How should Christians respond to worldly temptations similar to those in Numbers 22:7? The Scene in Numbers 22:7 • “The elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fee for divination in hand, and they came to Balaam and repeated Balak’s words to him.” (Numbers 22:7) • Balaam faces an offer of wealth and recognition if he will misuse his prophetic gift against God’s people. • The temptation: trade obedience for personal gain. The Nature of the Temptation • Financial allure—“fee for divination.” • Social prestige—invitation from rulers. • Subtle pressure—“Everyone else is doing it; join us.” Parallel Temptations Today • Career advancement that asks us to compromise biblical convictions. • Relationships offering acceptance at the cost of moral purity. • Media, entertainment, and advertising that normalize sin for profit. God’s Clear Response to Balaam • “Do not go with them. You are not to curse these people, for they are blessed.” (Numbers 22:12) • God’s Word leaves no room for rationalizing sin. • Balaam’s mouth said the right thing (Numbers 22:18), but his heart wavered (22:19–22). Practical Steps for Believers • Guard the heart: “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) • Know the lines: settle convictions before temptation comes (Daniel 1:8). • Flee enticement: “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man… He will also provide an escape.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) • Choose contentment: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6) • Put on armor daily: “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11) • Seek accountability—wise believers who speak truth in love (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10). Scriptures That Reinforce the Principle • 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil…” • Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters… You cannot serve God and money.” • James 4:4: “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.” • Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Encouragement to Stand Firm • God rewards faithfulness, not compromise (Hebrews 11:6). • Temporary glitter fades; eternal treasures last (Matthew 6:19–20). • “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.” (1 Corinthians 16:13) |
    |