Week 4

Look Back

What step did you take to move towards trusting God more through generosity?

Connect

What is the worst time you have ever been lost because you took one wrong turn or did not follow directions exactly? What was the outcome?

Look Up

Read Numbers 22:1-14

1. What concerns prompted Balak to send messengers to Balaam?
2. What specifically did Balak ask Balaam to do? What outcome was Balak trying to accomplish? What do Balak’s actions teach us about people?
3. What was Balaam’s initial response to the messengers? What does this show us about Balaam?

Read Numbers 22:15-20

1. How was Balak’s 2nd request different? What does this reveal about people?
2. How was Balaam’s 2nd response different? What does this say about him?
3. How were God’s new directions different? What does this teach us about God?

Read Numbers 22:21-36

1. Why did God send an angel to Balaam? What was God trying to accomplish and why take this approach rather than speaking directly to Balaam?
2. What does verse 31 say was the reason for Balaam seeing the angel? How does this apply to your personal search to understand and see God more clearly?
3. Try to put Balaam’s response to the angel in 34 in your own words? Have you ever told God something like this? What happened?
4. When is there a time you kept trying and kept trying for something to not work out, only to discover God had a different plan?

Overall (Discovery Bible Study)

• What do these scriptures say about God?
• What do they say about people?
• How will I apply this to my life?

Look Ahead

Read Proverbs 3:5-6 What is one situation in your life right now that you need to either apply this personally, or help someone else apply? Memorize this verse and come ready to share next week

Notes

We are all guilty of charging along in life. When challenges come, we face them head on and keep on keeping on. If we're honest, we aren't always the most aware when God may be shifting our direction. The story of Balaam is a powerful story of how God can and will redirect. It's great to have plans, it's great to persevere, but how much are we seeking the Lord in the process. Leadership tip Memorizing scripture is a powerful way of getting God's truths deep in our hearts. Proverbs 3 is a great scripture for everyone to put to memory, especially when those difficult seasons come.