Balaam Wants to Disobey

          

Introduction (Numbers 22:1–24:25):
Balaam’s story shows us the danger of having an outward appearance of obedience while harboring rebellion in the heart. True obedience must come from within.

The Appearance of Obedience
When Balak’s men first approached Balaam, he seemed to do the right thing. He told them he would ask the Lord and only speak what God revealed (Numbers 22:8). At first glance, his actions looked correct. He even told the princes of Balak “no” when God forbade him to curse Israel. Yet later we learn his heart was not with God (Numbers 31:16). His obedience was only outward. Jesus warned of such hypocrisy in Matthew 23, where religious leaders prayed long prayers to appear righteous while exploiting widows. Outward obedience without the heart is empty before God.

Words Without the Heart
When Balak increased the offer with promises of riches and honor, Balaam spoke noble words: “If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the word of the Lord” (Numbers 22:18). Yet his heart was divided. Jesus said the mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart (Matthew 12:34). A heart filled with deceit will eventually reveal itself (Mark 7:21–22). Nathaniel was commended because there was no guile in him (John 1:47). We too are called to speak without deceit, for a truthful tongue brings blessing (1 Peter 3:10–11). Balaam’s story challenges us: do our words reflect a heart devoted to God, or do they mask a spirit of compromise?

Flirting with Sin
Although God revealed His will, Balaam continued to entertain Balak’s messengers. He lingered near temptation when he should have cut ties completely. Often, our problem is not in outright disobedience but in playing too close to sin. A young person may stay with the wrong crowd, thinking they won’t join in their actions. An adult may allow ungodly influences into the home through media while claiming they would never live that lifestyle. Balaam’s example warns us that when we “flirt” with disobedience, we are already rebelling in our hearts. Our attitude reveals itself in the little compromises long before open rebellion appears.

God Sees the Heart
Balaam’s rebellion was not hidden from God. 2 Peter 2:15 calls him out for forsaking the right way. Hebrews 4:13 reminds us that nothing is hidden from God’s sight. Outward words and actions cannot deceive Him. True obedience must be “from the heart” (Romans 6:17). Jesus condemned the Jews whose lips honored God but whose hearts were far away (Matthew 15:8–9). Their worship was vain because it lacked sincerity. Balaam teaches us that God does not accept lip-service. He demands complete obedience, rooted in a devoted heart.

Conclusion
Balaam appeared obedient but in reality was rebellious. God desires obedience from the heart, not the appearance of religion. Let us learn from Balaam’s failure and commit ourselves to sincerity in word, deed, and heart.

Balaam Wants to Disobey Sermon Outline:

• Introduction (Numbers 22:1–24:25)

  • Balaam’s story: obedience in appearance, rebellion in heart.

  • Theme: obedience from the heart.

• The Appearance of Obedience

  • Balaam initially consulted God (Numbers 22:8).

  • Outward actions seemed correct.

  • Later revealed as hypocrisy (Numbers 31:16; Matthew 23).

• Words Without the Heart

  • Balaam’s noble words (Numbers 22:18).

  • Heart not aligned with his words.

  • Jesus: words flow from the heart (Matthew 12:34).

  • Deceit condemned (Mark 7:21–22).

  • Nathaniel praised for no guile (John 1:47).

  • Call to speak truthfully (1 Peter 3:10–11).

• Flirting with Sin

  • Balaam entertained Balak’s messengers.

  • God had already revealed His will.

  • Lingering near temptation shows rebellion.

  • Examples today: bad company, worldly influences, small compromises.

• God Sees the Heart

  • Balaam forsook the right way (2 Peter 2:15).

  • Nothing hidden from God (Hebrews 4:13).

  • True obedience is from the heart (Romans 6:17).

  • Lip-service condemned (Matthew 15:8–9).

• Conclusion

  • Balaam’s failure warns us against false obedience.

  • God requires sincerity and devotion from the heart.

Call to Action
Do not let your obedience be only in appearance. God sees beyond the words of your lips and the actions of your hands. He sees your heart. Root your obedience in love for Him. Cut ties with sin instead of flirting with it. Let your heart, words, and actions align together in complete devotion to the Lord.

Key Takeaways

• Outward obedience can hide inward rebellion (Numbers 22:8; 31:16).

• Words must reflect a sincere heart (Matthew 12:34; John 1:47).

• Flirting with sin is already disobedience (Mark 7:21–22).

• God sees every heart and judges accordingly (Hebrews 4:13).

• True obedience is from the heart (Romans 6:17; Matthew 15:8–9).

Scripture Reference List

• Numbers 22:1–24:25 – Balaam’s apparent obedience.

• Numbers 31:16 – Balaam’s true intentions revealed.

• 2 Peter 2:15 – Balaam forsook the right way.

• Matthew 23:14 – Hypocrites exposed.

• Matthew 12:34 – Words flow from the heart.

• Mark 7:21–22 – Deceit among sins of the heart.

• John 1:47 – Nathaniel commended for no guile.

• 1 Peter 3:10–11 – Blessings in truthful speech.

• Hebrews 4:13 – God sees all.

• Romans 6:17 – Obedience from the heart.

• Matthew 15:8–9 – Worship in vain without the heart.

Prepared by Mike Glenn