Angels: Worship, Vigilance, and Divine Presence

 

Summary

In our exploration of the function of angels within the Scriptures, we delve into the profound imagery and roles these celestial beings play in the heavenly realm. Beginning with the seraphim in Isaiah chapter six, we see angels in the immediate presence of God, singing praises and embodying the holiness of the divine. This theme continues in the book of Revelation, where John describes a vivid vision of the throne room of heaven. Here, the throne is surrounded by twenty-four elders and a multitude of angels, all participating in the worship of God. The imagery is rich, with descriptions of lightnings, thunderings, and the seven spirits of God, emphasizing the majesty and sovereignty of the divine presence.

The angels, described as living creatures with various appearances, are depicted as having eyes all around, symbolizing their constant vigilance and ability to behold the glory of God without ceasing. This perpetual vision of God is what theologians refer to as the beatific vision, the ultimate hope for Christians, where the pure in heart shall see God. This vision is not hindered by physical limitations but is a direct, unmediated perception of God's glory, as explained by Jonathan Edwards.

Ezekiel's vision further enriches our understanding, presenting a whirlwind and a fiery cloud, with living creatures and a wheel within a wheel, symbolizing the omnipresence and omnipotence of God's throne. This moving throne signifies that God's reign knows no boundaries, and His judgment is ever-present. The angels, as part of this divine entourage, serve as both worshippers and warriors, attending to God's throne and executing His will.

The concept of angels as guardians is also touched upon, with Jesus' words about children's angels always beholding the face of God, suggesting a protective and intercessory role. This heavenly host is not merely a choir but an army, created to honor, worship, and serve the Almighty.

Key Takeaways:

- The angels' constant presence before God, as depicted in Revelation, highlights the importance of worship and reverence in the Christian life. Their unending praise serves as a model for believers to maintain a heart of worship, recognizing God's sovereignty and holiness. [02:59]

- The beatific vision, the ultimate hope for Christians, is a promise of seeing God in His full glory. This vision is reserved for the pure in heart, emphasizing the necessity of holiness and purity in our spiritual journey. [06:53]

- Ezekiel's vision of the moving throne of God illustrates His omnipresence and omnipotence. It reminds us that God's reign is not confined to any location, and His judgment and presence are always active in the world. [14:29]

- The imagery of angels with eyes all around symbolizes their vigilance and constant awareness of God's glory. This serves as a reminder for believers to remain spiritually alert and focused on God's presence in their lives. [12:55]

- The concept of guardian angels, as mentioned by Jesus, suggests a protective and intercessory role of angels in our lives. It reassures us of God's care and the spiritual support available to us through His heavenly host. [22:42]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:38] - Introduction to Angelic Function
- [01:18] - Revelation's Throne Room
- [02:25] - Description of Living Creatures
- [03:32] - Worship and Imagery in Revelation
- [04:04] - The Heavenly Host
- [05:29] - The Beatific Vision
- [06:53] - Purity and Seeing God
- [07:27] - Questions About Heaven
- [08:34] - Vision of God Explained
- [09:36] - Theophany and God's Glory
- [11:06] - Angels and the Beatific Vision
- [12:23] - Ezekiel's Vision of God's Throne
- [14:29] - Theophany in Ezekiel
- [17:23] - God's Moving Throne
- [22:03] - Guardian Angels and Their Role

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Function of Angels in Scripture

Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 6:1-3
2. Revelation 4:1-11
3. Ezekiel 1:1-28

---

Observation Questions:

1. In Isaiah 6, what is the role of the seraphim in the presence of God, and how do they express their worship? [00:38]

2. According to Revelation 4, what are some of the vivid images John uses to describe the throne room of heaven, and what do these images signify? [01:18]

3. How does Ezekiel describe the living creatures and the moving throne of God in his vision, and what elements are used to convey God's omnipresence and omnipotence? [14:29]

4. What is the significance of the angels having eyes all around them, as described in Revelation, and how does this relate to their role in heaven? [02:25]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the constant worship of the angels in Revelation 4 serve as a model for Christian worship and reverence in daily life? [02:59]

2. What does the concept of the beatific vision, as mentioned in the sermon, reveal about the ultimate hope for Christians and the importance of purity and holiness? [06:53]

3. In Ezekiel's vision, what does the moving throne of God symbolize about His reign and presence in the world, and how does this understanding impact our view of God's sovereignty? [14:29]

