Don’t Be a Balaam: Who is in control? Numbers 23:13-26

Don’t Be a Balaam: Who is in control?

Numbers 23:13-26
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Pastoral Intern James Pryor

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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Who is in control?

Numbers 23:13-26

1. We cannot God. (13-17)

“When you pray, don’t babble on and on as the Gentiles do. They think their prayers are answered merely by repeating their words again and again.” Matthew 6:7

Notes:

2. We must trust God’s . (18-19)

“And he who is the Glory of Israel will not lie, nor will he change his mind, for he is not human that he should change his mind!” 1 Samuel 15:29

This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God–who does not lie–promised them before the world began. Titus 1:2

Notes:

3. We must trust God’s . (20-23)

For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. Habakkuk 2:3

Notes:

4. We must on God’s promises. (24-26)

²²But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. ²³For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. ²⁴You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. ²⁵But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:22-25

Jesus replied, “All who love me will do what I say.” John 14:23a

Notes:

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises.

For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20

We can trust Jesus with our control.

28  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy
burdens, and I will give you rest.  29  Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach
you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for
your souls.  30  For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is
light.” Matthew 11:28-30

We move by faith on the promises of Jesus.

¹⁵ “If you love me, obey my commandments. ¹⁶ And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. John 14:15-16

Challenge: How will I surrender control this week to Jesus?

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