The Angels Of God

Bob Harding

Table of Contents

Lesson LESSON TITLE Page

1 Angels Are Real Beings………………………………..……………….. 3

2 Characteristics Of Angels……………………………………..………. 193 What Are Angels Doing Today?..........................…………………….. 33

4 Examining Some Difficult Passages………………………………….. 46

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The Angels Of GodLESSON 1: ANGELS ARE REAL BEINGS

INTRODUCTION

A. Want to catch someone’s attention? Speak of ghosts, UFO’s, or angels! One difference here, angels are real.

1. Christians are different from others in many ways. 1) One way – the world is striving for what they see about them. Christians

look at things not seen.

2 Cor 4:18: “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

 2) The Bible claims that the unseen realm is the greater reality.

Heb 11:3: “By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things which are visible.”

2. We are expected to believe the existence of many things we cannot see.1) We believe in an invisible God.

John 1:18: “No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten God who is in the bosom of the Father, He has explained Him.1 Tim 1:17: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”

3. There is reasonable evidence to believe in these things.1) Rather than prove every point about the unseen world God proves to us

the identity of His son (Rom 1:3-4).2) If Jesus is who He claimed to be, then His testimony is sure (John 6:46;

8:38).

B. We have a limited amount of information about angels in the Scriptures.

1. Most ideas about angels come from superstition.1) But what does the Bible say about angels?2) What information can we gather from the Scriptures?

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2. Thousands of books have been written on the history of mankind. 1) However, the one chapter that is usually missing from such books is the

one which would describe the role of angels in human history. 2) There is scarcely any important event in sacred history that does not

involve angels.

I. THE NATURE OF ANGELS

A. Their origin – Created beings.

1. God is the Creator of all creation.

Neh 9:6: “You alone are the LORD. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You.”

1) The host is made up of angels.

Ps 103:19-21: “The LORD established His throne in the heavens, and His sovereignity rules over all. Bless the LORD, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word! Bless the LORD, all you His hosts, you serve Him doing His will.”

2. The New Testament makes it clear that Jesus created all things, Col 1:16:

“both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him.”

John 1:3: “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.”

1) Ps 148:2: “Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him all his hosts!”2) Ps 148:5: Angels are placed in the category of “for He commanded

and they were created.”

3. The time of their creation is never stated in the Bible, however, we know from the book of Job that they were created before the creation of the world.

Job 38:4-7: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding, who set its measurements? Since you

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know. Or who stretched the line on it? On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”

1) Since the angels existed prior to the creation of man, it would seem clear that angels are not simply glorified men who once lived on earth.

2) In addition, angels as a class, are clearly distinguished from men and women who are faithful.

Heb 2:16: “For assuredly He does not give help to angels, but He gives help to the descendant of Abraham.”

3) Unlike us, angels have no plan of salvation.

B. Angels are spiritual beings.

1. Angels are called “ministering spirits” (Heb 1:14).1) In contrast to man who has a spirit and a body, angels are pure spirit

beings. 2) They are spirit beings rather than physical creatures, thus a different

order from humankind with its body.3) In their nature state, angels are invisible to the eyes of man.

Num 22:31: “Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground.

2 Kings 6:15-17: “Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, ‘Alas, my master! What shall we do?’ 16 So he answered, ‘Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.’ 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ And the Lord opened the servant's eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

Ps 89:6-7: Angels are heavenly beings, “For who in the skies is comparable to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty is like

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the Lord, 7 a God greatly feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all those who are around Him?”

2. Angels can travel from the spiritual dimension to the physical.

1) An angel appeared in human form to Gideon.

Jud 6:11-21: “Then the angel of the Lord came and sat under the oak that was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite as his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the wine press in order to save it from the Midianites. 12 The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, ‘The Lord is with you, O valiant warrior.’ 13 Then Gideon said to him, ‘O my lord, if the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles which our fathers told us about, saying, did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian. 14 The Lord looked at him and said, ‘Go in this your strength and deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Have I not sent you?’ 15 He said to Him, ‘O Lord, how shall I deliver Israel? Behold, my family is the least in Manasseh, and I am the youngest in my father's house.’ 16 But the Lord said to him, ‘Surely I will be with you, and you shall defeat Midian as one man.’ 17 So Gideon said to Him, ‘If now I have found favor in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You who speak with me. 18 Please do not depart from here, until I come back to You, and bring out my offering and lay it before You.’ And He said, ‘I will remain until you return.’ 19 Then Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened bread from an ephah of flour; he put the meat in a basket and the broth in a pot, and brought them out to him under the oak and presented them. 20 The angel of God said to him, ‘Take the meat and the unleavened bread and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth.’ And he did so. 21 Then the angel of the Lord put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the Lord vanished from his sight.

2) An angel appeared in human form to Manoah and his wife.

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Jud 13:3-9: “Then the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, ‘Behold now, you are barren and have borne no children, but you shall conceive and give birth to a son. 4 Now therefore, be careful not to drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. 5 For behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and no razor shall come upon his head, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb; and he shall begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.’ 6 Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, ‘A man of God came to me and his appearance was like the appearance of the angel of God, very awesome. And I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. 7 But he said to me, “Behold, you shall conceive and give birth to a son, and now you shall not drink wine or strong drink nor eat any unclean thing, for the boy shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’” 8 Then Manoah entreated the Lord and said, ‘O Lord, please let the man of God whom You have sent come to us again that he may teach us what to do for the boy who is to be born.’ 9 God listened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again to the woman as she was sitting in the field, but Manoah her husband was not with her.”

3) Angels appeared to shepherds.

Luke 2:9, 13: “And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened…13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,”

4) An angel appeared to Peter in prison.

Acts 12:7: “And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter's side and woke him up, saying, ‘Get up quickly.’ And his chains fell off his hands.”

3. While they are spirits, in their interactions with man, they have taken on the form of men in order to facilitate communication.

Gen 19:1-3: “Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground. 2 And he said, ‘Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant's house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.’ They said however, ‘No, but we shall spend the night in the square.’

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3 Yet he urged them strongly, so they turned aside to him and entered his house; and he prepared a feast for them, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.”

1) They appeared to people as MEN, not as women or children, and were always clothed.

2) Angels are always referred to in the masculine gender.3) Masculine pronouns are always used to refer to the angels.4) The only 2 angels who are named in Scripture, Michael and Gabriel,

have masculine names.5) We never find angels appearing in a female form.

People create an image of angels that they have no biblical reason to believe is true. You’ve seen it and I’ve seen it too, people have displayed many types of images they call angels. You likely have seen these ceramic dolls or figures of a woman with wings. The funny thing is, not once do you read of a female angel in all of the inspired text we know as the Bible.

Remember angels are spiritual beings. Even though the Bible calls this idolatry (Ex 20:3-4), people still do it.

6) As spiritual beings, they are not bound by the flesh.

Num 22:22-31: Invisible at first to Balaam but not to the donkey.“But God was angry because he was going, and the angel of the Lord took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand, the donkey turned off from the way and went into the field; but Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the way. 24 Then the angel of the Lord stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. 25 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she pressed herself to the wall and pressed Balaam's foot against the wall, so he struck her again. 26 The angel of the Lord went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick. 28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, ‘What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?’ 29 Then Balaam said to the donkey, ‘Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.’ 30 The donkey said to Balaam, ‘Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you?’ And he said, ‘No.’ 31

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Then the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground.

