Embracing the Angelic Life: A Journey of Transformation

 

Summary

In contemplating the resurrection and the angelic life, we are reminded of the transformative journey that awaits each of us. Our earthly existence is but a precursor to a more profound reality, where we must choose between descending into darkness or ascending into the light of God's presence. This choice is pivotal, as it determines whether we will be molded into the likeness of the devil or transformed into the image of heavenly beings. Through repentance and faith, we are invited into a fellowship that leads us from glory to glory, ultimately becoming like the angels in heaven.

The angelic life is characterized by several distinct qualities. Firstly, both angels and saints are creatures of God, and neither should be worshipped, as idolatry is a grave sin. In heaven, the distinctions of gender are obliterated, and we become one in Christ, reflecting the immortality and eternal youth of the angels. Our bodies will be free from decay, and our spirits will be purified, allowing us to serve God with unblemished devotion.

Secondly, the character of the glorified saints mirrors that of the angels. In heaven, the will of God is performed perfectly and joyfully, free from the internal struggles and temptations that plague us on earth. This purity and alignment with God's will is a source of profound joy and fulfillment.

Thirdly, the occupation of the saints in heaven is akin to that of the angels. Worship, adoration, and the study of God's ways are their perpetual activities. The mysteries of God, which are beyond our comprehension now, will be revealed to us, allowing us to grow in knowledge and understanding.

Moreover, the happiness of the saints is complete, as they possess divine approval, security, and suitable engagements. Their service is rest, and their rest is bliss, as they dwell in the presence of God, free from earthly cares and desires.

Finally, we are called to begin living the angelic life here on earth. By emulating the angels in our devotion, service, and praise, we can experience a foretaste of the heavenly life. This journey begins at the cross of Christ, where we find forgiveness and transformation, leading us to our eternal home in the presence of God.

Key Takeaways:

1. Transformation and Choice: Our earthly life is a journey towards transformation, where we must choose between descending into darkness or ascending into the light of God's presence. This choice determines our eternal destiny, urging us to seek repentance and faith to be molded into the likeness of heavenly beings. [01:08]

2. Purity and Alignment with God's Will: In heaven, the saints perform God's will perfectly and joyfully, free from the internal struggles and temptations that plague us on earth. This purity and alignment with God's will is a source of profound joy and fulfillment, offering a glimpse of the heavenly life we are called to pursue. [14:39]

3. Worship and Knowledge: The occupation of the saints in heaven mirrors that of the angels, centered around worship, adoration, and the study of God's ways. The mysteries of God, which are beyond our comprehension now, will be revealed to us, allowing us to grow in knowledge and understanding. [21:02]

4. Heavenly Happiness: The happiness of the saints is complete, as they possess divine approval, security, and suitable engagements. Their service is rest, and their rest is bliss, as they dwell in the presence of God, free from earthly cares and desires. [31:56]

5. Living the Angelic Life on Earth: We are called to begin living the angelic life here on earth by emulating the angels in our devotion, service, and praise. This journey begins at the cross of Christ, where we find forgiveness and transformation, leading us to our eternal home in the presence of God. [42:08]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to the Angelic Life
- [00:33] - The Choice of Transformation
- [01:08] - Repentance and Faith
- [02:14] - Saints and Angels: A Comparison
- [03:00] - Worship and Idolatry
- [04:45] - Immortality and Eternal Youth
- [06:37] - The Perpetual Struggle of Life
- [07:42] - Resurrection and Maturity
- [09:03] - Beauty and Glory of the Saints
- [10:19] - Strength and Service
- [12:24] - Perfect Obedience and Joy
- [16:35] - Worship and Song in Heaven
- [19:55] - Study and Knowledge of God's Ways
- [22:06] - Beholding the Face of God
- [24:02] - Joy and Service in Heaven
- [29:36] - Heavenly Spirit and Happiness
- [33:20] - Angelic Life on Earth
- [35:03] - Declaring God's Word
- [37:36] - Ministering Comfort and Hope
- [40:58] - Praise and Worship as Angels

