The Angels of God

 

 

 

“And Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. And when Jacob saw them, he said, This is God’s host: and he called the name of that place Mahanaim.”

Genesis 32:1-2

 

“And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.”

II Kings 6:16-17

 

“And it came to pass that night, that the angel of the LORD went out, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians an hundred fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.”

II Kings 19:35

 

“The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”

Psalm 34:7

 

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

Hebrews 1:14

 

The Angels of God

Introduction:

  1. There are several good reasons why I have chosen to preach on the subject of angels this Lord’s Day.
    1. Having finished our study of Peter’s first epistle, a short break will not hurt us before his second.
    2. Before studying Peter’s first epistle, we studied Revelation chapters 4-5 and saw many angels.
    3. In I Peter, we have already encountered angels curious about salvation (I Peter 1:12; Eph 3:10).
    4. In I Peter, we have already learned Jesus was promoted over all of them (I Pet 3:22; Ep 1:20-23).
    5. In I Peter, we have just encountered a fallen angel that is an adversary to our souls (I Pet 5:8-9).
    6. We know by Bible history Peter was familiar with angels (Acts 1:9-11; 5:18-20; 11:13; 12:5-11).
    7. We shall also meet angels in Peter’s second epistle about honoring civil rulers (II Pet 2:4,10-12).
    8. Several had medical issues and/or were in the hospital recently; I reminded most about the angels.
    9. Because of two events involving the forefinger of the left hand of two men, I forwarded an email.
  2. If God created them, assigned them to serve us, and spoke so much of them, they surely have value.
    1. Anything God identifies in the Bible has value for us, if we learn and apply it correctly (Luk 4:4), and He has hundreds of references to angels from the beginning to the very end of the Bible.
    2. If the Lord Jesus Christ needed them, we must not make light of them (Matt 4:11; Luke 22:43).
    3. We want to understand God’s providence and involvement in the universe by angels (Dan 4:35).
    4. We want to fully appreciate God’s love for us by His mighty army working on our behalf.
    5. We want to provide comfort for those pained or troubled in life, for angels will deliver (Ps 34:7).
    6. We want to provide courage for those fearful of anything, for there is more with us (II Kgs 6:16).
    7. We want to build commitment to God and Jesus Christ, for angels do perfectly (Ps 103:20-21).
    8. We want to encourage confidence in serving God and Christ, for they are with us for our success.
    9. We want to glorify Jesus the Christ, for He is the Lord over all angels and authorities (Heb 1-2).
    10. We want to exalt adoption/salvation, though made lower, they are curious (Heb 1:14; I Pet 1:12).
    11. We want to grasp kingdom glory by the inclusion of countless mighty angels (Heb 12:22-24).
    12. We want to know how to die by remembering their work in taking us to heaven (Luke 16:22).
    13. We want to rejoice over repenting sinners for they are very glad and thankful (Luke 15:7-10).
  3. Both Jacob and Jesus had angelic ministries to them above others (Gen 28:12; John 1:51; I Tim 3:16).
  4. Rather than fables and nonsense of Joel Osteen and his kind, let us revel in God’s glorious angels.
  5. We do not worship angels, but we do worship the Creator of angels who assigned them to serve us.

Angels Are a Matter of Faith

  1. Most men live by their five senses, never grasping anything more important than what they can see, hear, taste, smell, or touch. They never think higher than a newspaper or a hotdog.
    1. Seeing may be believing for temporal things of life, but faith overrides sight (II Cor 5:7).
    2. It is the duty and privilege of believers to look on invisible, eternal things (II Cor 4:18).
    3. Men that live by their senses only are no better than brute beasts, yet will face God for it.
  2. Most men are so arrogantly ignorant that they deny God and His angels for absolute insanity.
    1. They despise and ridicule a Creator and angels to defend a big bang and baboon mothers.
    2. They reject the Bible history for hallucinations of Confucius, Nostradamus, Darwin, etc.
    3. They preach and sing Deistic heresy that God watches from a distance, denying watchers!
    4. They foolishly presume planes, bombs, ships, missiles, submarines, and guns win wars.
    5. They rather watch men run and jump with a ball than learn about angels and their power!
  3. Faith in God’s word is absolutely necessary to have evidence of unseen angels (Heb 11:1).
    1. Angels are not seen unless (a) God opens eyes specially or (b) they assume visible forms.
    2. For those believing God’s ability and word, we may have full persuasion (Rom 4:17-21).
    3. We believe the Bible is God’s word by faith He has given us and its internal evidence.
  4. The Bible is filled with much evidence of angels and their involvement in the affairs of men.
    1. The singular word angel occurs 194 times and the plural form angels 92 times for 286.
    2. But there are also hundreds of uses of host, hosts, host of heaven, heavenly host, army of heaven, sons of God, morning stars, living creatures, seraphims, cherubims, chariots of God, horses and chariots of fire, chariot of Israel, horsemen, spirit, spirits, saints, watcher, watchers, man, men, holy ones, archangel, principalities, powers, authorities, thrones, might, dominion, man of God, Gabriel, Michael, etc.
  5. As any topic, we want the crown of the road, hating ditches on any side (De 5:32; Pr 21:16).
    1. There is the ditch of Catholicism and others that exalt angels too high and worship them.
    2. There is the ditch of Sadducees and such that neglect or reject reality of angels (Ac 23:8).
    3. Some have tried to show their voluntary humility by exalting creatures lower than God, yet we must avoid intruding into subjects like angels beyond our ability (Col 2:18-19).
    4. Paul chose to defer detailed explanation of the cherubims on the mercyseat (Heb 9:5).
    5. We choose with David not to exercise ourselves in things too high for us (Psalm 131:1).
  6. Yet, we admit and honor the frequent mention of angels and their activities recorded for us.
    1. God has chosen for His own reasons – His own glory – to create angels and employ them.
    2. We know by revelation that seeing our salvation turns to His glory (Eph 3:10; I Pet 1:12).
    3. Anything angels do, God could do it more easily, but He chose to employ angels to do it.
    4. Is safety of the LORD (Pr 21:31) or by the angel of the LORD (Ps 34:7)? Yes! and glory!
    5. Do angels punish men (Ezek 9:1-11) or is the Lord by chastening (I Cor 11:30-32)? Yes!
    6. Did angels take Lazarus to heaven (Lu 16:22) or does the Lord take spirits (Ac 7:59-60)?
    7. God chose to use angels – we should see them unmentioned in the Bible and in our lives.
  7. Consider a little military history from the Bible that West Point grads know nothing about.
    1. There were more angels protecting Elisha than Syrians surrounding him (II Kgs 6:16-17).
    2. One angel easily killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers surrounding Jerusalem, and God sent this angel after Hezekiah reminded the Jews of Elisha’s event (II Kgs 19:35; II Chr 32:7).
    3. A prophet gave us a glimpse into heaven at an angelic strategy meeting (I Kgs 22:19-23).
    4. Think four empires – Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome (Dan 2:36-40; 7:3-7; 8:3-8,20-22); yet few know that angels – bad and good – influenced those empires (Dan 10:13,20-21).
    5. Nebuchadnezzar learned God ruled in the army of heaven – the angelic host (Dan 4:35); he also knew it was angels – watchers and holy ones – that judged him (Dan 4:13,17).
  8. As New Testament Christians in the kingdom of God, we are in close fellowship with countless angels, who were created to be our servants (Heb 1:7,14; 12:22-24; Dan 7:26-27).
    1. Children have angels; we worship with angels; angels will carry us in chariots to heaven.
    2. They describe themselves as our brethren, though not of our nature (Rev 19:10; 22:8-9).
    3. You are part of the largest megachurch in the universe – general assembly (He 12:22-24).
  9. God is the LORD of hosts in the Bible, for He is supreme Lord and King of angelic armies.
    1. Note LORD’s host (2), LORD of hosts (235), God of hosts (39), and Lord of Sabaoth (2).
    2. Consider a few places (Pr 24:10; Is 6:3; 8:13; 37:16; 54:5; Jer 32:18; Zec 1:3; Mal 1:14).
    3. When God hides us in His pavilion, you should be able to see the army that surrounds it!
    4. LORD of hosts from Hebrew to Greek to English is Lord of Sabaoth (Rom 9:29; Jas 5:4).
  10. The angel of the LORD protects and delivers believers who fear Almighty God (Psalm 34:7).
  11. But more than much, we want to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ as Head of the angelic armies.
    1. After ascending to heaven, Jesus was promoted over all angels (I Pet 3:22; Eph 1:20-22).
    2. They were created by Him and for Him, and they worship Him (Col 1:16; Rev 5:11-12).
  12. Not everything called an “angel” in the Bible must refer to the created spirits of this study.
    1. The pastors of the seven churches of Asia were referred to as angels (Rev 1:20; 2:1; 3:1).
    2. Angels are sometimes referred to metaphorically or hyperbolically for comparison (I Sam 29:9; II Sam 14:17,20; 19:27; Psalm 78:25; I Cor 13:1; Gal 4:14).

