God's Sovereignty: Lessons from Balaam's Story
Summary
In today's message, we explored the story of Balaam, a false prophet hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Despite Balaam's intentions and his reputation as a spiritist who could manipulate dark forces, God used him to fulfill His divine purpose. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use even those who oppose Him to accomplish His will. Balaam's story is a testament to the fact that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes or spiritual manipulation.
We are reminded to be vigilant against false prophets in our own time, ensuring that our faith and trust are placed solely in God and His Word. The story of Balaam also highlights the futility of trying to manipulate God for personal gain, as seen in Balaam's desire for wealth. Instead, we are called to trust in God's promises and His faithfulness, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
Furthermore, the narrative draws a parallel with the New Testament account of Simon the sorcerer, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit cannot be used for personal benefit but is a gift from God for spiritual growth. As believers, we are grafted into the spiritual lineage of Israel, sharing in the blessings and promises God made to His people. This connection calls us to remain grounded in God's Word, to love one another, and to share the gospel with both believers and non-believers alike.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Sovereignty Over Human Intentions: Balaam's story illustrates that no matter the intentions of individuals or spiritual forces, God's plans will prevail. Even when hired to curse Israel, Balaam could only speak blessings, demonstrating that God's will cannot be thwarted by human or spiritual manipulation. [16:21]
- Vigilance Against False Prophets: In our modern world, false prophets abound, preaching a gospel devoid of power. We must be discerning, ensuring that our faith is rooted in the truth of God's Word and not swayed by those who seek personal gain through spiritual deception. [21:37]
- The Futility of Manipulating God: Balaam's desire for wealth led him to attempt to manipulate God, but he ultimately became an instrument of God's blessing. This serves as a reminder that God's purposes cannot be manipulated for personal gain, and true blessings come from obedience and faithfulness. [23:39]
- Our Spiritual Inheritance: As believers, we are grafted into the spiritual lineage of Israel, sharing in the promises and blessings God made to His people. This connection calls us to remain grounded in God's Word and to live out our faith with love and integrity. [35:04]
- Trust in God's Faithfulness: Despite the enemy's attempts to derail God's plans, we can rest in the assurance of His faithfulness. God's promises are unbreakable, and His protection and blessings are available to all who trust in Him. [49:26]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[16:21] - Balaam's Intentions and God's Sovereignty
[21:37] - The Danger of False Prophets
[23:39] - Manipulating God: A Futile Endeavor
[28:19] - Our Spiritual Inheritance
[35:04] - God's Unbreakable Promises
[36:57] - Israel's Strength and God's Faithfulness
[40:25] - The God of the Old Testament and Today
[41:16] - God's Description of His People
[45:09] - Balaam's Final Blessing
[47:22] - Sorcery vs. God's Blessing
[49:26] - God's Promises and Human Greed
[50:37] - Examples of God's Sovereignty
[52:12] - Trusting in God's Control
[57:08] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Numbers 23:1-12
2. Numbers 23:15-23
3. Acts 8:9-24
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Observation Questions:
1. What was Balaam's initial intention when he was hired by Balak, and how did God intervene in his plans? [16:21]
2. How did Balaam's encounter with the angel of the Lord change his course of action? [21:37]
3. In what ways did Balaam's story demonstrate God's sovereignty over human intentions? [23:39]
4. How does the story of Simon the sorcerer in Acts 8 parallel Balaam's story in terms of attempting to manipulate spiritual power for personal gain? [28:19]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does Balaam's story teach about the futility of trying to manipulate God for personal gain? How does this apply to modern-day believers? [23:39]
2. How does the narrative of Balaam and Balak illustrate the concept of being vigilant against false prophets in today's world? [28:19]
3. In what ways are believers today grafted into the spiritual lineage of Israel, and how does this affect their understanding of God's promises? [35:04]
4. How does the story of Balaam and Simon the sorcerer emphasize the importance of the Holy Spirit as a gift for spiritual growth rather than personal benefit? [49:26]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to control or manipulate a situation for personal gain. How did that experience compare to Balaam's story, and what did you learn from it? [23:39]
2. In what ways can you be more vigilant against false teachings or prophets in your life? What steps can you take to ensure your faith is rooted in the truth of God's Word? [28:19]
3. How can you actively trust in God's promises and faithfulness, especially when facing challenges or opposition? Share a specific situation where you need to rely on God's sovereignty. [35:04]
4. Identify a person or situation in your life where you can share the gospel or demonstrate God's love. How can you take a step this week to engage with them meaningfully? [52:12]
5. Consider the spiritual inheritance you have as a believer. How does this understanding influence your daily walk with God and your interactions with others? [35:04]
6. How can you ensure that your relationship with God is personal and not solely dependent on church or pastoral leadership? What practices can you implement to strengthen this relationship? [41:16]
7. Reflect on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life. How can you cultivate a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance and spiritual growth? [49:26]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty Over Human Intentions
God's sovereignty is a central theme in the story of Balaam, a false prophet hired by Balak, the king of Moab, to curse Israel. Despite Balaam's intentions and his reputation as a spiritist who could manipulate dark forces, God used him to fulfill His divine purpose. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder that God's plans cannot be thwarted by human schemes or spiritual manipulation. Balaam's story illustrates that no matter the intentions of individuals or spiritual forces, God's plans will prevail. Even when hired to curse Israel, Balaam could only speak blessings, demonstrating that God's will cannot be thwarted by human or spiritual manipulation. [16:21]
Numbers 23:19-20 (ESV): "God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Behold, I received a command to bless: he has blessed, and I cannot revoke it."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel powerless against the intentions of others. How can you trust in God's sovereignty to bring about His will in that situation today?
