Ministry of Angels
Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Introduction
The topic about angels had always been a subject of interest both to the saved and the unsaved. Numerous stories as well as testimonies circulate around that sometimes it’s very hard to confirm whether it is true or not. The Bible however tells us many things about angels. The word angels (plural) were mentioned 94 times and the word angel (singular) were mentioned 203 times, so we can say that the Bible tells a lot about angels. For this study we will do it probably for few Sundays unless we do it on our regular Bible Study during Saturdays.
I. Are we alone?
To answer the question whether man is the only intelligent being in this universe, scientists are sending space probes, and coded messages in outer space hoping somebody will pick up the signal and answer back. The question is if somebody responded, will he be a friend or enemy? Are the sightings of UFO’s true? How about the stories about Area 51? It’s a sad thing that people does not turn to the Word of God to find the answer.
II. A True Story:
John Paton was a missionary in the New Hebrides Islands. One night hostile natives surrounded the mission station, intent on burning out the Patons and killing them. Paton and his wife prayed during that terror-filled night that God would deliver them. When daylight came they were amazed to see their attackers leave.
A year later, the chief of the tribe was converted to Christ. Remembering what had happened, Paton asked the chief what had kept him from burning down the house and killing them. The chief replied in surprise, “Who were all those men with you there?” Paton knew no men were present–but the chief said he was afraid to attack because he had seen hundreds of big men in shining garments with drawn swords circling the mission station.
III. Belief in the Supernatural:
With the popularity of film Harry Potter, Vampire and Werewolf Stories like Twilight, Ghost Stories, Zombies, etc., we can see how people put their interest in something beyond natural. Man’s imagination is so active that in his quest for new things, they are now being influenced by the devil. Of course there’s a TV series also entitled “Touched by an Angel” and people who were able to watch it were blessed.
IV. A Biblical Story:
2 Kings 6:15-17 And when the servant of the man of God (Elisha) was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots. And his servant said unto him, Alas, my master! how shall we do? (They are surrounded by the enemies) And he answered, Fear not: for they that are 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. That’s an invisible supernatural army!!
V. Existence of Angels –Angels are spoken in the OT as well as in the NT. Deny the existence of the angels and you deny the truthfulness and the reliability of the Bible.
1. They are mentioned in the OT (Gen. 19:1, Ps. 8:5, Dan. 3:28).
2. They were spoken in Jesus earthly life (Mt. 4:11, Lk. 22:43)
3. They were spoken by the apostles (Acts 4)
4. They were spoken in the book of Revelation (Rev. 5:11, etc.).
Beliefs in the angels are found in the history of ancient nations such as the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Greeks, and others. Muslims believe that two angels are assigned to each person. The angel on the right records the good works, the angel on the left records your evil works. Hebrews believe there were 4 great angels (1) Gabriel who reveals God’s secret to men (2) Michael who fights God’s enemies (3) Raphael, who receives the departing spirit of the dead (4) Uriel who will call everybody to judgement. The Bible however names only two angels, Michael and Gabriel. Raphael and Uriel was not in the canon.
VI. Definition: the word Angel means “messenger”. A supernatural being created by God. The Bible speaks of two major groups of angels – good and evil. One group of angels rebelled against God and followed Satan (Mat. 25:41). These fallen angels are also called demons or evil spirits. The angels which did not join the rebellion are called elect angels and continue to serve and worship God.
VII. Origin of Angels: They were created by Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 1:16) and they were created before the world was made. (Job 38:7).
VIII. Fall of the Angels: The actual test and time of the fall of angels is uncertain, however, there are several guesses which are only theories:
1. That they rebelled when Satan tried to become like God – Isa. 14:12-15, Ezek. 28:13-19, Rev. 12:7-9.
2. That it was the sin of pride and disobedience.
3. That it was the sin of cohabitation with women on earth, Gen. 6:1-4.
On the basis of Mat. 25:41”…”the devil and his angels, I honestly believed that the first was most likely the answer.
As a result of their fall they are awaiting judgment. Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
IX. Conclusion:
We will continue this interesting lesson next week. We will now proceed to our Lord’s Supper.