The Difference of Angels

  1. Angels have a different nature from men, and Jesus Christ took on human nature (Heb 2:16).
    1. Angels do not have flesh and blood like a man, for they are invisible spirits (Heb 2:14).
    2. Angels are not pudgy little babies with wings, halos, and pink skin, who play little horns.
    3. Angels are not effeminate Hollywood actors playing gentle and sheepish roles in dramas.
    4. Catholic and pagan theology and art have had great influence in distorting the truth.
    5. Jesus was made lower than angels, but He now reigns over them (Heb 2:9; I Peter 3:22).
    6. Angels do not die, and they do not marry, two additional differences of them and men.
  2. Angels are entirely different from God, and yet they may represent Him in word and deed.
    1. They are created spirits a little higher than man; they are not at all close to being Jehovah.
    2. Any authority or power angels have, either good or evil angels, is by Jehovah’s direction.
    3. Yet, scripture identifies God interchangeably with the given angel in many places (Gen 32:24-32 cp Hosea 12:3-5; Gen 16:7-13; 18:20-22 cp 19:1; Ex 3:1-6; Judges 6:11-26).
    4. We reject so-called Christophanies for angels, for (a) there was no Son of God or Jesus Christ until His incarnation, (b) prior to His incarnation He was the Word of God and nothing else, (c) the angel of the Lord kept right on appearing after the Lord’s incarnation, and (d) the confusion created by assigning O.T. male appearances to Jesus Christ is heretical (Gen 48:16; Isaiah 63:9; Dan 3:25,28; Mal 3:1; Luke 1:35; Gal 4:4).
    5. We reject Jesus as the so-called “Angel of the Covenant” of Malachi 3:1, for (a) there is no “angel” in the passage, (b) the prophecy is about Jesus, not an angel, (c) the prophecy is for the future, (d) the covenant is the new covenant, and (e) the angel of the Lord kept right on appearing after Jesus was born (Matt 28:1-7; Luke 2:9; Acts 5:19; 8:26; 12:7,23).
    6. We reject Michael the archangel is Jesus Christ, as some have blasphemously proposed, for (a) the distance between Jesus and any angel is exceeding great, (b) Michael is called an angel by the Holy Ghost, (c) Michael could not rebuke the devil like Jesus did (Heb 1:1-14; Dan 10:13,21; 12:1; Jude 1:9 cp Mat 4:10 and 16:23 and Luke 4:8; Re 12:7).
    7. We reject the so-called theophany of the angel of the LORD, for (a) there are plural angels of the Lord indicated by an angel of the Lord, (b) the angel of the Lord is sometimes referred to as merely an angel, and (c) some uses clearly distinguish Jehovah Himself apart from the angel in context (II Sam 24:16 cp I Chron 21:15; I Kgs 19:5-7; II Kgs 19:35 cp II Chron 32:21 cp Isaiah 37:36; Zech 1:12; 3:1-7 cp 4:1-7; Acts 12:5-11).
    8. We reject the “Angel of His Presence” must be Jehovah, for (a) the Holy Spirit called the personage an angel, which by meaning is very inferior to God (b) Gabriel is one of many angels that are in God’s presence and (c) Michael the archangel is particularly noted as the protecting angel and great prince of Israel (Is 63:9; Dan 12:1; Luke 1:19; Matt 18:10).
    9. We do not imagine God in human form, especially a man, even for a minute, for (a) He greatly transcends man and denies having done so (Deut 4:12,15; John 1:18; 5:37; I Tim 1:17) and (b) careful study will reveal angels representing Him (Gen 18:3 cp Heb 13:2).
    10. Since the elect and holy angels always do the will of God, there should be no problem seeing them as an extension of His providence in the universe (Ps 103:20-21; Matt 6:10).
    11. This relationship is so true even God’s and Satan’s (a fallen angel) actions are mingled for us to know the one can do nothing without the sovereign Other (Job 1:10-12; 2:3,5-7).
    12. The captain of the host of the LORD was an angel, for (a) he appeared as a man that did not intimidate Joshua, (b) he is distinguished by himself and by Joshua from the actual LORD of hosts, (c) Joshua’s worship is not stated to be of the angel directly, (d) so closely representing God was this angel that the ground was holy by His presence, and (e) this situation compares well with Moses’ learning Jehovah’s name through the angel in the burning bush, which is stated to be an angel, though it was the voice of the LORD that did the talking (Josh 5:13-15 cp Dan 10:1-21; 12:1; Ex 3:1-6 cp Acts 7:30-35).
    13. We humbly do not exercise ourselves in matters too high, so we limit study (Ps 131:1).
    14. We avoid exalting angels too high, intruding beyond ability, purpose, or value (Col 2:18).
    15. When God wants us to distinguish Himself, He tells us (Col 2:18-19; Rev 19:10; 22:8-9), but otherwise we will under the word angel, capitalized or not, as a created spirit.
    16. There are some difficulties requiring study, but we understand angels to represent God, not theophanies or Christophanies or other inventions contradicting the Holy Spirit’s choice of referring to the appearances as angels or men e.g. Ex 3:1-4 (Acts 7:30-35); 23:20-21; Josh 5:15; Judges 2:1-4; Gen 48:16; Is 63:9; Dan 3:25; Mal 3:1; I Cor 10:4,9.
    17. Though Paul wrote Corinth about Christ the spiritual meat, spiritual drink, and spiritual Rock with Moses in the wilderness, we do not understand that of an angel or of a man or of any other material or actual presence of Jesus, but rather of a symbolic participation in Christ. For much more on this point.
  3. Angels and their ministry must not be confused with the Holy Spirit of God and His ministry.
    1. It is very clear that the angels were created and assigned to be our ministers (Heb 1:7,14).
    2. But they do not provide what the Holy Spirit does in the way of personal, divine comfort.
    3. In the great chapters about the Holy Spirit as Comforter, there are no angels (John 14-16).
    4. The great gift at Pentecost was the Holy Spirit, not any angels (Acts 2:33; John 7:38-39).
    5. The Spirit is key, not angels (Eph 1:13,17; 2:18,22; 3:5,14-19; 4:3-4,30; 5:9,18; 6:17-18).
    6. God’s great love is for sinful men, not any angels, and the Holy Spirit sheds it (Rom 5:5).
    7. Spiritual fruit is by the Spirit – not of or by angels (Gal 5:22-23; Eph 3:9; Rom 15:13).
    8. Angels were and are mainly if not exclusively for practical aspects of God’s providence.
    9. There is no prayer for angelic help, but much for the Holy Spirit (Luk 11:13; Ep 3:14-19).
    10. A short outline of the Holy Spirit should help.

