DEALING WITH BALAAMS AND BALAKS

DEALING WITH BALAAMS AND BALAKS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Numbers 22:1-6
"And Balak the son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites. And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. And Moab said unto the elders of Midian, Now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as the ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. He sent messengers therefore unto Balaam the son of Beor to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they abide over against me. Come now therefore, I pray thee, curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may smite them, and that I may drive them out of the land: for I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and he whom thou cursest is cursed."

Supporting Texts: Numbers 23:11-12, 24:1-9, Revelation 2:14, 2 Peter 2:15

INTRODUCTION
In the Bible, Balaam and Balak represent two key figures who tried to stop Israel’s progress and destiny. Balak, the king of Moab, was terrified of Israel’s influence and power, and he sought the help of Balaam, a prophet known for his ability to bless or curse. Together, they conspired to halt God’s plan for Israel. However, as we will see, their plans were thwarted by the divine will of God. In this sermon, we will learn how to deal with “Balaams and Balaks” in our lives—those who try to curse, oppose, or stop the blessings and progress of God’s people.

1. WHO WERE BALAAM AND BALAK?
Understanding the nature of Balaam and Balak helps us identify the "enemies" who rise against our progress.

a) Balak – The Fearful Leader
Balak was the king of Moab, who feared the rising influence of Israel and sought to destroy it (Numbers 22:3-6).

b) Balaam – The Prophet for Hire
Balaam was a prophet who, although initially known for speaking God’s will, was willing to compromise and use his gifts for personal gain (Numbers 22:7).

c) Balak’s Motivations
Balak sought to curse Israel because he feared their strength and their victory over other nations (Numbers 22:6).

d) Balaam’s Motivations
Balaam was motivated by wealth and power and desired the reward Balak offered (Numbers 22:7-18).

e) Biblical Example:
In the New Testament, Balaam’s spirit is mentioned again as one who led people astray for monetary gain (2 Peter 2:15).

2. THE DEVICES USED BY BALAAM AND BALAK AGAINST ISRAEL
Balaam and Balak employed various tactics to try to oppose Israel’s progress and blessings.

a) The Use of Curses
Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel, believing that their defeat could be secured through spiritual manipulation (Numbers 22:6).

b) The Use of Temptation
Balaam was tempted by the wealth and promises of Balak to curse God’s people, despite knowing Israel was blessed (Numbers 22:17).

c) Spiritual Warfare through Divination
Balaam tried to use divination and enchantments to bring harm to Israel, believing his spiritual abilities could manipulate God’s will (Numbers 23:1-2).

d) Using False Prophecy
Balaam spoke out of his own desires and profited from misleading others, rather than truly hearing from God (Numbers 24:1-2).

e) Biblical Example:
King Herod sought to destroy Jesus by using false counsel and attempting to use the wisdom of the wise men for evil purposes (Matthew 2:13-16).

3. GOD’S RESPONSE TO THE SCHEMES OF BALAAM AND BALAK
Despite the powerful forces conspiring against Israel, God’s will could not be thwarted.

a) God Intervenes Supernaturally
God caused Balaam’s donkey to speak, showing His power over the plans of men and preventing the curse from happening (Numbers 22:21-31).

b) God Turns the Curse into a Blessing
Every time Balaam attempted to curse Israel, God caused him to bless them instead (Numbers 23:19-24).

c) God’s Promise of Protection
God assured Israel that no matter how much Balak tried, He would not allow them to be cursed or defeated (Numbers 23:8).

d) The Unstoppable Will of God
Despite Balaam’s plans, God ensured that His purposes for Israel were fulfilled (Numbers 24:9).

e) Biblical Example:
In the story of Joseph, his brothers sold him into slavery, but God’s plan for Joseph’s life could not be thwarted, and he rose to prominence (Genesis 50:20).

4. HOW TO DEAL WITH BALAAMS AND BALAKS IN YOUR LIFE
Just as God protected Israel, He will protect us from those who seek to undermine our success and blessings.

a) Recognize the Enemy’s Tactics
Recognize when the enemy uses curses, lies, or manipulation to stop your progress, and pray for discernment (Psalm 140:1-3).

b) Stand on the Promises of God
God has declared that no weapon formed against us shall prosper. Stand firm in His promises (Isaiah 54:17).

c) Trust God for Divine Intervention
God will use supernatural means to protect and bless you in the midst of opposition. Trust in His intervention (Psalm 121:7-8).

d) Speak Blessings, Not Curses
Like Balaam, the enemy may try to speak curses over your life, but you must declare the blessings of the Lord over yourself and your circumstances (Numbers 23:20).

e) Biblical Example:
Jesus, when confronted by the enemy in the wilderness, stood firm in the Word of God and overcame every temptation (Matthew 4:1-11).

5. THE VICTORY OF GOD’S PEOPLE OVER BALAAMS AND BALAKS
When we stand firm in God’s will, we will see His victory over those who plot against us.

a) Israel’s Victory Over Moab
Despite Balak’s efforts, Israel was not defeated but instead prevailed and continued on their journey (Numbers 24:9).

b) Balaam’s Judgment
Balaam faced divine judgment for attempting to curse God’s people for personal gain (Numbers 31:8).

c) Divine Blessing Instead of Curses
God turned every curse into a blessing for Israel, showing that no enemy can hinder the purposes of God (Deuteronomy 23:5).

d) God’s Unshakable Plan
God’s plan for His people will always stand, no matter the opposition (Psalm 33:11).

e) Biblical Example:
Mordecai and Esther overcame Haman’s plot against them, and Haman’s evil plan backfired (Esther 7:9-10).

CONCLUSION
Just as Balak and Balaam conspired against the people of Israel, we may face opposition from those who seek to bring us down. However, we can be assured that no curse, plot, or scheme of the enemy can stand against the plan of God for our lives. We must remain faithful, declare God’s blessings over ourselves, and trust in His divine protection. God will turn every curse into a blessing and ensure that His purpose for our lives is fulfilled.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Every Balak and Balaam opposing my progress, be scattered in Jesus' name!

2. I break every curse and negative word spoken against my life!

3. Father, turn every plot of the enemy against me into a blessing!

4. I declare that no weapon formed against me shall prosper!

5. I receive divine protection from every attack of the enemy!

6. Every spirit of manipulation and deceit, I bind you in the name of Jesus!

7. I declare that my destiny shall not be altered by the plans of the wicked!

8. O Lord, intervene supernaturally in my situation and turn it around for good!

9. I speak blessings, not curses, over my life and family!

10. Thank You, Lord, for ensuring my victory over every Balaam and Balak!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS
1. Every curse placed upon your life is turned into a blessing in Jesus' name!

2. The enemy’s plans to hinder your success will fail in the mighty name of Jesus!

3. God will protect you from all evil and ensure your progress!

4. No Balaam or Balak shall stand against your destiny in the name of Jesus!

5. You are under divine protection, and no weapon formed against you shall prosper!

6. Every plan of the enemy to manipulate your future is broken in Jesus' name!

7. You shall rise above every obstacle and defeat every enemy sent to frustrate your purpose!

8. Every attempt to curse you will turn into an opportunity for blessings and favor!

9. Your destiny is secure in the hands of God, and no one can alter it!

10. The God of Israel will fight for you, and you will have victory over every opposition!