Angels, Redemption, and the Wisdom of God
Summary
In this sermon, the focus is on the manifold wisdom of God as revealed through the church, a wisdom that even the angels in heavenly places are eager to understand. The angels, though not needing redemption themselves, are deeply interested in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. This plan, hidden for ages, is now revealed through the church, showcasing God's wisdom in ways that creation alone could not. The angels, with their superior faculties, have witnessed God's wisdom in creation, but the redemption of humanity offers them new insights into His divine nature.
The sermon explores how the angels, who have always been obedient to God, are not indifferent to human affairs. They are depicted as sympathetic beings who rejoice over repentant sinners and are actively involved in the lives of believers. The angels' understanding of God's wisdom is enhanced as they observe the church, which serves as a living testament to God's grace and redemption. The sermon emphasizes that the angels learn about God's wisdom through the church's existence and the unfolding of the gospel.
The sermon also highlights the unique role of humanity in God's creation. Humans, created from dust yet made in God's image, are elevated through Christ's redemptive work. This elevation is a testament to God's wisdom, as it demonstrates His ability to bring about purity and holiness from sin and rebellion. The angels, in observing this transformation, gain a deeper appreciation for God's wisdom and grace.
The sermon concludes by urging believers to value the gospel, which even the angels study with great interest. It calls for a deeper appreciation and understanding of the gospel, encouraging believers to engage with it earnestly. The sermon also serves as a warning to those who have not yet embraced salvation, highlighting the peril of rejecting such a profound and wise plan of redemption.
Key Takeaways:
1. Angelic Interest in Redemption: Angels, though not needing redemption, are deeply interested in God's redemptive plan for humanity. They learn about God's manifold wisdom through the church, which reveals aspects of His nature that creation alone could not. This interest underscores the profound nature of God's plan and the unique role of the church in revealing His wisdom. [01:36]
2. Humanity's Unique Role: Humans, created from dust yet made in God's image, are elevated through Christ's redemptive work. This transformation from sin to holiness showcases God's wisdom and grace, demonstrating His ability to bring about purity from rebellion. The angels, in observing this, gain a deeper appreciation for God's divine plan. [13:36]
3. The Gospel's Value: The gospel, which even angels study with great interest, is a treasure that believers should deeply value. It is through the gospel that God's wisdom is revealed, and it serves as a testament to His grace and redemption. Believers are encouraged to engage with the gospel earnestly, recognizing its profound significance. [37:45]
4. The Peril of Rejection: The sermon warns of the peril of rejecting God's plan of salvation. The wisdom required to save humanity highlights the gravity of human sin and the imminent danger of remaining unsaved. This serves as a call to embrace the salvation offered through Christ, recognizing the depth of God's love and wisdom. [41:03]
5. Encouragement for Believers: Believers are encouraged to take courage and not fear the skepticism of the world. The wisdom of God, as revealed through the church, is a testament to His divine plan, and believers are urged to trust in Christ and rely on His grace for salvation. This trust is the key to experiencing the fullness of God's redemptive work. [39:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to the Principalities and Powers
- [00:33] - Angels and Their Interest in Redemption
- [01:06] - Christ's Mediation and Its Impact
- [01:55] - The Mystery of the Gospel
- [02:44] - Angels' Role and Sympathy
- [03:47] - Angels as Messengers
- [05:09] - The Church as a Revelation of Wisdom
- [07:21] - The Wisdom of Creation vs. Redemption
- [10:06] - The Unveiling of God's Plan
- [12:46] - Humanity's Unique Creation
- [14:41] - The Mystery of the Gospel Revealed
- [19:20] - The Wisdom in Redemption
- [22:41] - The Marvel of Substitution
- [25:42] - Christ's Resurrection and Ascension
- [27:10] - The Holy Spirit's Work
- [31:29] - The Martyrs' Testimony
- [35:14] - Angels' Perspective on Redemption
- [37:26] - The Gospel's Value and Call to Salvation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Ephesians 3:10
- 1 Peter 1:12
- Hebrews 1:6
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Observation Questions:
1. How does Ephesians 3:10 describe the role of the church in revealing God's wisdom to the principalities and powers in heavenly places? [00:15]
2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of angels being interested in the redemption of humanity, even though they do not need redemption themselves? [01:36]
3. What role do angels play in the lives of believers, as described in the sermon? [03:33]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the transformation of humanity through Christ's redemptive work? [13:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What might be the implications of angels learning about God's wisdom through the church, as mentioned in Ephesians 3:10? How does this affect our understanding of the church's purpose? [09:16]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that humanity's creation and redemption demonstrate God's wisdom and grace? How does this compare to the wisdom seen in creation? [13:36]
