The Way of Balaam

Jude warns that it is possible to sit among God’s people while carrying a distorted gospel that leads to destruction. The examples of Israel in the wilderness, Sodom and Gomorrah, and Balaam show how easily people can convince themselves that they are safe while moving in a direction that opposes God. Jude highlights this danger using aorist verbs, describing the fate of false teachers as though the judgment has already occurred. The warning is clear: “These people…turn the grace of our God into indecent behavior and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Balaam becomes a central illustration. He had real spiritual gifts, he heard God, and his blessings and curses carried weight, but “he heard God…had gifts and he had power, but he did not have the heart.” Because his desires were disordered, he used his gifting to serve greed. When he could not curse Israel directly, he taught Balak how to exploit and tempt them. The scheme worked, Israel fell, and Balaam gained wealth, but the end of this path was destruction. His life shows the danger of trying to squeeze God into our plans, letting financial fear speak louder than the Spirit, moving God’s boundaries when they do not fit our desires, or expecting God to bless areas we withhold from His Lordship.

Jude offers a twofold antidote. First, praying in the Holy Spirit forms the heart, builds inner strength, and keeps believers in the love of God. Second, believers must live on mission, extending mercy to the doubting, rescuing others, and even snatching them out of the fire.

As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:

1. Balaam had gifts, power, and spiritual sensitivity, but he lacked the heart to align with God. Reflect on whether your desires are pulling you toward God’s mission or toward your own plans. Where might greed, fear, or self-interest be shaping decisions more than obedience?
2. Letting financial anxiety speak louder than the Holy Spirit can distort discernment. Consider areas where fear has been driving your choices. What would it look like to trust the mercy and provision of Jesus instead of trying to secure outcomes on your own?
3. Every temptation is an invitation to choose God’s mission over your own. Think about any area of life where you may be withholding surrender. What step of obedience could draw your heart more fully under the Lordship of Jesus this week?

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