How can we apply Balaam's story to resist temptation in our lives today? The Invitation of Balak “for I will richly reward you and do whatever you say. Just come and put a curse on these people for me!” (Numbers 22:17) What We See in Balaam’s Story • The offer is dazzling—riches, honor, influence. • Balaam knows God’s command yet prolongs the conversation (vv. 18-19). • Repeated negotiations give temptation room to grow (vv. 20-22). • Love of “the wages of wickedness” blinds him (2 Peter 2:15). • God intervenes through a talking donkey, but Balaam’s heart remains divided (Numbers 22:28-34). • Later, he counsels Israel’s enemies and dies in rebellion (Numbers 31:16; 31:8). Parallels to Our Own Temptations • Temptation often looks like a shortcut to comfort, wealth, or approval. • Knowing the right answer is not the same as acting on it. • Lingering, bargaining, or “just looking” strengthens the lure (James 1:14-15). • A divided heart will eventually choose profit over obedience (Jude 1:11). Scriptural Principles for Resistance • Decide in advance that no reward outweighs obedience—“Even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything … contrary to the command of the LORD” (Numbers 22:18). • Refuse to negotiate with sin—“flee from sexual immorality” (1 Corinthians 6:18); “make no provision for the flesh” (Romans 13:14). • Guard your motives—covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). • Trust God’s escape route—“No temptation has seized you except what is common to man … He will also provide an escape” (1 Corinthians 10:13). • Remember where compromise leads—Revelation 2:14 links Balaam’s counsel to idolatry and immorality. Practical Steps We Can Take • Settle lordship issues early: daily submit ambitions, finances, and reputation to Christ. • Short-circuit temptation: delete the app, decline the invitation, walk away from the gossip table. • Replace greedy thoughts with gratitude and generosity—give first, save second, spend last. • Keep accountable friends close; Balaam traveled with flatterers, not prophets. • Saturate your mind with Scripture; temptation shrivels when God’s promises loom larger than sin’s payoffs. • Act quickly on conviction; Balaam hesitated, and hesitation became consent. Encouragement for Today God did not abandon Israel, and He will not abandon you. Stand firm, take the escape He provides, and the glitter of Balak’s gold will fade in the light of His better reward (Hebrews 11:26). |
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