3. How does the sermon describe the value of the gospel, and why is it important for believers to engage with it earnestly? [37:26]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the peril of rejecting God's plan of salvation, and how does this serve as a warning to those who have not embraced it? [41:03]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that angels are deeply interested in God's redemptive plan for humanity. How does this perspective influence your view of the church's role in the world? [01:36]
2. The sermon highlights humanity's unique role in God's creation. How can you personally embrace and live out this elevated status through Christ's redemptive work in your daily life? [13:36]
3. Considering the value of the gospel, what steps can you take to deepen your engagement with it and appreciate its significance in your life? [37:26]
4. The sermon warns of the peril of rejecting God's plan of salvation. How can you share this message with others in a way that is both loving and compelling? [41:03]
5. How can you find courage and strength in the wisdom of God as revealed through the church, especially when facing skepticism or challenges in your faith journey? [39:07]
6. Reflect on a time when you felt the presence or guidance of angels in your life. How did this experience impact your faith and understanding of God's wisdom? [03:33]
7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to trust in God's wisdom and grace. What practical steps can you take to surrender this area to Him and rely on His redemptive work? [13:36]
Devotional
Day 1: Angels' Fascination with Redemption
The angels, though not in need of redemption themselves, are deeply intrigued by God's redemptive plan for humanity. This plan, which was hidden for ages, is now revealed through the church, showcasing God's manifold wisdom in ways that creation alone could not. The angels, with their superior faculties, have witnessed God's wisdom in creation, but the redemption of humanity offers them new insights into His divine nature. They are depicted as sympathetic beings who rejoice over repentant sinners and are actively involved in the lives of believers. The angels' understanding of God's wisdom is enhanced as they observe the church, which serves as a living testament to God's grace and redemption. [01:36]
Ephesians 3:10-11 (ESV): "So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Reflection: Consider how your life as part of the church might be a testament to God's wisdom. How can you live in a way that reflects His redemptive work to those around you, including the unseen spiritual realm?
Day 2: Humanity's Elevated Status
Humans, created from dust yet made in God's image, are elevated through Christ's redemptive work. This transformation from sin to holiness showcases God's wisdom and grace, demonstrating His ability to bring about purity from rebellion. The angels, in observing this transformation, gain a deeper appreciation for God's divine plan. This unique role of humanity in God's creation highlights the profound nature of His redemptive work and the grace that elevates humanity to a status that even the angels marvel at. [13:36]
1 Peter 1:12 (ESV): "It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look."
Reflection: Reflect on the transformation that Christ has brought into your life. In what ways can you actively demonstrate the purity and holiness that God has worked in you to those around you?
Day 3: The Gospel's Inestimable Worth
The gospel, which even angels study with great interest, is a treasure that believers should deeply value. It is through the gospel that God's wisdom is revealed, and it serves as a testament to His grace and redemption. Believers are encouraged to engage with the gospel earnestly, recognizing its profound significance. The gospel is not just a message of salvation but a revelation of God's character and His eternal plan for humanity. [37:45]
Colossians 1:26-27 (ESV): "The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Reflection: How can you deepen your engagement with the gospel this week? Consider setting aside specific time each day to study and meditate on its truths.
Day 4: The Danger of Rejecting Salvation
The sermon warns of the peril of rejecting God's plan of salvation. The wisdom required to save humanity highlights the gravity of human sin and the imminent danger of remaining unsaved. This serves as a call to embrace the salvation offered through Christ, recognizing the depth of God's love and wisdom. The rejection of such a profound and wise plan of redemption is a serious matter, and believers are urged to share this truth with others. [41:03]
Hebrews 2:3 (ESV): "How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who has not yet embraced salvation? How can you lovingly share the urgency and importance of accepting God's redemptive plan with them?
Day 5: Encouragement in the Face of Skepticism
Believers are encouraged to take courage and not fear the skepticism of the world. The wisdom of God, as revealed through the church, is a testament to His divine plan, and believers are urged to trust in Christ and rely on His grace for salvation. This trust is the key to experiencing the fullness of God's redemptive work. In a world that often doubts or dismisses the gospel, believers are called to stand firm in their faith and be a light to others. [39:07]
1 Corinthians 1:18 (ESV): "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel challenged by skepticism or doubt? How can you strengthen your trust in Christ and His wisdom to stand firm in your faith?
