The Doctrine Of Balaam
Part 2
We are continuing in the subject of Balaam.
Revelation 2:12-17
12 “And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write, ‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword: 13 “I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality. 15 Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth.
We are studying the doctrine of Balaam as Jesus warns the Church in Pergamos of such evil doctrine. Balaam is first mentioned in the Old Testament in the book of Numbers chapters 22 to 25 and chapter 31. In this lesson we will study a bit more about this doctrine.
We will start by defying the word “doctrine,” according to the dictionary, doctrine is a belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a Church, political party, or other group. Those who hold the doctrine of Balaam pervert the Gospel condemning themselves and others, they compromise and teach others to do the same, all for profit. It’s a belief that “a little sin” doesn’t hurt, especially if there’s some financial or personal benefit involved. They act to enable sinful behaviours for personal gain or even participate in them.
1 Timothy 6:5
“...people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.”
Now, it makes sense the Scripture that says, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into heaven’s kingdom. It is only those who persist in doing the will of my heavenly Father.” (Matthew 7:21 TPT) because these people are not concerned in doing God’s will but their own. It’s all about them.
And yes, they are in the Church spreading their wrong doctrine, but the Lord warns us against them and even speaks to them and calls them to repent.
God’s warnings to us are always for repentance and restoration.
2 Peter 3:9-11 NKJV
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness”
God is so good that He doesn’t want anyone to perish, He is actually delaying judgement so everyone can have time to repent and change their ways. Doesn’t Romans 2:4 tells us that it’s the goodness of God that leads people to repentance? So repentance is not something bad but something very good.
Let us not misunderstand God’s goodness and abuse it by sinning and calling it God’s grace and let us not portray Him to be this angry God that loves to punish people. He is a Holy God and He wants us to be Holy, and He gives us grace to overcome sin not to keep sinning.
Hebrews 10:29-31 NKJV
“Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The LORD will judge His people.” It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
I want to emphasised in this passage above the fact that we have been given a spirit of grace. And it is trusting in God’s grace that will make us overcome. Judgement will come at the end but until then we have the spirit of grace to help us do the will of the Father and thank God for repentance when we go wrong.
Hebrews 9:26-28 NKJV
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.”
What are the warnings against this doctrine?
Balaam’s name is mentioned also in 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 1:11, both in warnings about the conduct and message of false teachers.
2 Peter 2:15
“Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing”
According to 2 Peter Balaam’s “way” is a choice to promote the falsehood for financial reasons. They are willing to compromise for money.
Jude 1:11
Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam’s error and perished in Korah’s rebellion.
According to Jude, Balaam’s “error” was his willingness to accommodate pagan beliefs out of greed. Christianity with a mix of other pagan beliefs
In Deuteronomy 18:9-12 we find a command from the Lord where He tells His people not to get involved or copy the world system of worship or practice what other religions do.
Deuteronomy 18:9-12
“When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to follow the abominable practices of those nations. There shall not be found among you anyone who burns his son or his daughter as an offering, anyone who practices divination or tells fortunes or interprets omens, or a sorcerer or a charmer or a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the Lord. And because of these abominations the Lord your God is driving them out before you."
Let’s mention some pagan beliefs that some Christians have adopted today and think it’s ok, but it’s not!
Here are some examples of mixture and Christianity, which is an abomination:
Yoga
For the sake of having serenity and a good figure, Christians practice yoga
New Age
Many Christians also hold what are sometimes characterised as “New Age” beliefs – including belief in reincarnation, astrology, psychics and the presence of spiritual energy in physical objects like mountains or trees.
Antinomianism
One who holds that under the gospel dispensation of grace the moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation. They are immoral and believe they are still save.
Islam
some Christians copy the way husbands treat their wives in Islam, abusing them and mistreating them.
Witchcraft
Christians thinking palm reading is ok. Or do white witchcraft as we learnt last week.
It’s NOT OK to mix Christianity with those beliefs. This is what the Bible calls “the doctrine of Balaam,” and Balaam is Destined for Destruction. it’s time for repentance! It’s time to get right with the Lord, not to point out fingers to others but to pray for God’s holiness to touch our lives.
Galatians 5:9 NKJV
A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
Romans 1:32
“Who knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them”
He will guide you into all truth
You will always fall into compromise when you are not satisfied with Jesus. But when you love Truth and love God with all your heart. The Spirit of God will guide you into truth.
John 16:13 NKJV
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth...”
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for loving me and teaching me the truth. I want to do your will, I want to be holy like you.
I repent for allowing mixture in my faith towards you. I repent for listening to the doctrine of Balaam or even practice it.
Forgive me Lord, I need your grace to live right before you. I need your Holy Spirit to help me and guide me.
I surrender all my life to you, my plans and dreams, my all.
I trust you and I know your will for me is good, pleasant and perfect. I receive your forgiveness and grace now and I thank you for saving me and making me your child.
In Jesus Name
Amen
Karina Maile