The Nature of Angels

  1. Angels are CREATED. Angels are not eternal beings; they began their existence at creation.
    1. God made His angels, spirits (Heb 1:7). When God created them, He made them spirits.
    2. The text does not say He made His angels’ spirits, but He rather made them spirit beings.
    3. He commanded their creation (Ps 148:1-6). It happened before Genesis 1:1 (Job 38:6-7).
    4. Whether visible or invisible things, God has created all things for Himself (Col 1:16).
    5. Only God is the great I AM THAT I AM. Every other creature is “I am what God made.”
  2. Angels are SPIRITS. They do not have flesh, bone, and blood bodies, like human beings.
    1. God made His angels spirits; He did not make them men (Ps 104:4; Heb 1:7; Matt 8:16).
    2. Our warfare against Satan and his host is not against flesh and blood (Ephesians 6:11-12).
    3. Men are a lower order of beings, having been made a little lower than angels (Heb 2:9).
    4. And men have flesh and blood bodies, which angels do not have inherently (Heb 2:14).
    5. When present in a room, they can be scary and cause your hair to stand up (Job 4:12-19).
  3. Angels have a WILL. They were once able to choose to disobey the God that created them.
    1. Consider the various suggestions angels offered to get Ahab into battle (I Kgs 22:19-23).
    2. Some angels kept not their first estate, but they instead sinned against God (Job 4:18).
    3. Those that left their first estate are held in chains for judgment (II Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6).
    4. The eternal fire of the second death was prepared for Satan and his angels (Matt 25:41).
    5. Those that did not leave their first estate are reserved in holiness (I Tim 5:21; Rev 14:10).
    6. The elect and holy angels are those that hearken to God’s word (Ps 103:20; Matt 6:10).
    7. No wonder angels are curious about salvation! Though greater, they lost out (I Pet 1:12).
  4. Angels have NAMES. They are not impersonal spirits, but have their own wills and names.
    1. Gabriel was a messenger to Daniel, Zacharias, and Mary (Dan 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19,26).
    2. Michael the archangel is one of the chief rulers of the elect angelic host of heaven.
      1. Archangel. An angel of the highest rank. Michael is a chief prince (Dan 10:13,21).
      2. Michael the archangel cannot be Jesus for several reasons, so he must be an angel.
        1. The Word of God was never one of the chief princes (Dan 10:13). He is King!
        2. Jesus did not exist for Daniel or Moses (Dan 9:25; Jude 1:9), but Michael did.
        3. Jesus rebuked the devil as his Lord (Matt 4:7), but Michael did not (Jude 1:9).
        4. The Lord will return soon with the voice of the archangel – Michael (I Thes 4:16).
    3. Angels are sometimes called the sons of God in scripture (Job 1:6; 38:7; Daniel 3:25,28).
    4. Angels are sometimes called saints – holy ones (Deut 33:2 cp Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:2).
    5. This last fact leaves “saints” open to interpretation in places (I Thess 3:13; Jude 1:14), for Jesus Christ will return with believers and angels (Mark 8:38; I Thess 4:14; II Thess 1:7).
  5. Angels are INVISIBLE. One cannot be seen with natural vision unless he reveals himself.
    1. As spirit beings, they have no material composition for our senses to contact and know.
    2. God opened Balaam’s and Elisha’s servant’s eyes to see (Num 22:22-35; II Kgs 6:13-18).
    3. Christ made all invisible things that are in heaven and earth, including angels (Col 1:16).
    4. They sometimes take to themselves physical bodies or their appearance to contact men.
  6. Angels are IMPRESSIVE. When seen as other than mere men, they usually evoke great fear.
    1. The appearance of the living creatures in Ezekiel 1:4-28 is definitely an impressive sight.
    2. They appear as chariots of fire (Ps 68:17; II Kings 6:17; II Kings 2:11 cp Luke 16:22).
    3. Their appearance shines like gold or white lightning (Ps 104:4; Dan 10:5-6; Matt 28:3).
    4. The impression of an angel in glorified form leaves an inferiority complex (Daniel 10:8).
    5. Their appearance is terrible (Judges 13:6; Matthew 18:1-8; Luke 1:11-12; Acts 10:4).
  7. Angels are IMMORTAL. They do not die bodily as we do: they are spirits without bodies.
    1. In the resurrection we shall be glorified like angels – without ability to die (Luke 20:36).
    2. God has independent immortality; men and angels depend on God (I Tim 6:16; Ex 3:14).
  8. Angels are CELIBATE. They do not marry nor have sexual distinction to consider marriage.
    1. Jesus taught that in the resurrection we shall be like angels – not marrying (Matt 22:30).
    2. Angels did not marry women in Genesis 6:1-2; the sons of Seth married pagan daughters.
    3. There is nothing about a human female that would attract an angel in any way at all.
    4. Eve was created from Adam’s rib, and she was made a help meet for him, not an angel.
  9. Angels are MASCULINE. Whenever they do appear in scripture, they appear as young men.
    1. When two angels visited Sodom, the dogs in town surely knew their gender (Gen 19:1-5).
    2. Gabriel, the messenger angel, is described by Daniel as the man Gabriel (Dan 9:21; 8:17).
    3. When the women went to Christ’s tomb, the angel they met was a young man (Mk 16:5).
    4. Manoah and wife referred to the angel about Samson as the man of God (Judges 13:6,8)
  10. Angels are LOCATIONAL. They are not omnipresent as God with presence in many places.
    1. God fills heaven and earth, but angels come from heaven to earth (Jer 23:24; Luke 2:15).
    2. Angels move about from place to place (Daniel 10:13; Luke 1:19; Job 1:7; John 5:4).
    3. God may call them to His presence for general meetings (I Kings 22:19; cp Job 1:6; 2:1).