7) Angels can also assume other forms of appearances, such as wind or fire.

Heb 1:7: “And of the angels He says, ‘WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.’”

Ex 3:2: “The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed.”

4. As spirits, they do not participate in marriage or even physical death.

Luke 20:35-36: “but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”

1) Immortals are not given to mortal needs.2) The text doesn’t say we become angels – “like angels.”3) Since the angels existed prior to the creation of man, it would seem

clear that angels are not simply glorified men who once lived on earth.

4) When man dies he awaits the judgment in Hades (Luke 16:19-31). In the end, man will be changed from a corruptible body into a spiritual body (1 Cor 15:36-58). We die, then we are judged (Heb 9:27). We do not join an angelic air force!

5) Since angels don’t die there is no need to replace them.6) Some have thought that angels will fight in a battle of good versus

evil and some will die. Well, that too is false. Angels, once created, will then live for an eternity as we do.

5. Angels are between humanity and divinity, being creatures higher than man yet lower than God – angels are the clay of Christ (Col 1:15-17).

1) When Christ took on human flesh, He temporarily appeared lower than the angels He created by virtue of that tabernacle of humanity. Heb 2:6-7: But one has testified somewhere, saying, “What is man, that You remember him? You have made him for a little while lower

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than the angels; You have crowned Him with glory and honor, and have appointed Him over the works of his hands.”

2) Angels, as a class, are clearly distinguished from men and women who are faithful (Heb 2:16-not give help to angels).

3) Angels have their own language.

1 Cor 13:1: “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”

4) Angels are greater in the hierarchy of God’s creation.

Ps 8:3-6: Speaks of man, “When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained; 4 What is man that You take thought of him, and the son of man that You care for him? 5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God (the angels-KJV), and You crown him with glory and majesty! 6 You make him to rule over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet,”

Heb 2:7: Applied to Jesus, “YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS;” Heb 2:11: “For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,”

5) Redeemed man is to be elevated.

1 Cor 6:3: “Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?”1 John 3:2: “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is.”

C. Angels are not Deity – they had a beginning as created beings.

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1. In contrast to God, angels are not:

1) NOT ETERNAL, OMNIPOTENT (All-powerful).

2 Sam 24:15-16: “So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning until the appointed time, and seventy thousand men of the people from Dan to Beersheba died. 16 When the angel stretched out his hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity and said to the angel who destroyed the people, ‘It is enough! Now relax your hand!’ And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

2) NOT OMNIPRESENT (All-present).

Dan 9:21-23: “while I was still speaking in prayer, then the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision previously, came to me in my extreme weariness about the time of the evening offering. 22 He gave me instruction and talked with me and said, ‘O Daniel, I have now come forth to give you insight with understanding. 23 At the beginning of your supplications the command was issued, and I have come to tell you, for you are highly esteemed; so give heed to the message and gain understanding of the vision.’”

3) NOT OMNISCIENT (All-knowing). They desired to know the eternal purpose of God.

1 Pet 1:10-12: “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things into which angels long to look.”

4) Angels are put in stark contrast with Jesus, who is God.

Heb 1:5-6: “For to which of the angels did He ever say, ‘YOU ARE MY SON, TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU’? And again, ‘I WILL BE A FATHER TO HIM AND HE SHALL BE A SON TO ME’? 6 And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, ‘AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.’”

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2. Angels are under authority to God (Ps 103:20-21).

1) They are obedient servants and subject to Christ.

Col 1:15-16: “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

Eph 1:20-23: “which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. 22 And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”

1 Pet 3:22: “who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.”

3. “Angels” are spiritual beings created by God who: 1) Live in His presence.

Matt 18:10: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”

2) Worship and glorify Him.

Ps 148:2: “Praise Him, all His angels; praise Him, all His hosts!”

Luke 2:13-14: “And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.’”

Rev 5:11-12: “Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, ‘Worthy is the Lamb that

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was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.’”

Rev 7:9-12: “After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10 and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.’ 11 And all the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying, ‘Amen, blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might, be to our God forever and ever. Amen.’”

3) Help carry out His work on the earth.

Heb 1:7: “And of the angels He says, ‘WHO MAKES HIS ANGELS WINDS, AND HIS MINISTERS A FLAME OF FIRE.’”

4) Care for His faithful people.

Heb 1:14: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”

D. Angels are not to be worshiped.

1. Though they are above us, angels are not to be worshiped.1) Because of the mystic we associate with angels, there may be some

temptation for man to worship angels.2) For example, the apostle John on the island of Patmos was rather

overwhelmed by the angel he saw and heard.

Rev 19:10: “Then I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘Do not do that; I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus; worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’”

Rev 22:8-9: “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 But he said to me, ‘Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the

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prophets and of those who heed the words of this book. Worship God.’”

3) This holy angel reminded John to worship God.

2. There is always the danger of being sucked into “angel worship”.

Col 2:18: “Let no one keep defrauding you of your prize by delighting in self-abasement and the worship of the angels, taking his stand on visions he has seen, inflated without cause by his fleshly mind,”

1) Here it is mentioned in connection with the false religious system being promoted in Colossae.

E. Angels Are Innumerable.

1. The number of angels is hard to describe.

Heb 12:22: “myriads (innumerable company) of angels.” Myriads is a large number, innumerable, beyond counting.

1) Deut 33:2: “The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones; at His right hand there was flashing lightning for them.”

2) Ps 68:17: The Psalmist said, “The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness.”

3) Dan 7:9-10: In a night vision Daniel saw the throne of the Ancient of Days, and before Him “thousands upon thousands were attending Him, and myriads upon myriads were standing before Him; There is no word in Hebrew for million.

(10,000 x 10,000 = 100 million).

4) Luke 2:13: Hovering over the plains around Bethlehem a “multitude of the heavenly host” sang the praises of God when our Savior was born.

5) Matt 26:53: In the Garden of Gethsemane our Lord told Peter His Father could provide “more than twelve legions of angels.”

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A legion in the Roman army was 6,000 soldiers. Jesus said that it was possible for God to immediately dispatch 72,000 angels to defend His Son.

6) Rev 5:11: In a vision John saw Angels around the throne of God, “and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands (ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands).”

7) 2 Kings 6:17: “Then Elisha prayed and said, ‘O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.’ And the Lord opened the servant's eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

F. There are both good and bad angels.

1. We observed earlier, angels are created beings – everything God created is good (Gen 1:31). Angels were created without sin – innocent.

Ps 89:14: “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; lovingkindness and truth go before You.”

Jas 1:13, 17: “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone…17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.”

1) Angels are free moral agents – created with the ability to sin.2 Pet 2:4, 9: “For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment;…9 then the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from temptation, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment, 10 and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority.”

Jude 6: “And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day, Having the ability to choose, angels are ACCOUNTABLE TO

GOD.

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2. It is clear that the leader of these fallen angels (or demons as they are also called) is Satan.

Matt 12:25-27: “And knowing their thoughts Jesus said to them, ‘Any kingdom divided against itself is laid waste; and any city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26 If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? 27 If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your sons cast them out? For this reason they will be your judges.’”

