Text: Numbers 22:19
By: Sanni, John
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INTRODUCTION
We have read about very many notable personalities in the Bible that fell.
Balaam’s tale is a sobering reminder that even the most respected and gifted among us can experience a fall from grace, plummeting from the heights of spiritual privilege to the depths of moral compromise.
As we explore the story of Balaam, we are forced to confront the uncomfortable truth that our greatest strengths can become our greatest weaknesses, and that the line between faithfulness and failure is often thinner than we think.
Today, we embark on a journey to examine the life of Balaam and the lessons we can learn from his tragic fall that we may avoid the pitfalls that led to his downfall and instead, walk in the light of God’s grace.
PHASE 1: THE GOOD – BALAAM’S CALLING AND PROPHETIC GIFT
Balaam’s Background
Balaam was a non-Israelite prophet from Pethor (Numbers 22:5).
He had a genuine connection with God and received divine revelations.
God Spoke to Balaam
Balaam had a direct line of communication with God (Numbers 22:9-12).
Balaam had a gift
Whoever he curses remain cursed and whoever he blesses remain blessed. Even those who do not know God acknowledged God’s gift in his life (Numbers 22:6).
PHASE 2: THE BAD – BALAAM’S COMPROMISE AND DECEPTION
The Temptation of Wealth and Honor
Balak, the king of Moab, offered Balaam riches and honor if he would curse Israel (Numbers 22:15-17).
Though Balaam claimed to obey God, he entertained the idea and sought a loophole.
Seeing the size of the material gift that Balaak had promised, he lost sight of the worth of God’s gift upon his life.
His heart already compromised even though his mouth did not Matthew 15:8.
God’s Permissive Will
Balaam insisted on going to Moab despite God’s warning. Eventually, God allowed it but was displeased (Numbers 22:20-22) – When we are bent on imposing our will on God, He steps aside and second our motion.
The Angel and the Talking Donkey
God sent an angel to oppose Balaam, and his donkey spoke to him, rebuking his stubbornness (Numbers 22:28-32).
He became so carried away that he wasn’t surprised that his donkey spoke.
May we not get so carried away by sin that we don’t notice relevant spiritual changes in our lives.
Against God, he used the Disturbance Strategy.
Against the Donkey, he used his whip.
Against the Angel he used emotional pretence.
God is never moved by emotions but by change of heart. 1 Samuel 16:7
Balaam’s Blessings Over Israel
Instead of cursing Israel, Balaam pronounced blessings upon them (Numbers 23:8-10, 19-24). If God is with His Children, no harm can ever befall them
Psalm 91:1-2, and 10 – “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust….No harm will overtake you; no disaster will come near your tent.”
Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
Many Christians do not fall immediately but through gradual compromise.
A love for money, status, or influence can lead believers to rationalize sinful actions. Parable of the gradual boiling frog.
PHASE 3: THE UGLY – BALAAM’S ULTIMATE DESTRUCTION
The Deceptive Advice
While Balaam could not curse Israel directly, he advised Balak to seduce the Israelites into idolatry and immorality-Numbers 24:14 (Numbers 31:16; Revelation 2:14).
This led to God’s judgment on Israel.
The Sin of Peor
Balaam’s counsel led to Israel’s sin with Moabite women and idol worship, bringing God’s wrath (Numbers 25:1-3). If at all you cannot win souls for God, do not be the reason souls are turning away from God.
Your Christian lifestyle might be what has kept others spiritually motivated secretly.
When you start deviating, it’s very easy for them to follow – 24,000 people died.
God’s Judgment on Israel
24,000 Israelites died due to their disobedience (Numbers 25:9).
A true soldier of Christ must always be at alert and beware of the diverse schemes of the enemies; blocking every loophole (Ephesians 6:11,12, Matthew 26:41)
Balaam’s Death
Despite his gift, Balaam sided with Israel’s enemies and was killed in battle (Numbers 31:8; Joshua 13:22).
A fall from grace often leads to destruction.
Even those who once knew God can perish if they turn from Him.
“Sin will take you further than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.” – Anonymous
CONCLUSION
Balaam’s story is a solemn warning against spiritual compromise.
He was a prophet who had divine encounters but allowed greed and selfish desires to lead him to destruction.
Today, Christians must remain steadfast in their faith, resisting influences that could cause them to fall from grace.
The Bible urges us to be vigilant, for even the seemingly small choices we make can determine our destiny (Mark 8:36)
Avail yourself the opportunity to start a true selfless relationship with God; not with your mouth but with your heart and you’ll never regret walking with God.
Present yourself for baptism, tomorrow might be too late.
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