    4. They usually dwell in heaven in God’s presence (Matt 18:10; Luke 1:19; 2:15; Rev 5:11).
    5. The angel of the Lord encamps around those that fear Him (Psalm 34:7 cp II Kings 6:17).
    6. A great number of angels may be together in a small place – a man’s body (Luke 8:30).
  11. Angels are FAST. They are not omnipresent as is God, but they are able to move very fast.
    1. Gabriel flew swiftly from God to Daniel during the course of his prayer (Daniel 9:21).
    2. An angelic being that Ezekiel observed moved about as a bolt of lightning (Ezekiel 1:14).
  12. Angels are INTELLIGENT. They have their own intellectual capability: they are not robots.
    1. Consider the various suggestions angels offered to get Ahab into battle (I Kgs 22:19-23).
    2. The wise woman of Tekoah said David’s wisdom was like an angel’s (II Sam 14:17,20).
    3. However, they are not omniscient as is God: they knew not Christ’s coming (Matt 24:36).
  13. Angels are POWERFUL. They have much greater strength than men, but far less than God.
    1. Scripture describes them as mighty and excelling in strength (II Thes 1:7; Psalm 103:20).
    2. How many of Adam’s descendants ate of the tree of life? Do you know why (Gen 3:24)?
    3. When being solicited by Sodom’s dogs, they struck them with blindness (Genesis 19:11).
    4. The angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian solders in a single night (II Kings 19:35).
    5. The angel of the Lord in David’s time used germ warfare to kill 70,000 (I Chr 21:12-30).
    6. Angels are much more powerful than men, but they do not abuse the power (II Pet 2:11).
    7. A good angel closed lions’ mouths (Dan 6:22), and bad angels confused swine (Mk 5:13).
    8. When Zacharias did not believe Gabriel, he removed his power to speak (Luke 1:19-20).
    9. Satan was able to move the body of Jesus Christ around rather freely (Matthew 4:5,8).
    10. They can use human armies (Job 1:15,17), lightning (Job 1:16), and tornadoes (Job 1:19).
    11. They can inflict diseases on men (Job 2:7), and they are able to heal diseases (John 5:4).
    12. Many of the afflicted and diseased had spirits of infirmity (Mark 9:25; Luke 13:11), which cause us to wonder how many of the insane or ill have problems with spirits.
    13. Angels can communicate in dreams, as Jacob and Joseph (Gen 31:11; Mat 1:20; 2:13,19).
    14. The angel of the Lord caused an earthquake and rolled a great stone away (Matt 28:1-10).
      1. This is a great combination of power that struck the Roman sentries as dead men.
      2. Notice that the angel of the Lord carefully distinguishes himself from Jesus Christ.
    15. They operate supernaturally or naturally – Peter (Acts 12:5-11) or Herod (Acts 12:20-23).
  14. Angels are INNUMERABLE. God’s angels are not just a few thousand or million, but many.
    1. Elisha comforted his servant that there were more with them than the army around the city, and Hezekiah comforted Jerusalem with the same thought (II Kgs 6:16; II Chr 32:7).
    2. This could easily be what David had in mind about many being with him (Psalm 55:18).
    3. Jesus spoke of twelve legions in Gethsemane – 72,000 by Roman standards (Matt 26:53).
    4. Daniel saw indefinitely more than 100 million before the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:10).
    5. John wrote of seeing a host in heaven indefinitely larger than 100 million (Rev 5:11).
    6. Bildad described God’s armies as being without number (Job 25:3 cp Daniel 4:35).
    7. Paul said the kingdom of Christ includes an innumerable company of angels (Heb 12:22).
    8. When God is called the Lord of hosts, as He is many times (see above), it is referring to Him as the King of this glorious army of mighty angels, in a similar way that human generals were called the captain of the host (I Kings 16:16; II Kings 5:1). Glory!
  15. Angels are ORGANIZED. They have authority and a hierarchy; they are not created equal.
    1. They are called principalities and powers, referring to their appointed authority and ranks.
      1. Consider the use of these designations (Ephesians 3:10; 6:12; Colossians 1:16; 2:15).
      2. Principality. In general, the position, dominion, rule, or government of a prince over a territory. In scripture, the angelic princes with great authority among the angels.
      3. Power. One with authority, rule, or government. Angels with control or government.
      4. These spiritual rulers are far above any flesh and blood humans we know, for Paul’s point is that we are not wrestling against flesh and blood in this conflict (Eph 6:12).
      5. They are called princes, which indicates their princely authority (Dan 10:13,20-21; 12:1; Matthew 9:34; 12:24; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; Ephesians 2:2).
    2. Michael the archangel, a chief of the angelic princes, aided a weaker angel (Dan 10:13).
    3. By Michael’s action prior to the crucifixion, Satan was a greater angel than he (Jude 1:9).
    4. What thrones or dominions are invisible in heaven and earth, but the angels’ (Col 1:16)?
    5. A Roman legion included ten cohorts, thirty maniples, and sixty centuries (Matt 26:53).
  16. Angels are MEEK. They do not seek or allow their own worship, but they only worship God.
    1. Manoah asked an angel’s name to do him honor, but the angel refused (Judges 13:15-18).
    2. Paul warned specifically against voluntary humility and worship of angels (Col 2:18).
    3. Observe the response when John tried to worship the angel of prophecy (Rev 22:8-9).
  17. Angels are RESPECTFUL. They are very aware of different positions and level of authority.
    1. Michael the archangel did not bring a railing accusation against Satan himself (Jude 1:9).
    2. Angels do not even bring railing accusations against evil men before God (II Peter 2:11).