Rev 12:7: “And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war,”

1) Some angels have gone over to Satan (Jude 6).2) Satan is a liar, a murderer, and a thief.

John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.”

3) As God’s adversary, he hates God and God’s people (1 Pet 5:8).

4) Satan and his angels (demons) want to be worshiped.

Matt 4:9-11: “and he said to Him, ‘All these things I will give You, if You fall down and worship me.’ 10 Then Jesus said to him, ‘Go, Satan! For it is written,’ “YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.”’ 11 Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.”

5) The devil and his angels will be punished.

Matt 25:41: “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;’”

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G. There are different orders or ranks among angels as well as with wicked spirits.

Eph 1:21: “far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” (cp. 6:10-12)

1. What is the difference in rulers, authorities, powers, and dominions? 1) The Bible does not fill in all the details but there must be some kind

of difference in them.

2. Only two Angels are mentioned by name in the Bible.

1) Jude 9: “Michael the archangel.” Michael is “the archangel”.  This implies that the other angels

serve under him. Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when

he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!”

2) Luke 1:19: speaks of “Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God.”

3. The term “archangel” means “chief or captain of the angels.”

1) Dan 10:13: he is called “one of the chief princes.”

2) 1 Thes 4:16: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

3) Rev 12:7: “And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,”

CONCLUSION

1. Angels are not imaginary “storybook” figures, nor beings who “used to exist.” They are real . . . today.

1. From beginning to end, the Bible assumes the reality of angels.

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Gen 19:1: “Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground.”

Rev 22:16: “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

2. In the debate over angels, the Pharisees were right and the Sadducees wrong.

Acts 23:7-8: “As he said this, there occurred a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.”

1. We must not dismiss the reality of angels simply because who do not understand everything about them!

The Angels Of GodLESSON 2: CHARACTERISTICS OF ANGELS

INTRODUCTION

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A. Angels are mentioned nearly 300 times in the Bible.

1. The Hebrew word malak occurs 108 times in the Old Testament and angellos is the Greek word that is found 186 times in the New Testament.1) Both words can literally be translated “angel” or “messenger.”2) The basic meaning of the word “angel” is a messenger.3) This word can be further defined as “one sent, envoy, to dispatch as a

deputy or agent.”

2. In Bible study we discover that the angels’ primary task was to serve as messengers of God.1) In a very special manner, they are employed in numberless ways as the

messengers of God, to the saved and sinners alike.

B. The word is used to describe both humans and spiritual beings. 

1. Examples of the word “angel” used for human messengers.

1) 2 Sam 2:5: So David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, You are blessed of the Lord, for you have shown this kindness to your lord, to Saul, and have buried him.

2) 1 Kings 19:2: Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.”

3) 2 Kings 16:7: Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria...

4) Hag 1:13: Then Haggai, the Lord's messenger, spoke the Lord's message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord.”

5) Mal 2:7: For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, and people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

6) Luke 7:24: When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

7) Luke 7:27: This is he of whom it is written: `Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You.'

2. Others uses.

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1) 2 Cor 12:7: And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me...

2) Rev 1:20: The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.

3) Rev 2:1: To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands:’

4) Matt 12:24; 26:41: “But when the Pharisees heard this, they said, ‘This man casts out demons only by Beelzebul the ruler of the demons.’… 41 Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;’”

I. OTHER DESCRIPTIVE TERMS

A. Each of these titles, including the term “angel”, stresses the fact that angels are in full agreement with God and His will.

1. Dan 4:13: “Holy ones”1) They are holy and refuse to corrupt themselves or violate His will.

2. Dan 4:13: “Watchers”1) Indicates the guardianship of God’s divine program, kingdom and

will.2) They are trusted servants to see that God’s will is carried out, and as

such, they must be in full sympathy with His program.

3. Deut 33:2: “Saints”1) They are set apart to serve God and His special purposes.

4. Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7: “Sons of God” or “sons of the mighty”1) They are sons of God in the sense that they manifest the moral nature

and character of God.

5. Ps 103:21; Heb 1:7: “Ministers of God”

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1) While the term “angel” can be used in reference to human messengers, it is predominately used in reference to spiritual beings “ministering spirits” (Heb 1:14).

6. Ps 103:21: “Mighty ones”

Ps 103:20-21: “Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty (excel) in strength, who perform His word, obeying the voice of His word! 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you who serve Him, doing His will.” 2 Pet 2:11: “whereas angels, who are greater in might and power, [than men].”

2 Thes 1:7: “the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire.”

1) The word Paul used for “mighty” is dunamis. We get “dynamite” from that word. Dynamite packs a powerful punch and so do the angels of God.

2) 2 Kings 19:35:  In one night “…the angel of the Lord...killed 185,000” without waking anyone up (Isa 37:36).

3) Dan 3:24-28: An angel appeared in the center of a white-hot furnace to protect Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The raging fire had no power over him or the three Hebrews.

4) Dan 6:22: Fierce lions were about to mangle Daniel when an angel appeared in their midst and forced their drooling jaws shut.

5) Matt 28:2-3: An angel appeared like lightning (3) “rolled away the stone” (2) at the tomb of Jesus—a stone so large that the combined strength of several people could not even budge it (Mark 16:5).

6) Acts 12:6-7: On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light was shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands.” Acts 12:10: The angel led Peter “passed the first and second guard”and the iron gate “opened for them by itself.” Can you imagine what twelve legions of angels could do?

(Matt 26:53-54).

7. David said angels possessed great “wisdom”.

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1) 2 Sam 14:20: “in order to change the appearance of things your servant Joab has done this thing. But my lord is wise, like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know all that is in the earth.”

19:27: “Moreover, he has slandered your servant to my lord the king; but my lord the king is like the angel of God, therefore do what is good in your sight.” 1 Cor 13:1: What do these wise, powerful beings consider

valuable?

8. “Michael” (and his angels-Dan 4:13; 10:10-13) “stands guard” and wrestles with kings.

1) Dan 12:1: “Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people, everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.”

2) Dan 10:10-13: “Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, ‘O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.’ And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, ‘Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.’ Whoever the prince of Persia was, he must have been a powerful

creature to be able to withstand the one talking to Daniel for three weeks.

Angels can be detained!

B. Two classes of angels.

1. The “cherubim” means “to till or plough”, suggesting diligent service.

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1) Gen 3:24: The first Biblical reference to the Cherubim is associated with the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. This guarding proclaimed God’s just wrath against sin, but also suggested future mercy, that is, they guard it, not against, but for men and women who will serve God (Rev 2:7; 22:14). We are not told how long the cherubim guarded the entrance into the Garden, it may have lasted all the way up until the garden was destroyed by the flood.

2) Ex 25:18-20: We are given a little bit more information about the cherubim. These representations of cherubim would have never been seen by the people. They were not allowed to enter the Most Holy place of the tabernacle or temple where the ark was kept. When they traveled from one place to another the ark was carried to the new location, and it was completely covered (Num 4:5).

3) It is not until we reach the book of Ezekiel that we are given a detailed description of these spiritual beings.

Ezek 10:20-22: “so I knew that they were cherubim. Each one had four faces and each one four wings, and beneath their wings was the form of human hands. As for the likeness of their faces, they were the same faces whose appearance I had seen by the river Chebar. Each one went straight ahead.”

10:14: “And each one had four faces. The first face was the face of a cherub, the second face was the face of a man, the third face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.”