4. How does the idea of guardian angels, as mentioned by Jesus, provide reassurance of God's care and spiritual support in our lives? [22:42]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your personal worship practices. How can you incorporate the angels' model of constant praise and reverence into your daily routine? [02:59]

2. The beatific vision is reserved for the pure in heart. What steps can you take to pursue holiness and purity in your spiritual journey? [06:53]

3. Consider the omnipresence and omnipotence of God's moving throne as described in Ezekiel. How does this understanding influence your trust in God's active presence in your life? [14:29]

4. The angels' vigilance and constant awareness of God's glory serve as a reminder for believers. What practical ways can you remain spiritually alert and focused on God's presence in your life? [12:55]

5. Reflect on the concept of guardian angels. How does this belief affect your sense of security and reliance on God's protection in your daily life? [22:42]

6. In what ways can you cultivate a heart of worship that mirrors the angels' unending praise, especially during challenging times? [02:59]

7. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle with maintaining purity. What practical steps can you take to align your heart with the promise of seeing God in His full glory? [06:53]

Devotional

Day 1: Unending Worship as a Model for Believers
The angels' constant presence before God, as depicted in Revelation, highlights the importance of worship and reverence in the Christian life. Their unending praise serves as a model for believers to maintain a heart of worship, recognizing God's sovereignty and holiness. The imagery of the throne room in Revelation is filled with angels and elders, all engaged in worship, emphasizing the centrality of worship in the heavenly realm. This scene invites believers to reflect on their own worship practices and the posture of their hearts towards God. Worship is not just a Sunday activity but a lifestyle that acknowledges God's majesty and holiness in every aspect of life. [02:59]

Revelation 4:8-11 (ESV): "And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, 'Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!' And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.'"

Reflection: How can you incorporate a heart of worship into your daily routine, acknowledging God's sovereignty and holiness in all you do?


Day 2: The Beatific Vision and the Pursuit of Holiness
The beatific vision, the ultimate hope for Christians, is a promise of seeing God in His full glory. This vision is reserved for the pure in heart, emphasizing the necessity of holiness and purity in our spiritual journey. Theologians describe this vision as an unmediated perception of God's glory, a direct encounter with the divine that transcends physical limitations. It is a reminder that the pursuit of holiness is not just about moral behavior but about preparing our hearts to behold God's glory. This calls for a life of purity, where our thoughts, actions, and intentions align with God's will, allowing us to experience His presence more fully. [06:53]

Matthew 5:8 (ESV): "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to cultivate purity in your heart, preparing yourself for a deeper experience of God's presence?


Day 3: God's Omnipresence and Omnipotence in Ezekiel's Vision
Ezekiel's vision of the moving throne of God illustrates His omnipresence and omnipotence. It reminds us that God's reign is not confined to any location, and His judgment and presence are always active in the world. The imagery of a whirlwind, fiery cloud, and a wheel within a wheel symbolizes the boundless nature of God's throne, signifying that His authority and power extend beyond human limitations. This vision challenges believers to recognize God's active presence in every aspect of life, understanding that His sovereignty is not limited by time or space. It encourages a trust in God's ever-present guidance and justice, even in the midst of life's uncertainties. [14:29]

Ezekiel 1:15-21 (ESV): "Now as I looked at the living creatures, I saw a wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, one for each of the four of them. As for the appearance of the wheels and their construction: their appearance was like the gleaming of beryl. And the four had the same likeness, their appearance and construction being as it were a wheel within a wheel. When they went, they went in any of their four directions without turning as they went. And their rims were tall and awesome, and the rims of all four were full of eyes all around."

Reflection: In what ways can you become more aware of God's omnipresence in your daily life, trusting in His guidance and justice?


Day 4: Spiritual Vigilance and Awareness of God's Glory
The imagery of angels with eyes all around symbolizes their vigilance and constant awareness of God's glory. This serves as a reminder for believers to remain spiritually alert and focused on God's presence in their lives. The angels' ability to behold God's glory without ceasing is a call for Christians to cultivate a similar awareness, where their spiritual senses are attuned to God's movements and revelations. This vigilance requires intentionality, where believers actively seek to discern God's presence and work in their lives, allowing His glory to shape their thoughts, actions, and decisions. [12:55]

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV): "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Reflection: How can you practice spiritual vigilance today, ensuring that you remain aware of God's presence and glory in your life?