Day 2: Vigilance Against False Prophets
In our modern world, false prophets abound, preaching a gospel devoid of power. The story of Balaam reminds us to be vigilant against such individuals, ensuring that our faith and trust are placed solely in God and His Word. Balaam's desire for wealth led him to attempt to manipulate God, but he ultimately became an instrument of God's blessing. This serves as a reminder that God's purposes cannot be manipulated for personal gain, and true blessings come from obedience and faithfulness. We must be discerning, ensuring that our faith is rooted in the truth of God's Word and not swayed by those who seek personal gain through spiritual deception. [21:37]
2 Peter 2:1-2 (ESV): "But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed."
Reflection: Identify a teaching or belief you have encountered that may not align with Scripture. How can you seek God's truth and discernment in this matter today?
Day 3: The Futility of Manipulating God
Balaam's story highlights the futility of trying to manipulate God for personal gain. Despite his desire for wealth, Balaam could not alter God's plans and ultimately became an instrument of blessing. This narrative serves as a reminder that God's purposes cannot be manipulated for personal gain, and true blessings come from obedience and faithfulness. The story of Balaam also emphasizes that the Holy Spirit cannot be used for personal benefit but is a gift from God for spiritual growth. As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises and His faithfulness, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. [23:39]
Acts 8:18-20 (ESV): "Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, 'Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.' But Peter said to him, 'May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!'"
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you tried to control or manipulate a situation for personal gain. How can you surrender this area to God and trust in His perfect plan today?
Day 4: Our Spiritual Inheritance
As believers, we are grafted into the spiritual lineage of Israel, sharing in the promises and blessings God made to His people. This connection calls us to remain grounded in God's Word and to live out our faith with love and integrity. The story of Balaam serves as a reminder of the blessings and promises that are available to us as part of God's family. We are called to love one another and to share the gospel with both believers and non-believers alike, living out our faith with integrity and purpose. [35:04]
Romans 11:17-18 (ESV): "But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you."
Reflection: Consider how you can actively live out your spiritual inheritance today. What is one way you can demonstrate love and integrity in your interactions with others?
Day 5: Trust in God's Faithfulness
Despite the enemy's attempts to derail God's plans, we can rest in the assurance of His faithfulness. God's promises are unbreakable, and His protection and blessings are available to all who trust in Him. The story of Balaam serves as a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and His ability to use even those who oppose Him to accomplish His will. As believers, we are called to trust in God's promises and His faithfulness, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. [49:26]
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: Identify an area of your life where you struggle to trust in God's faithfulness. How can you take a step of faith today to rely on His promises and protection?
