The Transforming power of the Gospel-- 2 Peter 2:10-16 "The Way of Balaam"

Last week we examined Righteous Lot. Today, we are getting back to False Teachers. Peter, in this passage, likens them to Balaam, the Gentile prophet we meet in Numbers 22.
Although he was a Gentile, God worked through him. Balak, the King of Moab, was threatened by Israel’s advance toward the Promised Land. Rather than helping their distant cousins (Lot’s daughter was Moab’s mother), Moab wanted Israel stopped. Balak sought to hire Balaam to curse Israel. Through Numbers 22-24, we see Balaam try multiple times to do what Balak was asking. Balaam wanted the money and prestige Balak was offering, but God wouldn’t allow Israel to be cursed. In a underhanded way, Balaam counseled Balak that rather than open curses, he should try to seduce Israel with women and idolatry.
Balaam caused much trouble for Israel, but ultimately met his end at an Israelite sword during the Conquest of the Promised Land.
Peter says False Teachers and their followers have rejected the right way and have gone down the path of Balaam. So, for out time today, we will discuss Three Characteristics of Those on Balaam’s Way