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 22:30 - "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."
2. 1 Corinthians 15:42-44 - "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body."
3. Revelation 21:4 - "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 22:30, how are the resurrected compared to angels in heaven? What does this imply about earthly relationships? [00:13]
2. In the sermon, what are the two paths of transformation mentioned, and what are their eternal outcomes? [01:08]
3. How does the sermon describe the nature of worship and service in heaven? What activities are highlighted? [16:35]
4. What does the sermon say about the physical and spiritual state of the saints in heaven? How does this compare to their earthly state? [07:42]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the obliteration of gender distinctions in heaven, as mentioned in Matthew 22:30, suggest about our identity in Christ? How might this affect our understanding of earthly relationships? [04:45]
2. How does the sermon’s depiction of the angelic life challenge our current understanding of joy and fulfillment? What does it mean to perform God's will perfectly and joyfully? [12:24]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that our earthly life is a preparation for the angelic life? How can this perspective influence our daily choices and actions? [33:20]
4. How does the concept of heavenly happiness, as described in the sermon, redefine our understanding of rest and service? [31:56]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the choice between descending into darkness or ascending into the light of God's presence. What practical steps can you take this week to align more closely with God's light? [01:08]
2. Consider the idea of living the angelic life on earth. What specific actions can you take to emulate the devotion, service, and praise of angels in your daily life? [42:08]
3. The sermon mentions the joy of perfect obedience to God's will. Identify an area in your life where you struggle with obedience. What changes can you make to align more closely with God's will? [12:24]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of worship and adoration into your daily routine, similar to the saints and angels in heaven? What might this look like practically? [16:35]
5. The sermon speaks of the happiness of the saints being complete in heaven. What earthly desires or cares can you release to experience a foretaste of this heavenly happiness? [31:56]
6. Reflect on the transformative journey mentioned in the sermon. How can you actively seek repentance and faith to be molded into the likeness of heavenly beings? [01:08]
7. How can you use your current knowledge and understanding of God's ways to grow spiritually, as the saints do in heaven? What resources or practices can aid in this growth? [21:02]

Devotional

Day 1: The Choice of Transformation
Our earthly life is a journey towards transformation, where we must choose between descending into darkness or ascending into the light of God's presence. This choice is pivotal, as it determines whether we will be molded into the likeness of the devil or transformed into the image of heavenly beings. Through repentance and faith, we are invited into a fellowship that leads us from glory to glory, ultimately becoming like the angels in heaven. This transformative journey is not just about the afterlife but begins here and now, as we decide daily to align ourselves with God's will and purpose. [01:08]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you feel called to choose light over darkness today? How can you take a step towards transformation in that area?


Day 2: Purity and Alignment with God's Will
In heaven, the saints perform God's will perfectly and joyfully, free from the internal struggles and temptations that plague us on earth. This purity and alignment with God's will is a source of profound joy and fulfillment, offering a glimpse of the heavenly life we are called to pursue. On earth, we are invited to strive for this alignment, seeking to live in a way that reflects God's perfect will. This involves a conscious effort to overcome our struggles and temptations, relying on God's strength and guidance to lead us towards a life of purity and joy. [14:39]

Colossians 1:9-10 (ESV): "And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

Reflection: Identify a temptation or struggle you face regularly. How can you seek God's help to align your actions with His will in this area today?


Day 3: Worship and Knowledge
The occupation of the saints in heaven mirrors that of the angels, centered around worship, adoration, and the study of God's ways. The mysteries of God, which are beyond our comprehension now, will be revealed to us, allowing us to grow in knowledge and understanding. On earth, we are called to engage in worship and seek knowledge of God, preparing our hearts and minds for the deeper revelations that await us in eternity. This pursuit of worship and knowledge is a lifelong journey, inviting us to continually seek a deeper relationship with God. [21:02]

Proverbs 2:3-5 (ESV): "Yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God."

Reflection: What is one way you can deepen your worship or study of God's word this week? How can this practice help you grow in your understanding of God's mysteries?


