October 18, 2002 (35)
A REPRIMAND FROM THE LORD. They were at fault for allowing those who believed in the doctrine of Balaam to be in association with them. If they were not allowed to teach publicly such a false doctrine, it is certain that they would propagate it privately. Nevertheless, It was there in their midst and was accepted. Balaam, means: < not of the people >. Balaam presents a problem of the prophet who is a hired prophet. Having a mercenary or a personal purpose in his utterances. One seeking a position of leadership or authority in the church, who is willing to speak from their own spirit and not by the Spirit of the Lord. We have a certain and positive measurement which needs to be applied to every prophetic declaration. If it leads to worship to other than the true and living Lord, it is false and should be treated as such. Deut. 13:1-3 The presumptuous prophet was under a judgment which involved a death sentence. Prophecy is a serious manifestation of the Spirit and should not be treated lightly. Deut. 18:20 The prophecy, if spoken in truth will come to pass. If it is not fulfilled, regardless of who spoke it, it is a presumptuous prophecy. Such a prophet should be silenced. Deut. 18:22
IDENTIFYING THE STUMBLING BLOCK WITHIN THE CHURCH. They are classified as those who follow the way of Balaam. Having a love for the wages of unrighteousness. 2 Pet. 2:15 Their works are enumerated for us to that we might know them by their works. They are works of iniquity who follow after the wicked ways for the flesh. They are contrary individuals who live in opposition to authority, whether in the church or in secular government. This has become the age of protest and discord demonstration after demonstration. They are described as being beast like and as such will be destroyed. Their joy is to riot and create disturbances. The pathetic thing about all this is that they are to be found in the church with this sort of an attitude. They are noted as being spots and blemishes mixing and mingling with the household of faith. Sin, adultery, deception practicing covetousness are all signs which are evident in their lives. They are termed as being < cursed children >. The wages of sin is death. They follow after the attitude of Balaam. They are waterless wells, dry and empty. Clouds carried about with every whim and new thing that comes along. They are experts in psychology, knowing just the right words to be used in persuading the church to go along with their ideas. The hope of the church is in living a life that is consecrated to the Lord. We cannot escape being confronted by all these situations to which the church is bound to be exposed but we can be victorious. For, those who would live in righteousness and true holiness will escape these trials that will try the church in the end of the age. Out of all that will come upon the church the Lord will find a pure, holy bride for Himself. 2 Pet. 2:10-18.