Quotes
So as Christians, we have to be aware of false prophets. In our day and age, there's a lot of them. We need to be careful with who we put our trust in. There's only God. Put our trust in God, in his word. They will preach a gospel without power. Everything you hear needs to be based on the word of God, the Bible, and the scripture. [00:15:59] (29 seconds)
And we recognize in the story that God used this false prophet to fulfill his plan for Israel to come to the promised land. In the story here, Balaam, he said, he asked God if he would go. And God said, no. But then they sent other people. and Balaam had been told no by God and then he questioned it again so God allowed him to go but his intentions were not godly of course he was a false prophet he was just interested in the money that he was being offered so that's why in the story God sent an angel of of the Lord that was gonna kill him but the donkey was able to the donkey had more common -sense than Balaam and he wouldn't move so Balaam started beating on him and then he realized that there was an angel of God that was about to kill him so we asked in the story why did God say go and then he tried to kill him because of the intent that he had God had to make sure that he was going to hell and find a way to bring that angel of God into heaven so he was but he was going under God's guidance, not on his own. [00:16:45] (96 seconds)
I hoped that Balaam could manipulate spiritual forces to weaken Israel, but he discovered that one true God cannot be manipulated. Instead of turning God into his pawn, Balaam soon became an instrument of God's blessing. Balaam wanted to be a man of God, but he was not a man of God. Balaam wanted to manipulate God, or at least he thought, but God used his false prophet to complete his purpose for his people, Israel, to be able to conquer the promised land, the land that he had offered from way before. [00:21:37] (33 seconds)
So amazingly, Balaam had an encounter with God, who chose to speak to Balaam through a... He... He... He... Even though he had a... I'm sorry. Amazingly, Balaam had to encounter God, who chose to speak through Balaam, though his lifestyle and benefits were nothing like those of the prophets God would use to speak to his people in the coming years. [00:22:12] (30 seconds)
This is based on the story of Balaam being hired by Balak to curse his people Israel. So if we put in context, his people Israel is the nation that he chose. And we are grafted onto that nation, even though we are not. You, as Gentiles, we are grafted onto that tree. We feed off spiritually off of those roots. So we are. We are part of his people. [00:24:29] (29 seconds)
God put words into Balaam's mouth and he returned and delivered them this time a message was directed to Balaam himself so just as Balaam took Balaam to only see a portion of Israel the enemy sometimes will try to hurt us just a little bit at a time he does it through our finances through our health marriage it takes one person to cause division even among churches today we need to remain grounded in the word of God and the faith in Jesus Christ and follow the Holy Spirit's guidance the intention of Balak was to weaken Israel if he could get the Balak I'm sorry to curse Israel if he could get to only curse a portion of it if he could get to only curse a portion of it but God interceded and he again made a promise that he will only bless those who bless and curse those who curse you so we need to keep that in mind ourselves it doesn't matter where the devil tries to attack us we need to have the confidence that God is protecting us through the spirit he is always with us just as he made the promise to Israel he does make that promise to us each and every day [00:33:19] (101 seconds)
not only was God protecting his people but he was also preparing them for battle the conclusion of Balaam's second blessing must have sent chills down Balaam's spine as he heard in frightening detail just how dangerous his situation had become as he listened to Balaam's second message Balaam's hope of defeat of the Israelites was fading away while most of the decree described God's nature in his commitment to Israel the last set of heralds thoughts painting a vivid picture of Israel of the Israelites themselves so the imagery was shocking and terrifying the people of Israel will hunt their enemies like lions just as the verse says God had empowered Israel and had put the fear in Balak near the end of his life the Patriarch Jacob gathered his sons and pronounced a blessing over each one of them it was not theriath selfie the Messiah which heralds the destruction of Cain's children after that given her blasphemous testimony was Thot期 We see both the Balaam's story and the 마 vienen that GodThe tradition of Assyrianziehen in the story of Balaam that one day this man appeared with his young emperor and asked him why well when they took the scroll to give their very young child a antibiotic and we know in this world the Holy Spirit said this so they failed in knowing the truth of my word I shall not länguow Environmentalist clarifications will be today xxx. [00:38:19] (86 seconds)
The God of the Old Testament is viewed as a punishing God. He's viewed as a God that will, if you say a lie, he will come down and cut you in half, throw a thunder at you. But we need to realize that he's the same God today as he was yesterday, as he will be tomorrow. The only difference is he does not require any sacrifices. All he requires is our obedience. [00:39:33] (32 seconds)
So the Israelite strain was a direct result of their covenant relationship. The Israelite strain was a direct result of their covenant relationship with God. He faithfully kept his promises. He kept his promises to them. As God peoples today, we can be confident in God's strength and faithfulness as well. We need not fear our enemies. Those who oppose God, threaten his people, and try to subvert his will are far more dangerous than his children could ever be. [00:41:16] (30 seconds)
God's promises and blessings are available. Available to anyone who surrenders their life to him. Other people may fail and disappoint us, but we can have confidence in God, unshakable faithfulness, and power to keep his word. [00:50:12] (15 seconds)
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