4) Ezek 1:5-14: Gives a further description. Here the modern world, which thinks of a cherub as child-like cupid, is shattered. Each face seems to symbolize a distinct characteristic of cherubim. Like a lion, these beings are courageous and fierce. As an ox is patiently industrious, and has brute strength, so are cherubim. As an eagle possessed far-sighted view (1:18), and speed, so do these creatures. Man is a rational being, is intelligent, and the face of man may also suggest the idea that man was made a little lower than the angels (Ps 8:5), and the cherubim are not mindless creatures. Note of movement of these beings, it is pointed out several times by Ezekiel that when they took flight, they needed not to turn around, but went straight forward (1:9, 12, 17,20; 10:11, 22). They also moved with the speed associated with lightning (1:14).

(5) The cherubim are also associated with God’s throne.

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Ps 80:1: “You are enthroned above the cherubim.” They are connected with the mercy seat on the ark of the

covenant, which represents God’s throne or His presence (Ex 25:22), “the very name of the Lord of hosts who is enthroned above the cherubim” (2 Sam 6:2).

Ezek 1:15-21: They are inherently connected with the movements of wheels. The wheels seem to support a throne (1:26). From all of these passages it appears that God is telling us that the cherubim serve as His personal attendants or escort.

2. The name “seraphim” means “burners” or “burning ones”. 1) This may indicate their ardent love and flaming zeal for the honor

and service of God their Creator.

Isa 6:2: “seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.”

2) The veiled face may indicate unworthiness and also inability to steadfastly behold or fully comprehend the glory of the Lord.

3) Profound reverence and adoring awe are also suggested, as well as the care not to pry into God’s secrets and counsels. In the presence of an Eastern monarch the whole of the lower part of attendants was covered.

4) Covered feet denote deep humility. Hence, four wings were for worship and reverence, two were for work and service.

3. Isaiah is the only writer who mentions “seraphim” by name, but the beings described in Revelation 4:6-8, do resemble them. 1) The comparative rank of cherubim and seraphim is unknown. 2) They are the only spiritual beings that are said to possess “wings”.3) The seraphim appear to be leaders of praise. 4) Complete subjection to God is characteristic of all angelic beings. 5) We cannot be otherwise impressed with the unfaltering, unhesitating

response of the cherubim to God’s orders. We are no less impressed with the endless, tireless praise of the seraphim.

6) If we are prone to wonder at, and be amazed by these creatures, we should know that God is wonderful, and these creatures know it!

4. Isa 6:1-3: In a vision the prophet Isaiah saw the seraphim who stand before the throne of God and cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”

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1) This is the only Old Testament passage where seraphim are mentioned.

2) Each seraphim had feet, a face and six wings. 3) This vision made a tremendous impression upon Isaiah, for his

favorite designation of God is “the Holy One of Israel,” a phrase occurring some 26 times in his book.

5. Ezek 10:1-21: Tells us of the cherubim who were present when the glory of God left the temple in Jerusalem.

1) “And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard even in the outer court, like the voice of Almighty God when He speaks” (10:5).

6. Ex 37:9: One of the vessels of ministry used in both the tabernacle and the temple was the Ark of the Covenant. 1) It is interesting to note that two cherubim of beaten gold were on top

of the Ark, on the mercy seat, facing each other.

“The cherubim spread out their wings above, and covered the mercy seat with their wings. They faced one another; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.”

7. Another consideration about angelic organization.  1) The term “archangel” is indicative of rank (I Thes 4: 16).

2) The “cherubim” and “seraphim”, apparently high ranking angels, are presented as winged (Ex 25:20).

3) In this angelic hierarchy, there is also what is called the “theophany,” perhaps the highest in rank. The theophany, while an angel, assumes the “position” of God Himself. God is called “the angel of the Lord.”

Ex 3:2-6: “The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. 3 So Moses said, ‘I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.’ 4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ 5 Then He said, ‘Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ 6 He said also, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.”

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Acts 7:35: “This Moses whom they disowned, saying, ‘WHO MADE YOU A RULER AND A JUDGE?’ is the one whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the help of the angel who appeared to him in the thorn bush.”

The archangel, cherubim, seraphim, and the “theophany” all appear to be over angels in general.

II. GOD’S ANGELS SERVE HIS PURPOSES

A. Angels serve God in bringing to pass His will.

1. Angels played an important role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

1) Matt 4:11: “Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him.”

2) Matt 6:11: “Our kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Angels do the Father’s will).

3) Matt 26:53: “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father,

and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”

4) Matt 28:2: “And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it.”

5) Luke 22:43: “Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him.”

6) Heb 1:6, 14: “And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, ‘AND LET ALL THE ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM.’…14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”

7) Heb 2:9: “But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.”

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8) 1 Pet 3:22: “who is at the right hand of God, having gone into

heaven, after angels and authorities and powers had been subjected to Him.”

2. Just as angels are subject to God's authority, they ministered to the Son when He subordinated Himself by taking upon Himself human form. 1) The word “angel” appears more often in Revelation than in any

other book of the Bible. 2) Clearly, angels are important agents in the triumphant victory that

God is accomplishing through Jesus Christ.

B. Angels serve God's people (Heb 1:14).

1. They are sent to minister.

1) Gen 24:40: Seeking a bride for Isaac, “He said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I have walked, will send His angel with you to make your journey successful, and you will take a wife for my son from my relatives and from my father's house;’”

2. Angels are also sent as messengers.1) Gen 22:11-12: An angel told Abraham to not kill Isaac.2) Jud 13: An angel told Manoah and his wife of son [Samson] to be

born.3) Dan 8:15f: An angel interpreted vision of a ram and goat to Daniel.4) Dan 9:20: An angel delivered the prophesy of 70 weeks to Daniel.5) Luke 1:13: The angel Gabriel told Zacharias about his son [John the

Baptist].6) Luke 1-2: Angels appeared and delivered messages to Mary, Joseph,

and the shepherds.7) Ac 8:26: An angel told Philip to go out to the desert.8) Acts 27:23-24: An angel told Paul that he would be delivered from

the storm at sea.

C. Angels Helped Deliver the Law at Sinai.

1. Deut 33:2-4: (Moses) He said, “The Lord came from Sinai, and dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came from

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the midst of ten thousand holy ones; at His right hand there was flashing lightning (fiery law) for them. 3 Indeed, He loves the people; all Your holy ones are in Your hand, and they followed in Your steps; everyone receives of Your words. 4 Moses charged us with a law, a possession for the assembly of Jacob.”

1) Ps 68:7: “The chariots of God are myriads, thousands upon thousands; the Lord is among them as at Sinai, in holiness.”

2) Acts 7:52-53: “Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; 53 you who received the law as ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.”

3) Gal 3:19: “Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.”

4) Heb 2:1-2: “For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty,”

5) Heb 3:7-8: “Therefore, just as the Holy Spirit says, ‘TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS WHEN THEY PROVOKED ME, AS IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS,’”

6) Heb 4:7: “He again fixes a certain day, ‘Today,’ saying through David after so long a time just as has been said before, ‘TODAY IF YOU HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS.’” God – angels – Moses – Israel.

2. We now have the complete revelation from God so there is nothing for the angels to deliver today.  1) Heb 1-2: Shows how Jesus is greater than the angels. 2) The revelation through Jesus is greater than the revelation given by

angels.