Day 4: Heavenly Happiness
The happiness of the saints is complete, as they possess divine approval, security, and suitable engagements. Their service is rest, and their rest is bliss, as they dwell in the presence of God, free from earthly cares and desires. This heavenly happiness is a state of being that we can begin to experience on earth by finding contentment and joy in God's presence. It involves trusting in God's approval and security, allowing us to rest in His love and engage in service that brings fulfillment and peace. [31:56]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: Reflect on a moment when you felt God's presence and joy. How can you cultivate a sense of heavenly happiness in your daily life, even amidst challenges?


Day 5: Living the Angelic Life on Earth
We are called to begin living the angelic life here on earth by emulating the angels in our devotion, service, and praise. This journey begins at the cross of Christ, where we find forgiveness and transformation, leading us to our eternal home in the presence of God. By living with a heart of devotion and service, we can experience a foretaste of the heavenly life, bringing God's kingdom to earth through our actions and attitudes. This call to live the angelic life is an invitation to embody the values of heaven in our everyday lives. [42:08]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Reflection: Consider one way you can emulate the angelic life in your daily routine. How can you incorporate more devotion, service, or praise into your life starting today?

Quotes


We must all of us develop one way or the other manhood as we see it here is but the green blade or at the best the corn in the ear the full corn in the a will only be seen in the world to come we must either descend or Ascend none of us can remain in the position which he occupies today. [00:00:21]

He who by repentance and faith is brought into the Fellowship of the gospel receiveth Grace upon Grace he advances from glory to glory in a more perfect resemblance to Heavenly beings and at the last angels having rejoiced over his repentance angels to whom he had become like carry his soul into the bosom of God. [00:01:19]

The saints of God are likee unto the angel angels as to the qualities of their persons in one matter they always were alike namely that both angels and Saints are creatures of God and must by no means be looked upon in any higher light a false church is commanded its voies to pay religious homage to Angels. [00:02:56]

The angels are no more to be adored than saintly men and neither the one nor the other can be worshiped without incurring the sin of idolatry take two parallel cases when John seeing an angel taking him for his Lord bowed down to worship Him the answer was see thou do it not for I am of thy fellow servants the prophets worship God. [00:03:31]

In heaven B babes will be no longer babes he who was a babe here shall be fully developed there neither shall there be in heaven the weary old man tottering on his staff he shall not carry there his failing eye and trembling knee he shall be in the glory of his purified manhood and feel no Decay. [00:07:57]

The disembodied Saints are fair in the eyes of Jesus even as they are and when their spiritual bodies shall rise all radiant with the glory of the celestial then shall their comeliness be seen of all it is sown in dishonor says the Apostle it is raised in glory whatever of Dishonor there might have been in the uncomely features. [00:09:00]

The occupation of the saints in heaven mirrors that of the angels, centered around worship, adoration, and the study of God's ways. The mysteries of God, which are beyond our comprehension now, will be revealed to us, allowing us to grow in knowledge and understanding. [00:19:55]

The happiness of the saints is complete, as they possess divine approval, security, and suitable engagements. Their service is rest, and their rest is bliss, as they dwell in the presence of God, free from earthly cares and desires. [00:31:56]

We are called to begin living the angelic life here on earth by emulating the angels in our devotion, service, and praise. This journey begins at the cross of Christ, where we find forgiveness and transformation, leading us to our eternal home in the presence of God. [00:42:08]

The angels of heaven gaze upon the face of God this is a scriptural expression not mine for our Lord says that in heaven their Angels do always behold the face place of your father who is in heaven and what must that be Brethren you are not to give a carnal meaning to these words. [00:22:06]

The Bliss of angels and the glorified is complete they possess always the Divine approval this is a fountain of joy they know that they have complete Security this is another Wellspring of peace and they have suitable engagements with which to occupy their existence and this is a Wellhead of Happiness they have unbroken rest yay. [00:31:56]

We shall be like the angels in heavenliness here we come to the vital meaning of the text they are not married or given in marriage they have other things to think of and they have other cares and other enjoyments they m not Earthly things but are of a Heavenly spirit so is it with the blessed Before the Throne. [00:29:36]

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Transcript
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