 They perished because of disobedience The greed that motivated Balaam could not protect him either 31:8 cp. 22:12

The Way Of Balaam Application The “Way Of Balaam” is subtly dangerous Balak’s issue Ù feared Israel; wanted her cursed so he could defeat her His problem Ù Israel was Divinely protected However, Balaam’s cleverness gave him another option…corrupt Israel so that God would do what Balak could not

The Way Of Balaam Application The “Way Of Balaam” is subtly dangerous Balak’s game plan has now changed He no longer is “Israel’s enemy” He becomes “Israel’s friend” This is what Satan does best…deceive God’s people into harmful situations

The Way Of Balaam Application Yes, Satan has his “fiery darts” Eph 6:16 But, he also has “guile” as a weapon that is just as effective, destructive Eph 6:11 2 Cor 2:11 11:14 He doesn’t have to “conquer us” to win All he has to do is “befriend us”

The Way Of Balaam Application If we return Satan’s “friendship”…we estrange ourselves from God Thus, the Scripture’s warnings Jn 15: :14-16 Jas 4:4 1 Jn 2:15-17

The Way Of Balaam Conclusion To “would-be-Balaams”… We must always be content with what God has said Evil desires (greed) easily ensnare us away from our stated intentions

The Way Of Balaam Conclusion To “would-be-Israels”… We don’t have to be conquered to fall out of favor with God Satan has his “Balaams” ready to coerce us into “worldly friendships” that will lead us away from God 1 Cor 15:33

The Way Of Balaam