Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

2. first, he becomes the epitome of the prophet-for-hire, oracles to the highest bidder that began toinfiltrate the early church and is found in great supply within apostate Christianity even today (SecondPeter 2:1-3, 12-16)a. Peter provides an inspired commentary on what happened to Balaam in the book ofNumbers, for where we were unsure why God was angry at him for what appeared to obedience, now weunderstand that the Lord had read and judged his intentionsb. Balaam lusted for the wages of unrighteousness and in spite of protests to the contrary, hewas ultimately interested in making money by serving the wealthy King Balak3. as there were false prophets among the Israelites, so there are false teachers among the church–uninspired men who nevertheless can inspire great followings and feelings but with little or no spiritualdepth or scriptural fidelitya. Paul discussed a couple of them by name in a letter to Timothy (Second Timothy 2:15-18)b. it is sad that something described as profane babbling would have the impact it does, butPaul reasons that their message was spreading like cancer–fast and deadly4. Peter describes the motivation of these false teachers and even today a few teach things that arefalse or refuse to teach things that are true because they have a greater concern for job security, gospelmeeting invitations and “promotions” to larger congregations with larger treasuries than simply standingin the word with conviction and integrity (First Timothy 6:6-10)a. others, perhaps, are genuinely and sincerely mistaken, perhaps as ignorant as was Apollosbefore Aquila and Priscilla explained to him the way of the Lord more accurately (see Acts 18:25-26)b. in such cases, we hope for brethren with the concern of Aquila and Priscilla and preacherswith the humility of Apollos as it regards matters of the faith and doctrine of the Holy SpiritB. The Error of Balaam1. in many ways, the letter of Jude runs parallel to Peter’s second epistle, and the way that theyapproach Balaam reflects the similarities (Jude 3-4, 10-11)a. Jude is writing to encourage his readers to contend earnestly for their faith and not allow itto be corrupted or perverted by certain creepy men who would propose a certain amount of tolerance forlewdness and denying Jesusb. they have gone in the selfish way of Cain, run greedily like Balaam for profit and willperish as in the futile rebellion of Korah (cf. Genesis 4:1-8, Numbers 16:1-3)2. once again, we learn that Balaam was only too happy to get on the road with Balak’s numerousand honorable princes, for Balaam was a greedy man, and although he restrained his mouth from cursing,he later took opportunity to plot evil against God’s people in service of the Canaanites3. John warned his readers about the power of this world and its wealth (First John 2:12-17)a. yet how many Christians and even elders and preachers run aground on their own drive forprominence, pleasure and prosperity?b. almost as quickly as he was converted, Simon the sorcerer was running greedily in the wayof Balaam (Acts 8:18-24)c. Paul complained that his friend “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world,and has departed for Thessalonica” (Second Timothy 4:10).4. perhaps Balaam convinced the Israelites that they were so firmly ensconced in the hand of Godthat they could sin with impunity and always enjoy his fellowship because his glory among mendepended upon their success on the battlefield as well as in the vineyarda. we witness the error of Balaam today whenever a teaching is introduced or promoted thatentices or permits God’s people to engage in sin with a feeling of impunity and security (Romans 6:1-3,11-13)b. Calvinism gives us the “final perseverance of the saints” where some among us todaywould allow unscriptural marriages, social drinking, lewd attire and behavior and moreC. Stumbling Block1. and Jesus provides even more inspired commentary as he rebukes the first-century church inPergamos (Revelation 2:14-16)a. where Balaam could not curse Israel, he felt completely liberated to advise Balak anywayin how to bring about a curse upon God’s people through suggestion and influenceb. the doctrine of Balaam is a stumbling block for the redeemed–a stumbling block comprisedof compromise and immorality160! Jeff S. Smith