The pagan prophet Balaam is most famous for his talking donkey. But the real story is what happened when he tried to curse the people of God just before they entered the Promised Land.
Talking Points:
- God is fighting for our attention and will do whatever it takes to get it. For Balaam, it took a talking donkey. Numbers 22:21-23, 28-30, 31,35
- God is sovereign and will always get his way. Balaam’s prophecies affirmed the blessings that God had promised to Abraham.
- The enemy will never stop trying to curse God’s people. Balaam couldn’t do it through magic, so he did it through culture. Revelation 2:14
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share a crazy story of how God has gotten your attention in the past.
- Read Numbers 22:21-23,28-30,31,35. Do a quick review of the story from these verses. Who was Balaam? What was he instructed to do by the king of Moab?
- Review the 4 promises to Abraham. Why do you think God reiterated these promises through a wicked prophet?
- Read Genesis 49:10 and Numbers 24:17 and Matthew 1:1-16. What do these prophecies speak of in the future? What does Jesus’ family tree reveal in Matthew 1?
- Read Numbers 25:1-3 and Numbers 31:16. How did Balaam curse the Israelites in the end? Why do you think the Israelites fell for it?
- Read Revelation 2:14. Who are the “Balaams” of our generation, and how are they trying to trip us up?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
