Balaam

Introduction

We are introduced to an interesting character in - Balaam

The children of Israel were on the move in the wilderness and had already defeated the Canaanites (), the Amorites (, ) and took over the land of Bashan ()

The children of Israel now are near the land of Moab and this greatly troubles their king, Balak ()

Evidently, Balak had heard of a man by the name of Balaam who had some ability to curse and bless and he sent for him ()

Balak sent the elders of Moab and Midian to Balaam with the “rewards of divination” ()

Vine’s states that “Divination was a pagan parallel to prophesying” (Vine’s (Vol. 1, p. 61))

This was strictly forbidden by God ()

Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W., Jr. (1996). Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (Vol. 1, p. 61). Nashville, TN: T. Nelson.

Witchcraft and divination were corrupted forms of God’s power and communication with man

Accept no substitutes!

Once the elders came to Balaam they told him what Balak requested and Balaam lodges them ()

Balaam was not keeping good company!

God calls Balaam out with a simple question “What men are these with thee?” ()

Obviously God knew who they were

This question was pointed at Balaam and reminds us that “evil companionships corrupt good morals” ( ASV)

When Satan comes a knocking do not answer the door!

God forbids Balaam to go with these men and to curse Israel for they were a blessed people ()

The Christ would come through Israel and bless all nations (, )

It is a blessing to be a Christian!

Question: Are you a Christian?

Balaam informs the princes of Balak that God refused to let him go with them and so the princes depart back to Balak and inform him ()

This reminds me of a child that asks their parents to spend the night at a friends house, they get told “no” and then they go back to their friend and say “my dad told me I can’t”

The desire is still there for the child but they have been restrained

Do we feel this way about God’s word?

I sure wish I could go to that party but God said...

I sure wish I could drink but God said...

I sure wish I did not have to give but God said...

I sure wish I could go to the dance but God said...

If we feel this way we have a serious heart problem! ()

Balak decides to sweeten the deal and sends even higher ranking officials and promises honor and whatever Balaam wanted if he would curse the Israelites ()

This is how Satan works!

If a little does not entice then how about a lot!

Remember Satan has three avenues in which he tempts: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life ()

Balaam bravely exclaims that even if Balak gave him “his house full of silver and gold” he could not go beyond the word of the LORD ()

Oh if everyone would make this proclamation and do it!

Sadly, riches choke out the word in too many people’s heart ()

A man’s life does not consist of material things ()

Question: Is your job keeping you from serving God with your whole heart?

If so, why? Why do you have that job? Is it for the pay? Is it for the benefits? It is worthless if it costs you your soul ()

Yeah but I am 5 years from retirement I can’t just quit! ()

A job’s purpose is so that you can feed yourself (), provide for your family (), provide for others in need () and to give to God (; )

It is not to take the place of serving God in our lives!

Though Balaam made a bold proclamation, he allowed the men to stay with him another night ()

It is apparent Balaam still had a desire to go with them

Indeed, we can talk a big game but in practice it can be difficult!

Talk the talk and walk the walk

The Wages Of Unrighteousness

Supposing gain is godliness

Going Against The Will Of God Is Insanity

Going Against The Will Of God Is Insanity

God’s Will Be Done

False Teachers Work Subtly

Conclusion