Don’t Be a Balaam – What is my test? – Numbers 22:1-20

Don’t Be a Balaam – What is my test?

Numbers 22:1-20
Sunday, February 23, 2025
Pastor Mike Bailey

Introduction

In the story of Balaam, we see the tension between following selfish desires and living in obedience to God – a tension we still feel today in our own lives. There never seems to be a shortage of different opinions on where we should go, what we should do, and how we should live. Amidst all these competing voices, are we tuned in to how God is calling us to live? In the end, it’s up to each of us to decide who we will follow. Who do you choose?

February 23: What is my test? – Numbers 22:1-20

March 2: What is my answer? – Numbers 22:21-41

March 9: What sets me apart? – Numbers 23:1-12

March 16: Who is in control? – Numbers 23:13-26

March 23: How big is God to me? – Numbers 23:27-24:14

March 30: Does this apply to me? – Numbers 24:15-25

April 6: Is my heart really in this? – 2 Peter 2:15; Jude 1:11; Rev 2:14

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What is my test?

Numbers 22:1-20

1. There will always be with the lost. (1-5)

¹¹“Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. ¹²During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold. ¹³ Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. ¹⁴I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. ¹⁵ I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. ¹⁶They do not belong to this world any more than I do. ¹⁷ Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. ¹⁸ Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. ¹⁹ And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth. ²⁰ I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.” John 17:11-20

Notes:

2. Are we these interactions to God? (6-8)

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

⁵ Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. ⁶ Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6

Notes:

3. Are we on the same as God? (9-13)

Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. Ephesians 5:17

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21 (ESV)

Notes:

4. How do we when under pressure? (14-19)

Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:20

Notes:

5. Are we willing to within the boundaries God gives us? (20)

“If you love me, obey my commandments.” John 14:15

Notes:

Challenge: How am I responding to how God is working in and through my life right now?

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him [Jesus] the sins of us all. Isaiah 53:6

God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

⁶ And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. ⁷ Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. ⁸ Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers of this world, rather than from Christ. Colossians 2:6-8

All Bible verses are from the New Living Translation (NLT) unless otherwise noted.