Quotes
"Yet it is interesting to notice how our Lord did as it were pass and repass their shining ranks when he sped his way down to the regions of death and when he came back triumphant to the realms of glory thus in one place we see Jesus made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death and in another place we learn that the father raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places far above all principality and power and might and dominion." [00:48:55]
"Angels we know have often been messengers of God's will to the sons of men they have never shown any reluctance on the contrary great has been their joy to hear God's tidings down from heaven to earth and their sympathy even with fallen men with men who have grievously sinned and gone astray is shown by the fact that they rejoice over one sinner that repenteth more than over 90 and nine just persons that need no repentance." [00:03:47]
"Who can doubt that the angels had seen much of the wisdom of God in creation with faculties keener and more elevated than ours faculties that have never been blunted by sin they can perceive the various contrivances of God's skill both in the animate and the inanimate world doubtless as each new star has been minted by God as each planet has been struck off like a spark from the everlasting anvil angels those sons of the morning have lifted up their songs and have poured forth their peans of joy and gladness." [00:05:09]
"Since Christ has come angels are to be students of the manifold wisdom of God as revealed in his work towards his people preparing them for that grand climax the espousal of the church and the marriage of the lamb to come closer to the matter we must trace it progressively as though it were step by step that the angels pursued their study and acquired an insight into this manifold wisdom." [00:10:06]
"They must have already seen that God had created an order of pure spirits who served him faithfully and never sinned there was one form of wisdom displayed in that other spirits equally pure went astray and in the wisdom of God for there is wisdom in it these were suffered to continue astray reserved in chains until the judgment and on the angels perceived that God was about to make another intelligent creature not altogether spiritual but a spiritual creature that should be linked with materialism." [00:12:46]
"Herein is manifold wisdom that the Lord God should make so strange a creature that he should be formed of the dust of the ground and yet created in the image of God a creature that should know sin and whatever of pleasure there might be in it and yet be restored to purity and holiness a creature who though a while estranged in heart and guilty of rebelling with a high hand against his creator should return to its allegiance through the infinitely wise workings of God's spirit." [00:13:36]
"The wisdom of God is clearly seen by angels in this that though God was dishonored in this world by sin that sin has redounded to his greater honor satan when he led men astray and tempted them to rebel thought he admired the glory of God but he never did more palpably outwit himself as Augustine ventured to say of the fall happy thought so when we see how God's mercy and his love have shone resplendent through that dreadful breach." [00:19:20]
"Angels could not have conjectured this but when it was made known to them how could they refrain to chant fresh songs to the praise of him who could undertake so loving a responsibility it became necessary when Christ was our shity that he should afterwards take upon himself our nature oh how it must have surprised the angels when they heard that the son of God was coming down to earth to be born of a virgin." [00:22:41]
"Thus brethren though time and voice fail me permit me to say the whole history of our blessed Lord who is the head of the church is making known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places the manifold wisdom of God in such a way as they never could have otherwise seen it the wisdom of God is seen through the church in the Holy Spirit's work as well as in the work of Christ it is manifold wisdom." [00:31:29]
"Let us appreciate the gospel beyond all price imolument or honor how too should we study it if it be the research of angelic intellects is the church their school book whence they learn lessons of the divine wisdom because no science is equal to that of the wisdom of God in Christ revealed in his church oh be not ye converts ignorant of the word of God be not oblivious of the operations of God in your own souls." [00:37:26]
"Take courage ye feeble-minded ones and never fear again the sneer of the man who calls the gospel folly account him to be the victim of folly who despises this manifold wisdom shall I set the judgment of a poor puny mortal against the judgment of an angel i suppose that even Newton and Kepler and Loach and those mighty master spirits would be mere infants compared with seraphs those great men love to study the scriptures." [00:39:07]
"Unsaved men unsaved women if it wants manifold wisdom to save men then men's ruin must be very great and your peril must be very imminent if it amazes angels to see how God saves it must be a terrible destruction from which he saves them that destruction is coming upon you its dark shadows have already begun to gather around you how great your folly to refuse a salvation so wise to reject a savior so attractive as Jesus." [00:41:03]
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