D. Angels’ personal interaction with us today is limited.

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1. In the biblical period, angels sometimes communicated directly with human beings, appearing visibly and speaking audibly:

1) Visions.

Acts 10:3: “About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, ‘Cornelius!’”

2) Dreams. Matt 1:20-21: “But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.’”

3) Personal appearances. Acts 12:8-10: “And the angel said to him, ‘Gird yourself and put on your sandals.’ And he did so. And he said to him, ‘Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.’ 9 And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.”

4) Miracles. John 5:4: “for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool and stirred up the water; whoever then first, after the stirring up of the water, stepped in was made well from whatever disease with which he was afflicted.]

2. No such interactions are to be expected now.Heb 1:1-2: “God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.” 1) Apart from His written word, no more “messages” will come from

God until the end of all things.

2) No activities that would fall into the realm of the miraculous are to be expected since the apostolic period.

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Mark 16:20: “And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.”

Heb 2:3-4: “How will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.”

3) We should not be surprised that there are limitations on the activity

of angels today since there are also limitations on the activity of God Himself, Satan, demons, etc.

3. There are some things we know with absolute certainty. 1) For instance, angels are not to present another gospel or change

Jesus' gospel in any way.

Gal 1: 6-9: “I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!”

4. Hence, all the religions which are built on the claim of angelic revelation are wrong! 1) We also know that angels do not violate in any way God's present

means of working with man.    2) For instance, God saves man through the gospel, not angelic

intervention or coercion.

Rom. 1: 16: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘BUT THE RIGHTEOUS man SHALL LIVE BY FAITH.’”

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Rom 10:14-18: “How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? 15 How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, ‘HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!’ 16 However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, ‘LORD, WHO HAS BELIEVED OUR REPORT?’ 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. 18 But I say, surely they have never heard, have they? Indeed they have; ‘THEIR VOICE HAS GONE OUT INTO ALL THE EARTH, AND THEIR WORDS TO THE ENDS OF THE WORLD.’”

3) In this vein, angels must not be perceived as miraculously working (miracles, as such) in man's behalf.

1 Cor 13: 8-10: “Love never fails; but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away.”

Jas 1:23-25: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24 for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”

5. Even during the period the New Testament was being penned it was man sent to preach the Gospel rather than angels (Matt 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-20, and Acts 5:42). 1) In fact, in two cases where an angel was involved he was used to

send a man to preach rather than going and doing it himself (Acts 8:26-38 and Acts 10:3-8).

2) Thus, the days of angels directly bringing the Gospel to man are over.

3) Even more interesting is the fact that when the Holy Sprit came to reveal the words of Christ to man (John 16:13), the angels desired to look into those things as they did not know them (1 Pet 1:10-13). This however, is just one of many common false ideas about angels.

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CONCLUSION

1. Angels are still are our ministers.  How?  What are they doing today?1. Answering this question will be the focus of the next lesson.

The Angels Of GodLESSON 3: WHAT ARE ANGELS DOING TODAY?

INTRODUCTION

A. Angels are spiritual beings created by God (Ps 148:1, 5), who are on a higher order than man (Heb 2:7), and neither reproduce nor die (Luke 20:35, 36).

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1. They are mentioned almost 300 times in the Scriptures and often functioned as agents of destruction or blessing (Gen 19:13, 16). 1) As such, they were involved in God's providential care for His people (2

Kings 18-19). 2) It is our firm conviction that they still function in this capacity even today.

B. Modern-day Sadducees.

1. Unfortunately, too many of us have become modern-day Sadducees, in that we do not believe in angels (Acts 23:8). 1) Many have assumed that because miracles have ceased, angels are no

longer in business today. 2) This would seem to be an obvious contradiction of Hebrews 1:13-14,

which says “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”

2. Although we are not living in the miraculous age, this must not be taken to mean that God is not still exercising control over His creation. 1) Matt 5:45: Teaches the general providence of God, and in Matthew 6:33,

the child of God is taught to trust in God’s specific providence toward His children.

2) Rom 8:28-31: We are taught that “all things work together for good to those who love God.” Does this not suggest God's providential care?

C. We do not live in a totally chance universe.

1. Both Hebrews 1:3 and Colossians 1:17 make it perfectly clear that God's creation has not been left to mere chance.

Heb 1:3: “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

Col 1:17: “He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

1) God is still in control. God still rules in the kingdoms of men and this is verified by such passages as:

Rom 13:1-2: “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority has

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opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves.”

Acts 17:24-28: “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25 nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; 26 and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and exist,”

Dan 4:17, 32: “This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers and the decision is a command of the holy ones, in order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, and bestows it on whom He wishes and sets over it the lowliest of men…32 and you will be driven away from mankind, and your dwelling place will be with the beasts of the field. You will be given grass to eat like cattle, and seven periods of time will pass over you until you recognize that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind and bestows it on whomever He wishes.”

2. To believe, as some do, that God has taken on a “hands-off” position with reference to the affairs of mankind is not only a contradiction of Scripture, but is  tantamount to dethroning Jesus Christ, who now reigns as King of kings.

Rev 1:5: “and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood.”

Eph 1:19b-21: “These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.”

1) It is, indeed, comforting to know that angels are sent forth by God to

minister unto us for “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against

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principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:12).

2) Our prayers to God are not exercises in futility, but are, in fact, requests based on a faith that God can and will help us, and that angels are His agents in these matters.

D. Lord, open our eyes.

1. Paul prayed that Christians would have the eyes of their understanding enlightened so that they could see “the exceeding greatness of His power toward who believe” (Eph 1:19). 1) If we will, by faith, open our eyes, we can see that “they that be with us are

more than they that be with them” (2 Kings 6:16).

2. How do angels serve (minister to) us today? 1) The key to understanding the role of angels today is to understand their

role in the past. 2) We know from Scriptures that their role as direct messengers to men has

ceased. 3) They had a role in revealing God's will to mankind, but now that the

revelation is complete in the Old and New Testaments, that role is finished.

4) Just because this aspect of their work is complete doesn't mean they have gone into retirement and have nothing to do!

5) There has always been much that angels have done in addition to delivering God's Word.

I. THE WORK OF ANGELS THEN AND NOW

A. Angels care for physical needs.

1. An angel provided water for Hagar and Ishmael (Gen 21:14-21).2. An angel provided food for Elijah (2 Kings 19:3-9).3. Angels ministered to Jesus after His 40 day fast (Matt 4:11).4. Angels protected Daniel in the lion's den (Dan 6:22).

1) There is no reason to have high expectations that angels will miraculously appear and care for us like they have on very rare occasions in the past.

2) We still need to remember that God still promises to provide for our needs and protect us (Matt 6:8, 11, 13, 33).

3) How is God going to fulfill this promise?

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4) One way available is through His angels who are sent as our ministering spirits.

B. Angels help us be successful in what we do.

1. When Abraham sent his servant to get a wife for Isaac.

Gen 24:40: “But he said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my family and from my father's house.’”

1) Many passages teach of God blessing individuals and helping them to be successful in life. How does He do this? One way – His angels.

