Don’t Be a Balaam: How Big is God to Me? Numbers 23:27-24:14

Don’t Be a Balaam:

How Big is God to Me?

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

Numbers 23:27-24:14

1. I should God differently than the world. (23:27-30)

¹⁹ And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. ²⁰ All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed. John 3:19-20

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:17

Notes:

2. I should and God’s will for my life. (24:1a)

And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:17

Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. May your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing. Psalm 143:10

Notes:

3. I should not God’s will for me. (24:1b-2)

¹² Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. ¹³ For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Philippians 2:12-13

Notes:

4. I should God to understand Him more. (24:3-4)

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 2 Timothy 4:3

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

Notes:

5. I should speak because I know how big God is. (24:5-9)

The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions. Proverbs 28:1

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold… 2 Corinthians 3:12 (ESV)

Notes:

Challenge (24:10-14): Knowing that I am powerless without God, what do I need to lay at the feet of Jesus?

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 worldthrough 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.