The Functions of Angels

  1. As men and all objects of creation, God made angels for His pleasure (Pr 16:4; Rev 4:11).
  2. Angels WORSHIP. Since God’s pleasure is the end of all creatures, we should expect this.
    1. The purpose for their existence is to worship, praise, and serve God (Psalm 148:2).
    2. They celebrated with song and joy when God laid the foundation of the earth (Job 38:7).
    3. The angels worshipped Christ at His birth by Divine command (Heb 1:6; Luke 2:8-14).
    4. They worship the Lord Jesus Christ with a song of their own in heaven (Rev 5:11-12).
  3. Angels REVEAL. God often used angels in the past to reveal His will to His servants.
    1. God gave the Law to Israel by angels (Deut 33:2; Ps 68:17; Ac 7:53; Gal 3:19; Heb 2:2).
    2. They were often used to reveal to the prophets (II Kgs 1:15; Dan 8:15-19; Zech 1:9-11).
    3. They were used to reveal things to the early church (Acts 8:26; 27:23; Revelation 1:1).
    4. With the more sure word of prophecy, we do not need such (I Cor 13:10; II Peter 1:19).
    5. Ungodly desire for the supernatural is sin (Deut 13:1-5; II Cor 11:13-15; II Thess 2:9).
    6. The Charismatics do not see the angels of God properly due to doctrine (Ezek 14:6-9).
  4. Angels MINISTER. God created angels as ministers: they are servants to both God and men.
    1. The angels that God created spirits were created to minister for the elect (Heb 1:13-14).
    2. The angels of God’s elect, especially children, are before God’s throne (Matthew 18:10).
    3. The angels rejoice in heaven before God over even one sinner that repents (Luke 15:10).
    4. They will be witnesses in heaven when Jesus confesses our names before them (Rev 3:5).
    5. Jesus was greatly supported by angelic presence (Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43; John 1:51).
    6. While there is no guardian angel per se, there are many angels who guard (Ps 91:9-11).
  5. Angels JUDGE. God often uses angels to execute His judgments against wicked men.
    1. The two angels that visited Sodom claimed the destruction of that city (Gen 19:12-13).
    2. God sent evil angels – angels executing evil – into Egypt (Psalm 78:49 cp II Sam 24:16).
    3. An angel of the Lord appeared to Israel and rebuked them at Bochim (Judges 2:1-5).
    4. Slaughtering angels with weapons of mass destruction killed in Jerusalem (Ezek 9:1-11).
    5. The angel of God judged Jerusalem with pestilence after David’s sin (I Chr 21:12-27).
    6. Daniel heard prophecy of how Michael would stand up and judge Israel (Daniel 12:1).
    7. An angel destroyed Herod, when he took worship worthy only of God (Acts 12:21-23).
    8. The angels will assist in separating the just from the wicked (Matt 13:41-42; II Thes 1:7).
    9. Consider how David prayed for God to send His angels to defeat his enemies (Ps 35:1-6).
  6. Angels COMFORT. God often sends His angels to provide special relief and mercy to men.
    1. When Lot lingered in Sodom, angels in mercy pulled him out of the city (Gen 19:15-16).
    2. An angel called from heaven to comfort Hagar when fleeing from Sarah (Gen 21:14-21).
    3. When Jacob was going to meet Esau, God’s angels met him as a host (Genesis 32:1-2).
    4. When Elijah was near death fleeing from Jezebel, an angel helped him (I Kings 19:1-8).
    5. The angel of the Lord delivered the three young Hebrew men from the fire (Daniel 3:28).
    6. Angels comforted Jesus after his temptation and in the Garden (Matt 4:11; Luke 22:43).
    7. The angel of the Lord comforted Paul while aboard a ship in a storm (Acts 27:23-24).

The Effect of Angels

  1. Angels discourage FEAR. Because God sends His angels to deliver us (Psalm 34:7; 91:9-11).
    1. A Syrian army surrounded Elisha, but many more angels protected him (II Kgs 6:13-17).
    2. When Daniel was thrown into the lions’ den, God’s angel delivered him (Daniel 6:22).
    3. Peter was delivered from prison on two different occasions (Acts 5:19-20; 12:1-11).
    4. We should especially remember their (a) will to help, (b) power, and (c) great numbers.
    5. Have you ever wondered why you were not killed in a collision? Maybe angels did it.
    6. Even at the hour of death, we should remember the angels (II Kings 2:11 cp Luke 16:22).
  2. Angels discourage FRUSTRATION. We should consider circumstances in light of angels.
    1. If Balaam had considered his ass carefully, he would have seen a cause (Numbers 22:33).
    2. If we have been faithful, then we should not fret with auto failure, missed flights, etc.
    3. If we trust the Lord, He will send His angel to provide a marriage partner (Gen 24:7,40).
  3. Angels encourage HOSPITALITY. We should be hospitable for serving angels (Heb 13:2).
    1. Abraham gave us a great example of willing entertainment of strangers (Genesis 18:1-8).
    2. It is our entertaining of Christ’s little brethren that shall be remembered (Matt 25:31-46).
    3. Remember, to despise even one of the little believers on Christ is dangerous (Matt 18:10).
  4. Angels encourage PRAYER. It is not wrong to pray for God to use angels to work for you.
    1. Manoah prayed for God to send the angel again so he could hear further (Judges 13:8-9).
    2. David prayed the angel of the Lord would be the destroyer of his enemies (Psalm 35:1-6).
    3. To know that God sent Gabriel while Daniel prayed should build hope (Daniel 9:20-23).
    4. But we do not pray to angels, for we have no such example or instruction in God’s word.
  5. Angels encourage RIGHTEOUSNESS. Ability to see and hear our lives should cause fear.
    1. Men deceive themselves that God cannot see or hear (Ps 59:7; 94:7; Is 29:15; Jer 23:23).
    2. Nebuchadnezzar referred to the angels he saw as watchers and holy ones (Daniel 4:17).
    3. Paul charged Timothy before God, the Lord Jesus Christ, and elect angels (I Tim 5:21).
    4. Vows must be taken seriously. Be careful to avoid talking about your error (Eccl 5:6).
    5. Women ought to be careful about the length of their hair before the angels (I Cor 11:10).
      1. A woman’s hair is given her for a covering as a sign of submission (I Cor 11:3-15).
      2. The angels have a great respect for authority, and we should as well (II Pet 2:10-12).
    6. If angels do not rail against Satan or human rulers, then we should not (Jude 1:8-10).
    7. They can easily see when you are absent from the assembly and where you are instead.
    8. They can easily see what you watch on your television in the supposed privacy of home.
    9. They can easily enter your bedroom and see a loving marriage or failing one (I Co 7:1-5).

A View of the Host of Heaven

  1. God allowed Micaiah a view of heaven to see how God uses His angels in the affairs of men.
    1. This history not taught at Harvard, Princeton, or Yale (I Kings 22:1-40; II Chr 18:1-34).
    2. More of the dominion of God.
  2. What did Micaiah see in his vision of God and heaven’s proceedings (22:19-23; 18:18-22)?
    1. The LORD God Jehovah sat on His great throne, just as Isaiah saw Him (Isaiah 6:1-4).
    2. All the host of heaven, all the elect angels, stood beside Him as ready, willing servants.
    3. Jehovah God asked which one of the angels would convince Ahab to go to battle to die.
    4. First one angel, and then another angel, suggested their ideas to persuade or entice Ahab.
    5. Out of the ranks of millions came one angel that said he would persuade or entice him.
    6. The LORD of hosts asked how this certain angel thought he could accomplish the task.
    7. The certain angel said that he would be a lying spirit in Ahab’s prophets to deceive him.
    8. The thrice-holy LORD Jehovah promised the angel success and ordered him to the work.
    9. Micaiah then explained that Zedekiah and his ministerial association were all deceived.
    10. The LORD Jehovah had purposed evil against Ahab, and all his prophets were helping it!
  3. What may we conclude from this history against those who cannot grasp such precious truth?
    1. Jehovah is absolute sovereign and decrees wicked as well as righteous events, yet He is perfectly free and pure from sin, for man sins freely (Is 10:5-15; Acts 2:23; 4:28; etc.).
    2. More of the dominion of God.
    3. This need not be a devil or Satan, for Micaiah and God deceived (I Kgs 22:15; Eze 14:9)!
    4. God deceiving men.
    5. God through Micaiah gave Ahab every chance to be saved by telling him the whole truth!
  4. What may we conclude from this history for the profit of our souls in things bad and good?
    1. God is absolutely in charge of all angels and all events in the affairs of men of all time.
    2. God’s angels, committed to His service, are directed by Him under the whole heaven.
    3. Ahab had already chosen evil, so he got what he wanted
    4. Ahab was warned with great detail, yet he chose his own way
  5. May we conclude God so directs angels in positive actions for the blessing of His people?
    1. Absolutely! with nothing but the sovereign dominion of God as our proof (Daniel 4:35)!
    2. Absolutely! With nothing more than the everlasting love of God for them (Rom 8:28-39)!
    3. Thus, every positive act of an angel or angels to benefit saints was by His supreme order.
    4. They do not operate on their own but rather are ready to fulfill His will (Ps 103:20-21).
    5. Satan had to ask leave from God and so did the Legion (Job 1:9-19; 2:4-10; Matt 6:6-16).
    6. Jesus taught His apostles that child believers have their angels before God (Matt 18:10).
    7. Daniel was not the least confused as to the source of his rescuing angel (Daniel 6:16-24).
    8. When Daniel began serious prayer, God sent an angel to explain things (Daniel 9:20-23).
    9. Why would Jesus suggest twelve legions of angels rather than God Himself (Mat 26:53)?
  6. What are the historical facts around this fabulous view of strategic headquarters of heaven?

