The Call of Money

As Balak, king of Moab, becomes terrified of Israel, he sends messengers to hire Balaam to curse God’s people. Balaam at first refuses because God tells him not to go and not to curse Israel. But when a more distinguished delegation arrives with the promise of greater honor and greater payment, Balaam asks again and reveals the deeper problem: a heart tempted by profit more than obedience. This sermon explores how the call of money can influence people to do what they should never do, and how Balaam becomes a warning throughout Scripture. Connecting Jude 11, 1 Timothy 6:10, and Matthew 16:26, this message shows that the love of money is not harmless. Money can pull a person away from faith, truth, and obedience to God. The real issue is not earning a living but loving money so much that it competes with God for first place in the heart. This is a warning against compromise, greed, and trying to reopen doors God has already closed. It is also a call to value your soul more than wealth, power, prestige, or temporary gain. What will a person give in exchange for his soul? Balaam’s story reminds us that no amount of money is worth losing eternity. Sermon Notes Numbers 22:1 – 4 Balak, king of Moab became afraid of the sons of Israel Numbers 22:5 & 6 Balak sends messengers to Balaam to curse the sons of Israel Numbers 22:7 Elders of Moab and Midian go to Balaam with money to pay him to curse the sons of Israel Numbers 22:8 Balaam told them to spend the night so that he could find out what God wanted him to do Numbers 22:9 – 12 God and Balaam have a conversation about the men and God tells him not to go and not to curse the sons of Isarael Numbers 22:13 & 14 Ballam tells them he cannot go Numbers 22:15 – 17 Balak sends a bigger and more distinguished group and increases the price Numbers 22:19 & 20 Ballam asks God again about going Jude 11 The error of Balaam - money 1 Timothy 6:10 Love of money is the root of all sorts of evil Matthew 16:26 The value of the soul