Character Studies - ElectronicGospel

2. it is plainly wicked to place by purpose or neglect a stumbling block in the path of one’sneighbor, brother or friend (Matthew 18:5-7)a. “For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity forthe flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this (‘Youshall love your neighbor as yourself’ (Galatians 5:13-14).b. the way of Balaam cares not for the spiritual welfare or salvation of another, or if it does,still values more his present happiness and a peaceful relationshipc. the result of the way of Balaam is that the duty of reproof is ignored and sometimesindulgence is actually taught in its place (First Corinthians 5:1-2)3. preachers and elders who trade in the error of Balaam are more concerned about populating thepews with warm bodies than adding the saved to the kingdom of Heaven, and in a roundabout way theydefeat themselves by convincing those in sin that they do not need to relocate to holiness (Galatians2:11-14)ConclusionBalaam is quite a character, although perhaps not as much as his donkey, who saved his life, only to haveBalaam become a greedy stumbling block for all of Israel. We must keep ourselves from following in theway of Balaam and keep our faith pure.Character Studies! 161