Another View of Assigned Angels

  1. Ezekiel was shown Israel’s abominations (chapter 8) and then Israel’s judgment (chapter 9).
  2. An angel like unto a man picked Ezekiel up by his hair for a vision of Jerusalem (8:1-18).
    1. With components of previous visions (1:1-28), Ezekiel is moved to Jerusalem (8:1-4).
    2. God showed Ezekiel four different abominations of the Jews left in Jerusalem (8:5-16).
    3. He then pronounced that He would deal in His fury without pity against them (8:17-18).
    4. Note that the angel hauling Ezekiel around was fully aware of the abominations there.
    5. Note that the abominations have elements still around today, such as the sunrise service.
  3. God called men to slaughter that were angels responsible for the city of Jerusalem (9:1-11).
    1. Six angels drew near to God and Ezekiel, and they had their destroying weapons (9:1).
    2. Among the angels with slaughtering weapons was an angel in linen with an inkhorn (9:2).
    3. God told the angel in linen with the inkhorn to mark men that were to be saved (9:3-4).
    4. The angel in linen inked men to be saved (9:4); the six angels slaughtered the rest (9:5-7).
    5. Ezekiel, like a good pastor, begged for God’s mercy, but there was none left (9:8-10).
    6. The angel in linen with the inkhorn returned to God and said His orders were done (9:11).
    7. Note that these six angels had charge over the city of Jerusalem – the church of Jehovah.
    8. Note that the six angels came with destroying weapons – they are capable of destruction.
    9. Note the angel in linen marked for safety men that sighed and cried against abominations.
    10. There is every reason to think this type of activity was also carried out against Corinth.
    11. There is every reason to think this type of work occurs today against nations/churches.
    12. For much more about this chapter.

The Events of Angels

  1. An angel found HAGAR and comforted her when she had to flee from Sarai (Gen 16:7-14).
    1. This is the first occurrence in the Bible of an angel, though the fallen Satan spoke to Eve.
    2. The Holy Spirit through Moses carefully used angel of the LORD four times in context.
    3. Abram turned Hagar over to Sarai, and she treated Hagar harshly, so she fled (Gen 16:6).
    4. He knew her name and job; he told her what to do; he gave her a promise; he named her unborn son Ishmael; he prophesied of Ishmael and his Arabian descendants to this day.
    5. There is no necessity to make this angel a Christophany or the LORD Jehovah Himself.
    6. Moses recorded Hagar meeting Jehovah, but it was by an angel, and the terms are little different from Abraham (Gen 18:1-2; 19:2; Heb 13:2) or Jacob (Gen 32:24,28; Hos 12:4).
    7. Note her natural circumstances: she was a despised, God-forsaken, female Egyptian slave, used sexually without love, divorced, unprotected, fired, pregnant, lost, alone, etc.
    8. No matter your circumstances, God sees, hears, and will deliver you by angels (Ps 34:7).
    9. For much more about Hagar and comfort.
  2. An angel found HAGAR again when she and Ishmael were thrown out again (Gen 21:12-21).
    1. God told Abraham to throw out the bondwoman and Ishmael from promised son Isaac.
    2. She wandered in the wilderness with her 19-year-old son, ran out of water, about to die.
    3. In this history, it was an angel of God that spoke to her after God heard Ishmael (21:17).
    4. Note how the angel of God speaks for God in promising a great nation for him (21:18).
    5. Note that God opened her eyes to see water for Ishmael and was with him (21:19-21).
    6. It is unnecessary to isolate God or His angels from one another unless context requires.
  3. Three angels met ABRAHAM before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Ge 18:1-33).
    1. Paul tells us that at least Abraham and Lot (some) entertained angels unawares (He 13:2).
    2. Abraham used both singular to plural pronouns addressing these three angels as strangers.
    3. Two of the angels left Abraham and one angel and made their way to Sodom to get Lot.
    4. The LORD with whom Abraham bartered was represented by an angel, as elsewhere.
  4. Two angels saved LOT out of Sodom’s fire … without 10 … and against Lot (Gen 19:1-16)!
    1. These angels appearing as men soon got the attention of the dogs of this depraved city.
    2. Lot’s compromise ruined his words to the men of the city and to his own sons-in-law.
    3. These angels were sent as God’s destroying and slaughtering angels; compare Ezekiel 9.
    4. Lot lingered, but these destroying angels had mercy to this saved man and dragged him.
    5. Lot foolishly dickered for a little town nearby instead of the mountains, and they agreed.
    6. The example of Zoar shows God’s mercy to His people and to those dwelling near them.
  5. The angel of the Lord saw ABRAHAM’S obedience and provided a ram (Gen 22:11-19).
  6. An angel assisted ABRAHAM and his servant to find Rebekah for Isaac (Genesis 24:7,40).
  7. The angel of the Lord to MOSES in a burning bush revealed Jehovah’s name (Ex 3:1-15).
  8. The angel of God saved ISRAEL by being a pillar of cloud before or behind (Ex 14:19-20).
  9. God promised His angel to ISRAL to bring them into the land of Canaan (Ex 23:20-23).
  10. God sent an angel to save ISRAEL out of Egypt and bring them unto Canaan (Num 20:16).
  11. God’s angel visited GIDEON to wage war for Israel against the Midianites (Judges 6:11-24).
  12. God’s angel visited MANOAH and his wife to inform them about Samson (Judges 13:1-24).
  13. God sent a chariot and horsemen of fire for ELIJAH to go to heaven (II Kings 2:1,10-12).
    1. It is also referred to as a whirlwind, because this angelic chariot must have stirred the air!
    2. This is how God’s elect go to heaven; the beggar Lazarus went the same way (Lu 16:22).
    3. Elisha saw the event, so he received his request of Elijah – twice the spirited man’s spirit!
  14. God’s army of angels saved ELISHA and his servant from the Syrian host (II Kings 6:8-18).
  15. An angel saved three HEBREW MEN from Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace (Dan 3:19-30).
    1. The appearance of the fourth man as the Son of God was Nebuchadnezzar’s imagination.
    2. Even Nebuchadnezzar explains just three verses later that God had sent an angel to them.
    3. To think this is some pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ is ludicrous and heretical.
  16. Michael the archangel was assigned to ISRAEL and oversaw Jerusalem’s ruin (Daniel 12:1).
  17. An angel helped JOSEPH about Mary, who turned up pregnant while engaged (Mat 1:18-25).
  18. An angel helped JOSEPH take Mary and Jesus to and from Egypt for safety (Matt 2:13-23).
  19. Angels came and ministered to JESUS after His temptation by Satan (Matt 4:11; Heb 1:14).
    1. We do not know how they ministered, though it could have been food (I Kings 19:5-8).
    2. In Gethsemane, an angel from heaven strengthened Him, so these might have (Lu 22:43).
    3. There is strength in simple encouragement, like Jonathan did for David (I Sam 23:16).
  20. Twelve legions of angels would have saved JESUS if He had asked for them (Matt 26:53).
    1. The best estimate for a Roman Legion is 60 centuries, or 6000 soldiers, 72,000 in total.
    2. This is precious knowledge, knowing the angels would have had zeal for God’s Son!
    3. Thus, the song, Ten Thousand Angels, is an excellent song for communion preparation.
  21. The angel Gabriel told ZACHARIAS of John Baptist’s birth and ministry (Luke 1:11-20).
  22. The angel Gabriel appeared to MARY about giving birth to the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38).
  23. Fallen angels afflicted A WOMAN with curvature of the spine (Luke 13:11; many more).
  24. The angels of God rejoice when SINNERS repent and are converted to God (Luke 15:1-10).
  25. An angel strengthened JESUS in the Garden of Gethsemane for His crucifixion (Luke 22:43).
    1. Loneliness produces weakness, and while the apostles slept, an angel encouraged Him.
    2. Think how Jonathan strengthened David’s hand in God while in the wood (I Sam 23:16).
    3. Jesus had a human nature that was subject to all the weakness of our nature without sin.
  26. An angel stirred water for the DISEASED to be healed in the pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9).
    1. From this activity we can and should presume that they are involved in physical health.
    2. To the contrary, we also know fallen angels, devils, afflict and steal health (Mark 9:17).
  27. Two angels informed the APOSTLES that Jesus would return physically again (Acts 1:9-11).
    1. They know about His literal, bodily return; they know we should be about His business.
    2. When Jesus Christ does return, Michael the archangel’s voice is involved (I Thess 4:16).
  28. An angel delivered the APOSTLES from prison to preach the gospel again (Acts 5:17-25).
  29. The angel of the Lord told PHILIP where to find the eunuch for his baptism (Acts 8:26-40).
    1. Think about this sincere man far from home seeking truth but confused by Isaiah 53.
    2. While we deny the miraculous movements of Philip, we should not the direction to us.
  30. An angel commended CORNELIUS and told him to get Peter (Acts 10:1-6,22,30-33; 11:13).
  31. God’s angel rescued PETER from prison and death during a prayer meeting (Acts 12:5-11).
  32. The angel of God told PAUL he and all passengers would survive a wreck (Acts 27:21-26).
  33. Jesus Christ sent an angel to JOHN to signify future events of prophecy (Rev 1:1; 22:16).
  34. Michael and his angels EMPTIED HEAVEN of the devil and his angels (Rev 12:1-11).

