1. powerpoint presentation designed by claro ruiz vicente http://clarovicente.weebly.com Adult Bible Study Guide Oct Nov Dec 2009 Adult Bible Study Guide Oct Nov Dec 2009

2. Dear User … This PowerPoint Show is freely shared to all who may find it beneficial. While intended primarily for personal use, some find it useful for teaching the lesson in church. There are those, however, who add illustrations, change background, adjust font size, etc. While their intention may be good, this is not right. Slide #1 says “designed by claro ruiz vicente.” For honest Christians, it is not necessary for another’s creation to be copyrighted in order to be respected. PLEASE USE AS IS. The Book of Numbers An Appeal

3. Reinder Bruinsma Principal Contributor

4. People on the Move: The Book of Numbers Contents Chapters 1. A New Order 1–4 2. Preparing a People 5, 6 3. Worship and Dedication 7, 8 4. Trumpets, Blood, Cloud, and Fire 9, 10 5. From Complaints to Apostasy 11–14 6. Planning Ahead 15 7. Power Struggle 16, 17 8. Priests and Levites 9, 18, 19 9. The Sin of Moses and Aaron 20, 21 10. The “Madness” of the Prophet 22–24 11. Immorality on the Border 25, 31 12. The Second Generation: Admonitions 26–32 13. Cities of Refuge 33–36

5. People on the Move: The Book of Numbers Our Goal {181} AS A people on the move, as a people seeking to reach the Promised Land, as a people called out by God, we could learn from the book of Numbers. The most important lesson is that God will fulfill His promises.

6. People on the Move: The Book of Numbers Lesson 10, December 5 People on the Move: The Book of Numbers Lesson 10, December 5

7. The “Madness” of the Prophet Key Text 1 Timothy 6:10 NKJV “FOR THE love of money is the root of all kinds of evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

8. The “Madness” of the Prophet Initial Words {300} BALAAM’S ENCOUNTER with the Lord can be seen as another example of how sin, if not wrestled with through the power of God, can lead us into paths of destruction. It was the madness of someone who was so swept up into covetousness that he was ready to do what Balak asked, and all for money, regardless of how wrong it was.

9. The “Madness” of the Prophet Quick Look 1. BALAK: Fearful and Deluded (Numbers 22:5, 6) 2. BALAAM: Apostatized and Covetous (Numbers 22:12) 3. JESUS: Star and Scepter (Numbers 24:17)

10. The “Madness” of the Prophet 1. Balak: Fearful and Deluded Numbers 22:2, 5, 6 NKJV “NOW BALAK … sent messengers to Balaam…. ‘Please come … curse this people before me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.’ ”

11. 1.Balak: Fearful and Deluded King of Moab {301} EVEN THOUGH the nation had not made any threats against them and wasn’t intending to invade, Balak understandably, was nervous. Just look what they have done to King Og of Bashan and to King Sihon of the Amorites. Not to mention what they had done to the Caananites.

12. 1.Balak: Fearful and Deluded King of Moab {301} It’s kind of ironic that Balak, facing what he believed to be an insurmountable foe, would seek out a prophet of the God of the very people he wanted cursed and defeated. How much do you really seek to depend upon God and how much do you trust in yourself, your money, your job, your talents?

13. The “Madness” of the Prophet 2. Balaam: Apostatized and Covetous Numbers 22:12 NKJV “AND GOD said to Balaam, ‘You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people for they are blessed.’ ”

14. 2. Balaam: Apostatized and Covetous Patriarchs and Prophets 439 {303} “BALAAM WAS once a good man and a prophet of God, but he had apostatized, and had given himself up to covetousness, yet he still professed to be a servant of the Most High. He was not ignorant of God’s work in behalf of Israel.”

15. 2. Balaam: Apostatized and Covetous Dallying With Temptation {303} Balaam had urged the messengers to tarry with him that night, declaring that he would give no decided answer till he had asked counsel to the Lord. He really didn’t need to ask the Lord; perhaps He did so hoping there would be another answer. By having them linger, he opened himself up to temptation.

16. 2. Balaam: Apostatized and Covetous Unnatural Confrontation {305} Despite all Balaam’s outward profession of fidelity, the Lord knew what was going on in the man’s heart and responded to it. Balaam was a man who had a special connection with the Lord. After all, the Lord still was speaking with him in an intimate manner. And yet, even with this connection, Balaam determined to do what he wanted.

17. Numbers 24:17 NKJV “ I SEE Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; Jacob; A Star shall come out of Jacob; Israel, A Scepter shall rise out of Israel, And batter the brow of Moab, And destroy all the sons of tumult.” The “Madness” of the Prophet 3. Jesus: Star and Scepter

18. Messianic Prediction {309} THE IMAGE of a scepter (power) and a star (light) both are apt symbols of Jesus. Jesus is the Light of the world and the rightful Owner of it, and no matter what humans’ plans are, in the end the whole world will see Him prevail.

19. “Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my end be like his!” (Numbers 23:10 NKJV) None of us are righteous; none of us live or die in and of ourselves with enough righteousness to deliver us from the grave. Only the righteousness of Jesus can, which is credited to us by faith. 3. Jesus: Star and Scepter Messianic Prediction {307}

20. The “Madness” of the Prophet Final Words {311} THE ACCOUNT of Balaam’s attempt to curse Israel in return for riches and honor brings into the open his inordinate greed and covetousness. The tenth commandment warns us away from this sinful human trait. None of us is immune to this, or to any other sin, which if not overcome can lead to our final ruin.