2. Example of Israel.

Ex 23:20-23: “Behold, I send an angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Beware of Him and obey His voice; do not provoke Him, for He will not pardon your transgressions; for My name is in Him. But if you indeed obey His voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. For My Angel will go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will cut them off.”(also Ex 33:2)

Ps 91:11: “For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.”

1) Satan quoted this passage to Jesus during the temptation (Matt 4:6). 2) The original context applies to all children of God. 3) If it applies to all children of God, how much more would it apply to

the one perfect Son of God?

3. Angels were sent to encourage.1) Angels strengthened Jesus after His temptation (Matt 4:11).2) They encouraged the apostles to keep preaching after releasing them

from prison (Acts 5:19-20).3) An angel told Paul that everyone on his ship would survive the

impending shipwreck (Acts 27:23-25). Today – We have the complete revelation to encourage us no

matter what the circumstances.

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Acts 20:32: “And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”

3 John 2-8: “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers. 3 For I was very glad when brethren came and testified to your truth, that is, how you are walking in truth. 4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. 5 Beloved, you are acting faithfully in whatever you accomplish for the brethren, and especially when they are strangers; 6 and they have testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers with the truth.”

C. Angels can rescue God's people from danger.

1. Angels were sent to save Lot from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:10-16).

2. Jacob recognized he had been delivered from evil by the help of an angel (Gen 48:16).

Ps 34:7: “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”

1) This doesn't require angels to miraculously appear to us, just as they did not miraculously appear to Jacob during most of his life.

2) He still knew they were working “behind the scenes”.

3. An angel encouraged Paul (Act 27:13-26). 1) God comforts us in our tribulation and difficulties (2 Cor 1:3-4,

7:6). 2) One way we have comfort is by reading the Scriptures (Rom 15:4). 3) In addition to this, people recognize God is the God of comfort

(Rom 15:5). 4) A common practice in churches is to pray for God to comfort and

encourage people who are going through some difficult times. 5) How is God going to answer these prayers? One way available to

Him is by His angels.

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4. Angels protected Elisha from the Syrians.Elisha's words to his servant: 2 Kings 6:16: “Do not fear... those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”1) The angels were there the whole time. 2) The miracle allowed the young servant to see what was already

there. 3) We must be able to see like Elisah, and see the unseen (Heb 11:1).

 D. Angels fight against God's enemies.

1. David wasn't asking for a miracle, but he was asking for God to send His angels to work in the lives of the wicked.

Ps 35:5-8: “Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the Lord driving them on. 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the Lord pursuing them. 7 For without cause they hid their net for me; without cause they dug a pit for my soul. 8 Let destruction come upon him unawares, and let the net which he hid catch himself; into that very destruction let him fall.”

2. We have no promise that angels will come and miraculously deliver us from the wicked like they did with Lot.

Gen 19:11: “They (angels) struck the men who were at the doorway of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the doorway.

1) By their actions that day, they demonstrated they do have power to work mightily in behalf of God's people today.

2) In the same way, we do not expect Jesus to feed thousands of us with a few loaves and fish, but He clearly demonstrated His power and ability to take care of us by His miracles.

3. The plagues on Egypt.Ps 78:49: “He sent upon them His burning anger, fury and indignation and trouble, a band of destroying angels.”

4. An angel killed 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians (2 Kings 19:35).

5. An angel brought death to Israel when they rebelled against God.1 Cor 10:10: “nor murmur (grumble), as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer.”

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E. Angels opened doors to enable people to hear the truth.

1. Angels never directly taught others the gospel, but they enabled those who knew the truth to meet those who were searching for the truth. 1) Acts 8:25-28: Philip and the Eunuch.2) Acts 10:1: Peter and Cornelius.

2. How does God manipulate our reality to open doors for us? 1) One way available to Him is His angels, our ministering spirits.

Col 4:3: “praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;” Rev 3:8: “I know your deeds. Behold, I have put before you an open door which no one can shut, because you have a little power, and have kept My word, and have not denied My name.”

F. Angels help in providence.

1. Dan 10-12: Reveals the activity of spiritual beings as they affect the nations of men. 1) God always has and always will rule over the nations. 2) How does He do this? One way available to Him is His angels.

G. Angels are present at our death.

1. What happens when a person dies? 1) Where does his spirit go? 2) How does it get there? 3) Are there any forces trying to keep the spirit separated from God in the

spiritual realm as there are now?

2. After death we go to be with the Lord.

2 Cor 5:6-8: “Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord — 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight — 8 we are of good courage, I say, and

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prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord.”

Phil 1:23: “But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better;”

1) How do we get to the presence of the Lord?Luke 16:22: “Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.”

3. We have many enemies in the spiritual realm. 1) After the spirit leaves the body, why should we expect the wicked

spirits to no longer care? 2) The Bible indicates that we are chaperoned through the spiritual realm

into the presence of Christ in the same realm angels and Satan now dwell.

3) What is there no one knows. Many attempt to learn of this realm through hypnosis, drugs, astral projection, etc.

4) During near death experiences, many commonly report seeing a tunnel ahead they are about to pass through.

5) Are they seeing the front end of the one way trip of death? 6) If so, what's on the other side of the tunnel? Whatever death is like, the

Bible says there are angels waiting to escort us to Christ.

H. Angels will be coming with Christ.

1. The greatest event in the future is the final coming of Christ.

1 Thes 4:16: “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

2 Thes 1:7-10: “and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire, 8 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed — for our testimony to you was believed.”1) When you see angels, will it be a welcome sight?2) Or will it be like Balaam, terrifying?

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3) When Jesus comes with His angels, will you be ready?4) If Angels of heaven shouted with joy when the earth was born—if

the Angels hailed with “Hosannas” the Babe born in Bethlehem, what will be their “Hallelujahs” when they accompany the King in all His triumphant glory?

I. The angels will separate the wicked from the righteous.

1. Matt 13:24-30: Parable of the Wheat and the Tares.

Explanation of the parable:Matt 13:37-43: And He said, "The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man, 38 and the field is the world; and as for the good seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; and the tares are the sons of the evil one; 39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. 40 So just as the tares are gathered up and burned with fire, so shall it be at the end of the age. 41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then THE RIGHTEOUS WILL SHINE FORTH AS THE SUN in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”

1) There will be no more hypocrites, insincere, apathetic, lukewarm in the church.

2) All the wicked will be cast out by the angels.

2. We know some people who obviously are not following God. 1) There are others we do not have the ability to properly judge. 2) They appear to be righteous and can fool men. 3) God and the angels will not be fooled!

J. Angels will be at the throne of God.

Matt 25:31-32: “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;” Luke 12:8-9: “And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God; 9 but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God.”

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K. Angels will cast the sinners away (2 Thes 1:8-9).

1. How will this be accomplished?

Matt 13:41-42: “The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, 42 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

L. All the wicked will be cast into hell.

Matt 13:49-50: “So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, 50 and will throw them into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Matt 25:41: “Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;’”

Rev 20:10: “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

1. With the casting of Satan, his angels, and the wicked into the lake of fire, another part of the work of angels will be finished. 1) Angels will no longer be sent from the presence of Christ to men on

earth. 2) Together with the redeemed they will live through eternity in the

presence of God and enjoy a life of peace in heaven.

