What does Numbers 22:17 teach about the influence of worldly desires on faith? Setting the Scene “ ‘For I will reward you richly and do whatever you say to me. Only come and put a curse on these people for me.’ ” (Numbers 22:17) Worldly Enticement on Display • Balak offers Balaam “rich” rewards—immediate, tangible benefits that appeal to greed and prestige. • The request requires Balaam to oppose God’s chosen people, bringing him into direct conflict with the Lord’s revealed will (vv. 12, 22). • Worldly gain is portrayed as aggressive, persistent, and willing to pay any price to secure cooperation. The Cost to Spiritual Integrity • Pursuit of riches risks blinding Balaam to prior divine instruction: “You are not to curse this people, for they are blessed” (v. 12). • His wavering shows how desire can erode clarity; he asks God again, hoping for a different answer (vv. 18-19). • Repeated exposure to temptation inches Balaam toward compromise, illustrating James 1:14-15—desire conceives sin and brings forth death. Lessons for Our Walk Today • Worldly offers often come dressed as opportunity but require disobedience; discernment is essential. • A heart set on wealth or approval will rationalize what God has clearly forbidden (1 Timothy 6:9-10). • Obedience brings lasting blessing; compromise for gain invites God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:6, Galatians 6:7). • Faith resists allure by treasuring God above all: “Do not love the world or anything in the world” (1 John 2:15-17). Supporting Scriptures • Matthew 6:24—“You cannot serve both God and money.” • Proverbs 15:27—“He who is greedy for gain brings trouble on his household.” • Hebrews 11:25—Moses chose “to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin.” |
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