Online Sermons
Lesson #12 - Angels
Series: One WordLESSON #12 – ANGELS
Intro: Do you believe in the existence of heavenly angels?
Do you have questions about angels - - questions which seem to be lacking definitive answers?
What is the role of angels as illustrated in both the Old Testament and New Testament?
Are all angels supernatural beings or are some “angels” human beings (the word angelos means “messenger”)?
The scope of this word study is so broad that we can only touch the hem of the garment in one short lesson.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) ANGELS - - GOOD AND BAD
The Scriptures speak of both!
~ There are angels in heaven (Mt.22:30), also referred to as holy angels (Mk.8:38).
Can you name two good angels? __________ (Lk.1:19 & 26) and __________ (Dan.12:1 & Rev.12:7).
Use your smart phone to look up the meanings of seraphim (Isa.6:2) and cherubim (Gen.3:24 & Ex.25:18)
~ Mt.25:41 speaks of the devil and his angels. 2Pet.2:4 states that, …God did not spare angels when they sinned,
but cast them into hell and committed them to pits of darkness, reserved for judgment. cf. Jude 6
Was Satan a fallen angel?
While Isa.14:12-14 is often cited in reference to the fall of Satan, the subject is actually the King of Babylon (Isa.14:4).
In more ancient texts, we read of The Adversary (Job 1-2) and The Serpent (Gen.3:1 & 14).
Contrary to popular belief, the Scriptures do not elaborate on the origin of Satan.
1Tim.3:6 mentions “the condemnation incurred by the Devil”.
In John’s gospel, Jesus refers to an unnamed entity (Satan implied) as the ruler of this world (Jn.12:31 & 14:30).
2) JESUS’ VIEW OF ANGELS
In this brief lesson we will focus our study on angels in the life of Jesus - - what He experienced and what He taught.
? References to angels can be found everywhere in the ministry of Jesus.
~ Surrounding His birth – Mt.1:20; 2:13 & 19 and Lk.1:26 & 2:9 & 13
~ At His temptation – Mt.4:11
~ During His passion – Lk.22:43
~ At His resurrection – Mt.28:2; Lk.24:3 & Jn.20:12
~ At His ascension – Acts 1:10-11
~ At His parousia (coming in judgment on Jerusalem) – Mt.16:27-28
What did Jesus teach about angels?
“For the Christian the whole question turns on the weight to be attached to the words of our Lord.” / John Wilson
~ Angels are holy (Mk.8:38) and in heaven (Mt.22:30b).
~ Angels do not marry (Mt.22:30a).
~ Angels are associated with “little ones” (Mt.18:10).
~ In Jesus’ “parable” of the rich man and Lazarus, (Lazarus) was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (Lk.16:22).
~ Angels rejoice over the repentance of sinners (Lk.15:10).
~ Angels are privy to the confessions and denials of men (Lk.12:8-9).
~ Angels did not know the time of the return of Jesus in judgment on Jerusalem (Mt.24:36).
~ Angels could have been called on by Jesus to prevent His arrest (Mt.26:53).
~ Angels played a role in dispensing God’s judgment at the end of the age (Mt.13:41 & 49 and Mt.25:31).
3) GOOD QUESTIONS
Is it possible to entertain angels unaware? – Heb.13:2
In what way were/are angels “ministering spirits”? – Heb.1:14
Was this unique to the time period related to the establishment of Christ’s kingdom or do they yet continue such work?
cf. Acts 5:19; 8:26; 10:3; 12:7f & 23 and 27:23