2. They are now our servants to help us reach home with God. 1) With help like this how can we lose? 2) We are not to go about feeling defeated, but more than conquerors. 3) We are not to trust in our own power, but God's. 4) We may not have angels visibly come to us as with Lot or Elisha to

deliver us. 5) They don't personally tell us where to go find someone to teach, but

they are still ministering spirits sent out to serve us. 3. Rev 19:11-16: “And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse,

and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one

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knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, ‘KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS’”

1) Paul was aware of their presence.

1 Tim 5:21: “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality.”

2) Do the angels see us as interested in our redemption as they are?

1 Pet 1:10-12: “As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you made careful searches and inquiries, 11 seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things into which angels long to look.”

CONCLUSIONQuestions

1. Why don’t we visibly see them?

1. Because they are spirit beings, and like God they are invisible to human eyes (1 Tim 6:16). 1) Some might ask, “what about those today who say they’ve seen angels?”

Jer 23:16, 32: Consider something Jeremiah wrote: “Thus says the Lord of hosts, ‘Do not listen to the words of the prophets who are prophesying to you. They are leading you into futility; they speak a vision of their own imagination, not from the mouth of the Lord…32 Behold, I am against those who have prophesied false dreams,’ declares the Lord, ‘and related them and led My people astray by their falsehoods and reckless

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boasting; yet I did not send them or command them, nor do they furnish this people the slightest benefit,’ declares the Lord.”

2. Why don’t we sense their presence more? A good question. Brace yourself for the answer.

1. Without meaning to sound harsh, let us consider that it is not the angels’ fault! 1) It is not God’s fault, either. Nor is it the Bible’s fault.

2) It has been noted that Christians have often lived in total ignorance of angels and many people only think about them around “Christmas time”.

3) Acts 17:27: Paul told the Athenians that God “is not far from every one of us.”

4) The same is true of the angels. They are not far from us either. 5) Angels will become more real to us when a study of what the Bible says

about angels becomes real to us.

3. How do I know if an angel has appeared to me?

Heb 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

1. At times Christians can be very anxious, “What if that hitchhiker I just passed was an angel?” 1) The passage doesn’t necessarily demand the conclusion that angels appear

to us today, but as someone noted, if they do, their actions and behavior would always be consistent with Biblical virtues, such as truth, honesty, virtue, purity, and diligence.

2) God doesn’t try to trick us, for when angels in the Bible did assume a human form they did not take the form of people who had bad attitudes or were ungodly. The angels that appeared to Abraham and Lot were very respectful and dignified (Gen 18-19).

4. Any beings who were created by God and who live with Him in the heavenly realm ought to have our respect.

1. However, we need to also be careful not to grant angels higher honor than they are due (Col 1:18; Rev 22:8-9).1) When God tells us that these beings are a part of His work to save us

from sin, we ought to be filled with awe and appreciation. 2) Most of all, however, what we are told about angels ought to deepen our

worship of God Himself. 3) Angels are just one more subject for us to study and realize the power of

the Almighty God we serve.

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The Angels Of GodLESSON 4: EXAMINING SOME DIFFICULT PASSAGES

INTRODUCTION45

A. Angels should not be the object of excessive curiosity.

1. There is much about angels that is not revealed to us, and some of what is revealed is hard to understand. 1) We need to be content with what God has revealed and not “pry” into

things not revealed (Deut 29:29).

2. We need to be careful not to grant angels higher honor than they are due (Col 1:18; Rev 22:8-9).1) One thing is for sure: angels are not the “cute” figures imagined by many.2) In the Scriptures, as often as not their appearance produced fear (Luke

1:30; 2:9-10; etc.).3) In view of the “fascination” that many have with angels today, we need to

cultivate a balanced attitude.4) We must avoid the occult concept of angels but accept the Bible's

teaching of created beings known as angels.  

B. We do know that angels are certainly interested in man (Luke 15:10; 1 Pet 1:10-12).

1. Hebrews 1:14 does apply to this final dispensation (Heb. 1:1-2). 1) Any believed activity, though, must be governed and presented in

harmony with such verses as 1 Peter 3:12 and 1 Corinthians 13:10.    

I. MATTHEW 18:10: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”

 A. There is absolutely no doubt that angels have had an active role and part

in the affairs of man (Acts 7:53; Luke 16:22).

1. It is also undeniable that angels have a special interest in man's salvation (Luke 15:10; Heb 1:14). 1) Matt 18:10: It is also apparent that Jesus is teaching the existence of a

special angelic connection between “these little ones” and angels. 2) The essential question is in what manner and to what extent is there an

angelic connection?

B. The expression “their angels” (hoi aggelio auton) indicates intimacy in the connection, so much so that one should not despise one of “these little ones.”

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1. These angels (“their angels”) themselves have a consequential connection by reason of they “continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven.”

     1) Many believe that “their angels” is teaching a special angelic connection, awareness, and posture between angels in general and the saved in general (Heb 1:14).

    2) Some contend the verse is teaching more – that each individual saved person has his own specific angel assigned to him. This assigned angel is referred to as “a guardian angel.”

     2. Regarding the first view, there is no doubt. However, the second view has

created much discussion.1) Some say that this verse doesn’t say that each one of us has a

“guardian angel.” While Jesus assures us that we have angels who work on our behalf, He did not say there is an angel who is assigned for every person.

     2) For sure, any view regarding man and angels in any providential circumstance must not present angels as interfering with man's free moral agency, responsibilities, or acting out of harmony with the gospel (John 7:17; Acts 2:40; Gal 1:6-9, 1 Cor 13:8-10).

3. While no passage specifically states that every person has a guardian angel, the Bible does teach that angels do guard and protect.

Ps 91:11: “For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.”

1) Angels care for and protect believers from physical harm and give believers strength to overcome difficulties.

II. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:2-3: “Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? If the world is judged by you, are you not competent to constitute the smallest law courts? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life?”

A. In choosing Christ, Christians have wisely placed themselves under the authority of God, whereas the “angels that sinned did not keep their places of authority” (Jude 6, NIV).

1. Faithful Christians are not only a standing condemnation of unbelievers (that is, from the very fact that I can live a faithful life and understand God’s word, proves that every unbeliever either isn’t honest, or isn’t

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trying very hard), we are also a standing condemnation to unfaithful angels. 1) Faithful Christians have demonstrated better judgment than secular

society or the rebellious angels. 2) Note Paul’s argument: The very fact that one person can live the

Christian life, removes everyone else’s excuse for not living the Christian life. Rebellious angels and rebellious people have the same attitude (will not remain in their proper domain). Faithful angels and faithful Christians have the same attitude (remain under God’s authority).

III. 1 COR 11:10: “Therefore the woman ought to have a symbol of authority on her head, because of the angels.”

A. What is often forgotten is that a double obligation exists in these verses.

1. Because of these facts, both men and women are under obligation (11:7 “ought not”; 11:10 “ought”). 1) Women are not allowed to cast off the recognized customs of society

that express a biblical truth (such as their subjection or femininity).2) In addition (what at times is forgotten in this whole discussion), men

are not allowed to cast off the customs that express their rule or masculinity.

3) Women weren't to rid themselves of the veil, but neither were men to wear something that was considered “an article of woman's clothing.”

2. “A symbol of authority” in this context is a sign that a woman is under man's authority – an outward sign of man's authority. 1) Considering the context, the only “sign of authority” present is the

veil. 2) In Corinthian culture, the veil symbolized the authority of men over

women.