The Deeds of Angels

  1. They can open eyes – Hagar, Abraham, and Elisha’s servant (Gen 21:19; 22:13; II Kgs 6:17).
  2. They can close eyes – the men of Sodom and the Syrians at Dothan (Gen 19:11; II Kgs 6:18).
  3. One can find spouses – as the angel did with Rebekah for Abraham’s servant (Gen 24:7,40).
  4. One can kill 185,000 in a single night – as the Assyrians outside Jerusalem (II Kings 19:35).
  5. They can praise gloriously, as at Christ’s birth and ascension (Is 6:1-4; Lu 2:13; Re 5:11-12).
  6. They can speak to men in dreams, as they did to Joseph regarding Mary (Matthew 1:18-25).
  7. They can open doors, even doors of locked jails or prisons (Act 5:17-20; 12:5-11; Mat 28:2).
  8. They can deceive or lie, as one of them did to Ahab via his false prophets (I Kings 22:19-23).
  9. They know hedges, like Satan knew the nature and security of God’s good hedge around Job.
  10. What can angels not do? What does the Bible teach they cannot or will not do in the world?
    1. They do not know details of the future, for that is God’s own secret counsel (Matt 24:36).
    2. They do not know the mind of the Lord; they cannot add to His wisdom (Romans 11:34).
    3. They cannot taste death or reconcile us to God like Jesus did (Hebrews 2:6-11; Col 1:20).
    4. They do not use railing charges against Satan or civil rulers (II Pet 2:10-12; Jude 1:8-10).
  11. Angels do not have to be mentioned each time they are involved, so we may assume activity.
    1. They marked men for slaughtering angels (Ezek 9), so why not at Corinth (I Cor 11:30)?
    2. They carried beggar Lazarus to heaven (Luke 16:22), so why not Stephen (Acts 7:59-60)?
    3. If we extrapolate examples to us, which we must to fulfill the Bible’s description of their current activity, we should be sober about their judgment and thankful for their help.
    4. They arranged preachers for Cornelius and a eunuch, so why not for you and me? Glory!
    5. They healed at the pool of Bethesda by moving the water, why not by directing radiation?
    6. What about the cover at Dunkirk, the folly of Midway, and Hitler’s foolish gambles?

The Ministry of Angels

  1. We clearly read they are ministering spirits for the heirs of eternal life – us (Heb 1:13-14).
    1. They ministered to Jesus Christ after His temptation by the devil (Matt 4:11; Mark 1:13).
    2. Angelic activity still occurs, but it is of a different sort than it was at any time previously.
    3. Their many activities recorded in the Bible were only listed to the end of the N.T. canon.
    4. The supernatural was visibly displayed during this entire period as well as with miracles.
    5. Since God finished His written word, visible phenomena is unnecessary and distracting.
    6. There was a time of reformation, in which God’s dealings with man changed (Heb 9:10).
    7. Our mature age does not need angels and visible exhibitions (I Cor 13:8-12; Ep 4:11-16).
  2. Leaving out ministry of the Holy Spirit, which is briefly described above, we assume angels.
  3. By reviewing all the above, for what they did for others and are said to do, we also assume.
    1. They assisted in giving God’s law to Moses (Gal 3:19; Deut 33:2; Acts 7:53; Heb 2:2), so we assume they may assist in various ways to connect preachers and hearers, as follows.
    2. Gospel – preachers sent (eunuch), preachers sought (Cornelius), joy in heaven (Luke 15).
    3. They protect from accidents and enemies (Jacob; Dothan; Jerusalem; Job; Psalm 34:7).
    4. They assist answers and direction (Ge 16:7-9; 31:3,11-13; Es 6:1-3; Dan 9:23; Ac 27:31).
    5. They move in wars between nations (II Kgs 19:35; Job 1:15,17; Dan 10:13,20-21; 12:1).
    6. They are expected to help in surgery and other illnesses (Gen 19:11; Ps 34:7; John 5:1-9).
    7. They can assist in helping spouses get together for marriage (Genesis 24:7,40; Ruth 2:3).
    8. At death they carry spirits of the just to heaven (Luke 16:22; II Kgs 2:1,11-12; Mat 28:2).
    9. They report obedience or disobedience as watchers (Da 4:13,17; Mat 18:10; I Cor 11:10).
    10. Life has many “coincidences or providences” likely assisted or executed by God’s angels.

