Don’t Be a Balaam: What sets me apart? – Numbers 23:1-12

Don’t Be a Balaam: What sets me apart?

Numbers 23:1-12
Sunday, March 9, 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

IMPACT Church 101 E. First Ave. Parkesburg, PA 19365
(610) 857-3887 [email protected]

What sets me apart?

Numbers 23:1-12

1. I bring God into my . (1-5)

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

But I keep praying to you, Lord, hoping this time you will show me favor. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Psalm 69:13

Notes:

2. I my circumstances head on. (6-7)

¹¹ Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. ¹² I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. ¹³ I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)

Notes:

3. I am with God’s will. (8-9a)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

Notes:

4. I am different from the world around me. (9b-10)

For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live. Romans 8:13

Notes:

5. I will not . (11-12)

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Galatians 6:9

Notes:

Challenge: What areas of my life am I struggling to set apart for God?

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 

⁶And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. ⁷Let 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. ⁸Don’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.