3. “Because of the angels” 1) A woman is to keep the place God has given to her. 2) There were angels who were given position and rank but who refused

to keep that rank and they were punished for their rebellion. 3) I think Paul is reminding the women of the danger they play with

when they reject their “own domain” and “proper sphere”.4. “It is not uncommon in the Scriptures to speak as if we were in the

presence of holy angels…Sin, too, should be avoided as if every eye in the universe were upon us. How many things do we do which we would

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not; how many feelings do we cherish which we would at once banish from our minds, if we felt that the heavens above us were as transparent as glass, and that all the holy beings around the throne were fixing an intense gaze upon us!” (Barnes Notes, PC Study Bible).

5. 1 Cor 4:9: “Because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.” 1) The word “spectacle”, refers to the old Roman theater or coliseum

which seated 80,000 people. 2) Paul says this world is like a great theater and that the angels are

looking down and watching. 3) Angels are watching every day how you stand up for Jesus Christ. 4) They observe how we fight for truth and right.

IV. 2 CORINTHIANS 11:13-15: “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”

A. “Disguises”: A word that specifically stresses “outward form”, in contrast to true inward change.

1. Their religion is only skin deep.

2 Tim 3:5: “holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these.” 1) Changing the outward appearance of a thing, but the thing itself in

essence remains unchanged.

B. “As an angel of light” – Points to Note:

1. He is everywhere represented as a deceiver, assuming false guises, and making false representations. 1) Satan does not come to us as Satan; neither does sin present itself to

us as sin, but in the guise of virtue; and the teachers of error set themselves forth as the special advocates of truth.

2) Satan often comes to man, claiming to be man’s friend and advocate (Gen 3:4).

3) Satan can appear and present temptations “in the name of God”, that is, temptations that appear to be innocent. He can convince

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people that adding or subtracting from the Scriptures is a good thing and there are good, impressive and immediate results.

4) “We are not to suppose that all that appears to be piety is piety. Some of the most plausible appearances of piety are assumed by Satan and his ministers. None ever professed a profounder regard for the authority of God than Satan did when he tempted the Savior. And if the prince of wickedness can appear to be an angel of light, we are not to be surprised if those who have the blackest hearts appear to be people of most eminent piety. We are not to expect that Satan will appear to man to be as bad as he is. He never shows himself openly to be a spirit of pure wickedness; or black and abominable in his character; or full of evil and hateful. He would thus defeat himself. It is for this reason that wicked people do not believe that there is such a being as Satan. Though continually under his influence and ‘led captive by him at his will,’ yet they neither see him nor the chains which lead them, nor are they willing to believe in the existence of the one or the other” (Barnes Notes, PC Study Bible).

5) Some feel that this verse suggests that Satan was originally an angel of light and that he can still assume the outward appearance of a glorious angel, others counter, that the text says nothing about Satan ever being an angel, but only that he can disguise himself as one.

 V. GALATIANS 1:8: “But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach

to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”

A. The gospel taught and recorded by the apostles is the standard by which all other religious messages must be judged. THE GOSPEL IS FIXED FOREVER.

1. It isn't modified by culture or time. We must too abide in the “apostles’ teaching”, just like the first century Christians were obligated (Acts 2:42). God is telling us something very important here. The message He revealed through Paul and the other apostles, WILL NEVER BE REVISED OR CHANGED.

1) Hence many “Latter Day” Religious Bodies find themselves under God's curse, i.e. Seventh Day Adventists, Christian Scientists, Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, and any other group that claims modern day revelations.

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2) In fact, Mormonism stands as a “gospel” which this verse specifically condemns. The Book of Mormon states, “He called me by name, and said unto me that he was a messenger sent from the presence of God to me...He said there was a book deposited, written upon gold plates... He also said that the fullness of the everlasting gospel was contained in it.”

3) Boles is exactly right when he says, “While most non-Mormons do not believe any such angel appeared to Joseph Smith, it would not matter if the story were entirely true. Not even an angel from heaven has the right to change the original gospel” (pp. 35-36).

4) This is a very important verse, for it tells us that God’s written revelation takes precedence over everything, even angelic visitations. If we are to believe what the New Testament says, even if contradicted by an angel, then we are without excuse because it places the opinions of men ahead of God’s word.

5) While the verse doesn’t actually say that an angel will try to preach to us another gospel, we know that the devil does try to do this (John 8:44).

6) Years ago Paul Harvey wrote an article entitled, “Here’s Just What Old Satan Would Do”: "I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve, ‘do as you please’. To the young I would whisper that ‘the Bible is a myth’. I would educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull, uninteresting. I would encourage schools to refine young intellects but neglect to discipline emotions. With flattery and promises of promise I would get the courts to vote against God and in favor of pornography. Then in churches I’d substitute psychology for religion and deify science. I’d peddle narcotics to whom I could; I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction; I’d tranquilize the rest with pills. In other words, if I were Satan I’d just keep right on doing what he’s doing” (GOT, 7-21-88, p. 11).

VI. SOME FINAL THOUGHTS TO PONDER ABOUT ANGELS

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We need to be extremely careful not to buy into the world’s perspective on angels. Our secular society presents many false views and ideas about God’s messengers.

A. Some people believe that they should contact and pray to angels.

1. There are books available in the bookstores with titles like Ask Your Angels and 100 Ways to Attract Angels.1) But the Bible gives neither permission nor precedent for us to

directly contact angels.2) If we need help or assistance, we should pray to God, for He is the

one we should talk to, not angels.

1 John 5:13-15: “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. 14 This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.”

B. Some people believe that they receive special knowledge or teachings from angels.

1. Naomi Albright distributes teachings about the deep meanings of colors, and numbers and letters of the alphabet which she claims is “knowledge given from above and brought forth in more detail by angels.” These same beings told Mrs. Albright to stress two main teachings: first, that God accepts all religions, and second, reincarnation. These two teachings keep showing up in much of the New Age angel literature, which shouldn’t be surprising since they are heretical lies that come from the pit of hell.

1) We need to remember that God’s angels are not teachers. God’s word says they are “messengers”—that’s what “angel” means—and they “minister” to us. God has revealed to us everything we need for life and godliness in His word (2 Pet 1:3).

C. Some people believe that when they die they become angels who go back to earth to minister to their family and friends.

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1. Angels are spiritual beings created by God.1) Angels are a company or association.

Heb 12:22: “But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels,”

2) They are not a race descended from a human ancestry.

Luke 20:34-36: “Jesus said to them, ‘The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35 but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage; 36 for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection.”

2. Angels are not glorified human beings.

1) Matt 22:30: Explains that angels do not marry or reproduce like humans.

CONCLUSION

1. What our culture needs in response to the angel craze is strong discernment built on the foundation of God’s word.

1. We need to remember, and share with others, 3 truths about angels:

1) The ministry of holy angels will never contradict the Bible.2) The actions of holy angels will always be consistent with the character of

Christ.3) A genuine encounter with a holy angel will glorify God, not the angel.

2. I hope and pray that this study on angels has been Biblical and beneficial.

1. We never want to close a service without offering an invitation.1) When one responds to the gospel call through obedience or repentance of

sins, all the myriads of angels will be rejoicing!2) If you would like to respond to the Lord’s invitation come as we stand

and sing.

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