Bible Questions Answered: Balaam's Doctrine

Bible Questions Answered:
Pastor, in Revelation 2:14 there is the doctrine of Balaam, what is Balaam's doctrine?
Don/Knoxville, Tennessee

Bible Answers:

The Story of Balaam may be read here...
Numbers chapters twenty two through chapter twenty five.

Revelation 2:14 KJV
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Jude 11
Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.

II Peter 2:9-19 KJV
9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:
10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet.
17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.

The story of Balaam.
King Balak of Moab, when he saw mighty Israel, camped in the plains of Moab, became fearful of them and asked Balaam to curse them.
Balaam was warned of God not to do so.
Balaam, forsook God's blessings (separation and holiness) for the evil temptations of wealth and power.
Knowing that God, would never curse His own people, he devised a plan for them to fall into evil and out of favor with God.

Numbers 25:1-3 NLT
1 While the Israelites were camped at Acacia Grove, some of the men defiled themselves by having sexual relations with local Moabite women.
2 These women invited them to attend sacrifices to their gods, so the Israelites feasted with them and worshiped the gods of Moab.
3 In this way, Israel joined in the worship of Baal of Peor, causing the Lord’s anger to blaze against His people.

First came sexual immorality, followed closely by spiritual impurity.
Impure sexual relationships, intermarriage, followed by idol worship.

The result.

Numbers 31:16 KJV
Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD.

Numbers 25:9 KJV
And those that died in the plague were twenty and four thousand.

What was Balaam's end?

Joshua 13:22 KJV
Balaam also the son of Beor, the soothsayer (diviner, sorcerer), did the children of Israel slay with the sword among them that were slain by them.

Joshua 13:22 NLT
The Israelites had also killed Balaam son of Beor, who used magic to tell the future.

Be wary of false prophets!

II Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV
13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

II Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

James 4:4 KJV
Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

Where there is no separation, from the world, and all of it's allurements, love of wealth, power, adoration, immorality, etc.etc.etc.etc..there is the doctrine of Balaam.

Hebrews 12:14 KJV
Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord:

II Corinthians 7:1 KJV
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.