How can we discern God's will when faced with enticing offers? Setting the Scene: An Offer at the Door “ So the elders of Moab and Midian departed with the fees for divination in hand, and they came to Balaam and repeated to him the words of Balak.” — Numbers 22:7 Balak’s messengers arrive with prestige, cash, and promises. It’s the classic moment: a dazzling opportunity arrives, yet it’s saturated with motives opposed to God’s purposes. Early Red Flags in Numbers 22:7 • “Fees for divination” — money earmarked for practices God forbids (Deuteronomy 18:10-12). • Politically powerful delegates — the seduction of status (1 John 2:16). • A commission to curse God’s covenant people — plainly against the Abrahamic promise (Genesis 12:3). Core Lesson: What Looks Golden May Be Poison Balaam’s story reminds us that external success can mask spiritual compromise. Discerning God’s will means looking past the wrapping paper. How to Discern God’s Will When Enticed 1. Anchor Everything to God’s Written Word • God had already revealed His stance: Israel is blessed, not to be cursed (Numbers 22:12). • We compare any offer to clear Scripture first—no dream, feeling, or paycheck outranks God’s voice already recorded (Psalm 119:105; Galatians 1:8). 2. Seek God Immediately, Not After You’ve Leaned In • Balaam postponed a clear no; he entertained the guests overnight (v. 8). • Proverbs 3:5-6 urges us to trust the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding. Fast obedience beats protracted negotiations. 3. Identify the Tug on Your Heart • Balaam twice asked for permission, exposing a desire for the honor and wealth (Numbers 22:18-19, 24:13). • James 1:14-15 warns that temptation is powered by our own desires. Recognizing “why I want this” often clarifies “whether I should accept this.” 4. Note Repetition and Intensifying Pressure • Balak sent princes “more numerous and more distinguished” the second time (Numbers 22:15). • Enticing offers frequently escalate. If the pressure grows while God’s no remains, that’s a sign to shut the door (Matthew 4:8-10). 5. Look for Inner Compromise Clues • Balaam’s donkey scene (Numbers 22:21-35) shows God opposing a prophet who outwardly obeyed but inwardly coveted. • Hebrews 4:12—God’s word cuts down to thoughts and intentions; unease may signal misalignment beneath surface compliance. 6. Remember Who Ultimately Rewards You • Hebrews 11:6—God Himself rewards faithful seekers, not the Moabite entourage. • Choosing God’s favor over temporary perks stores treasure in heaven (Matthew 6:19-21). Patterns Across Scripture • Eve saw the fruit was “pleasing to the eye” (Genesis 3:6). Visual appeal still deceives. • Daniel refused Babylon’s delicacies (Daniel 1:8). Resolve beforehand bolsters discernment. • Jesus rejected Satan’s kingdoms-for-worship bargain with pure Scripture (Matthew 4:8-10). The sword of the Spirit slices through enticements. Practical Checklist Before Saying Yes – Does it violate any clear command or principle of Scripture? – Will it pull my heart away from loyalty to Christ? (Colossians 3:1-2) – Am I trying to justify it because of the money, prestige, or comfort involved? – Have I prayed, searched the Word, and sought wise counsel without bias? (James 1:5; Proverbs 11:14) – Could accepting it cause weaker believers to stumble? (1 Corinthians 8:9) – Would I be at peace if Jesus returned moments after I embraced this offer? (1 John 2:28) Living It Out Stay alert for offers wrapped in charm yet laced with compromise. Keep Scripture front and center, seek God first, expose motives, and let the Spirit reaffirm that God’s “no” outshines the world’s richest “yes.” |
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