Day 5: The Protective and Intercessory Role of Guardian Angels
The concept of guardian angels, as mentioned by Jesus, suggests a protective and intercessory role of angels in our lives. It reassures us of God's care and the spiritual support available to us through His heavenly host. Jesus' words about children's angels always beholding the face of God highlight the intimate connection between the divine and human realms, where angels serve as messengers and protectors. This understanding invites believers to trust in God's provision and protection, knowing that they are not alone in their spiritual journey. It encourages a reliance on God's spiritual resources, fostering a deeper sense of security and peace. [22:42]

Matthew 18:10 (ESV): "See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to trust more in God's protective care and the support of His heavenly host?

Quotes

"In our first session -- in our first session we looked at the dimension of the angels' locale in heaven, and we took notice of Isaiah chapter six of the seraphim and their makeup as they sing in the immediate presence of God; and we get more information about these angelic beings later on in the New Testament." [00:00:18]

"Then John writes, 'Immediately I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne set in heaven; and one sat on the throne. He who sat there was like a jasper and a sardius stone in appearance. There was a rainbow around the throne in appearance like an emerald; and around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white robes, and they had crowns of gold on their head.'" [00:01:22]

"And the four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within, and they do not rest day or night saying, 'Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.' And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever and cast their crowns before the throne saying, 'You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power.'" [00:02:44]

"And again, we are privileged here to look into the interior chamber of heaven, where we see these angels, and elsewhere we're told of not just one or two or three angels attending the presence of God but myriads of angels -- thousands and tens of thousands of angels -- all participating in what we call the 'heavenly host.' And that word, 'host,' by the way, does not refer to somebody who is the MC at a banquet or who has welcomed you to their home for some sumptuous feast; but here the term 'host' is used as a synonym for the noun 'army.'" [00:03:50]

"What the angels here enjoy is that which is the highest hope of the Christian in our life -- in our future life -- and that is what we called the beatific vision; and they are given multitude of eyes to enjoy it. The beatific vision is so-called because it is the vision that results in the highest level of blessedness that any human creature could ever enjoy." [00:06:01]

"So the promise of the vision of God is given to those who are pure, and we are told that we must become holy and without holiness no one will see the presence of God. And finally, in John's epistle -- 1 John -- he talks about the astonishing love that God gives to us -- 'Behold what manner of love is this: that we should be called the children of God,' and he goes on to say, 'We are the children of God.'" [00:06:59]

"The force of that 'as He is' in Latin -- 'en se est' -- means 'in His unveiled being.' That's our greatest hope: that we're going to have what's called the vision of God, that we are going to see him. And again, people say, 'Well, how can we see him even in our resurrected bodies, how can we see Him, when He is by nature a spirit, and He's invisible?'" [00:08:21]

"Well, Jonathan Edwards gives a good answer to that question. In the first place, the big problem that hides the glory of God from our eyes is not a defect in our optic nerve. The defect is in the heart. It's sin that is the barrier between us and God, and as long as there is sin in our hearts -- as long as we're not pure in heart -- we're not going to see Him." [00:08:56]

"But again, in the imagery here of Scripture, the angels that are present enjoy the beatific vision, as they have eyes backward and forward. There's nowhere that they can turn where they lose sight of the glory of God. Almost like a pack of turkeys. Have you ever been in the woods, and you see a group of turkeys?" [00:11:13]

"Now, in the Scriptures, the primary theophany that we have of God is fire or some form of fire. The idea of a theophany is a visible manifestation of the invisible God. Theos means 'God,' and phaneo means 'to manifest itself,' or phaneros is 'a manifestation.' And so a theophany is a visible manifestation of the invisible God, and you normally see it in the pillar of fire or in smoke or the burning bush." [00:15:49]

"What he's seeing here in this whirling thing is the traveling throne, or judgment throne of God -- that God's throne is moving across the heavens, indicating His rule has no borders. It has no edge to it that it shuts out His reign. You remember also the grim image of the glory of God departing from Jerusalem where the same kind of a form comes up out of the gate, up over Jerusalem, and leaves." [00:16:57]

"Finally, that the angels have a heavenly domain and locale is also found in terms of Jesus' statement in Matthew when the children were coming to Him, and the disciples were bothered by them and thought they were pests, and Jesus said of the children, 'Don't you know that their angels do always behold the face of God,' which then raises the question that we may take up later." [00:21:53]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Feb 11, 2023. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?