The Present Ministry of Angels

  1. Be assured that angels do not bring new revelation of truth from God – forget your dreams!
    1. The total, perfect faith was once delivered to saints (Jude 1:3; II Tim 3:16-17; Act 20:27).
    2. Do not listen at all to anyone telling you about visits of angels with messages from God.
    3. There is an angel that looks for such foolish stooges to deceive them (II Cor 11:13-15).
    4. If you want God to speak to you, He will, above angelic minds, by the Bible (Ps 119:18).
    5. The Bible trumped dreams to Jeremiah (Jer 23:28-29), how much more to us with a N.T.?
    6. God’s word is more sure than His voice, how much more than angels’ (II Peter 1:16-21)?
  2. Angelic activity still occurs, but it is of a different sort than it was at any time previously.
    1. Angelic activity is documented in the Bible from the patriarchs past Pentecost (see Acts).
    2. The supernatural was visibly displayed during this entire period as well with miracles.
    3. Since God finished His written word, visible phenomena is unnecessary and distracting.
    4. There was a time of reformation, in which God’s dealings with man changed (Heb 9:10).
    5. Our mature age does not need angels and visible exhibitions (I Cor 13:8-12; Ep 4:11-16).
  3. Angel activity, roles, or importance has changed and is less visible, but still part of our lives.
    1. The kingdom of God includes our connection to God’s angels (Hebrews 12:22-24,28-29).
    2. Paul warned Corinth women and Timothy as a bishop about them (I Ti 5:21; I Co 11:10).
    3. They still rejoice over one sinner that repents, which should provoke so (Luke 15:7-10).
    4. They still come with chariots to carry the spirit/soul of believers to heaven (Luke 16:22).
    5. The devil and angels are still very active (I Pet 5:8; II Cor 11:13-15; Gal 1:8; Matt 24:24).
  4. Both Jacob and Jesus had ladders of angels (Gen 28:12-22; John 1:51; I Tim 3:16), which we should believe we have as well as the sons of God and brethren of Jesus (Heb 1:14; 2:9-18).

Check on Angels

  1. Angels must be checked by the word of God as any other source of revelation like dreams.
  2. We do not care at all what anyone has seen, heard, felt, or experienced, which many emphasize; if they speak contrary to scripture, it is a lie; if they agree with scripture, so what!
  3. Satan and devils transform into angels of light or ministers of righteousness (II Co 11:13-15).
  4. Paul warned that an angel preaching a gospel different from his was to be accursed (Gal 1:8).
  5. Whether false prophets or false spirits, they are to be tried by the apostles’ words (I Jn 4:1-6).
  6. We have a more sure word of prophecy even over God’s voice from heaven (II Pet 1:16-21).
  7. We value the word of God above any dream, no matter what angel is involved (Jer 23:28-29).
  8. We do not pray to angels or regard them by name, for we only pray to God in Jesus’ name.

Promises about Angels

  1. Faithfulness on earth will cause Jesus to confess you before the angels (Rev 3:5; Luk 12:8-9).
  2. There is every reason to claim Psalm 34:7 and Psalm 91:11-12, yet without any visible show.
  3. There is every reason to believe Matthew 18:10 is still true, though without any visible show.
  4. They will come with Jesus Christ for us (Mat 13:40-43; 25:31-33; I Thess 4:16; II Thess 1:7).
  5. They will gather the wicked for judgment (Mat 13:40-42,48-50; II Thes 1:8-9; Jude 1:14-15).
  6. The elect will judge the fallen angels with Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 6:1-3; Rev 19:11-21).
  7. Though already incarcerated in several respects, Satan will soon be thrown in the lake of fire for eternal torment at his formal sentencing (II Pet 2:4; Jude 1:6; Matt 25:41; Acts 20:10).
  8. We can overcome Satan in the meantime.

Conclusion:

  1. If you do not have a true and sincere relationship with Jesus Christ, then angels are not your servants.
  2. If you do not fear God, then the angel of the Lord is not encamping near you to deliver you at all.
  3. Understanding angels should deliver us from fear of danger and provoke us to greater righteousness.
  4. Remember that your older Brother, Who died for you, has absolute and final rule of heaven’s armies.
  5. You were made a little lower than the angels, but you have now been adopted higher than the angels!
  6. If they are curious about your salvation, you should appreciate it so much more (I Pet 1:12; Ep 3:10).
  7. If they rejoice in heaven over one sinner that repents, then you should also rejoice (Luke 15:7-10).
  8. If they are totally dedicated to obeying and pleasing God, then we should do so also (Ps 103:20-21).

For further study:

  1. Sermon Outline: “Jesus and the Angels,” deals with the angelic ministry surrounding the life of Jesus Christ.
  2. Sermon Outline: “Great Mystery of Godliness,” includes “seen of angels” in Paul’s summary of the gospel.
  3. Sermon Outline: “Captain of our Salvation,” as very brief overview of Jesus and angels from Hebrews 1-2.
  4. Sermon Outline: “An Angel with an Inkhorn,” exposits Ezekiel 9 with emphasis on the angel activity of 9:4.
  5. Sermon Outline: “Coronation of Jesus,” covers Jesus’ humiliation below angels and promotion over them.
  6. Sermon Outline: “The Power of Darkness,” details the devil and his angels and their war against the saints.
  7. Sermon Outline: “Give No Place to the Devil,” exhorts saints to resist the devil’s opposition to godliness.
  8. Sermon Outline: “Blessed and Only Potentate,” explains the lordship of Jesus Christ over all created beings.
  9. Sermon Outline: “The Dominion of God,” covers the extent and nature of God’s sovereign rule over all.
  10. Sermon Outline: “Making Sense of Daniel,” gives much greater detail from Daniel 7-12 of world empires.

Ten Thousand Angels

They bound the hands of Jesus, in the garden where He prayed;

They led Him through the streets in shame.

They spat upon the Saviour, so pure and free from sin;

They said, “Crucify Him; He’s to blame.”

Upon His precious head, they placed a crown of thorns;

They laughed and said, “Behold the King.”

They struck Him and they cursed Him, and mocked His holy name.

All alone He suffered everything.

When they nailed Him to the cross, His mother stood nearby;

He said, “Woman, behold thy son!”

He cried, “I thirst for water,” but they gave Him none to drink,

Then the sinful work of man was done.

To the howling mob He yielded; He did not for mercy cry.

The cross of shame He took alone.

And when He cried, “It’s finished,” He gave himself to die;

Salvation’s wondrous plan was done.

He could have called ten thousand angels,

To destroy the world and set Him free.

He could have called ten thousand angels,

But he died alone for you and me.