Seeing Beyond: Embracing Angels and Spiritual Awareness
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the fascinating topic of angels and their role in redirecting our attention to God. Angels are not just relics of the past; they are present throughout the Bible, from the Garden of Eden to the resurrection of Jesus, and even in the lives of the apostles. They serve to do God's will and often appear to guide us back to Him. This idea challenges our modern skepticism about the supernatural, as C.S. Lewis calls it, "chronological snobbery." If we believe in an invisible God, why not also believe in angels and other spiritual beings?
We then explored a story from 2 Kings 6, where the king of Syria is warring against Israel. Elisha, the prophet, discerns the enemy's plans and warns the king of Israel, thwarting the Syrian attacks multiple times. The king of Syria, suspecting a traitor, learns that Elisha is the one revealing his plans. He sends an army to capture Elisha, who is in Dothan. Elisha's servant wakes up to find the city surrounded by the Syrian army and is understandably terrified. Elisha, however, remains calm and prays for God to open his servant's eyes. The servant then sees a heavenly army of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them, which calms his fears.
This story illustrates the difference between seeing with physical eyes and seeing with spiritual eyes. Elisha's calmness in the face of danger comes from his awareness of God's presence and power. He prays for his servant to see this reality, transforming his fear into faith. This leads us to the importance of prayer as a steering wheel in our lives, not just a spare tire we use in emergencies. Elisha's life exemplifies this; he prays for his servant's eyes to be opened, for the Syrian army to be struck with blindness, and later for their sight to be restored. His prayers are simple yet powerful, showing his deep trust in God.
We then discussed the practice of the Examen, a spiritual exercise developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola. This practice involves four steps: giving thanks, asking for grace, reviewing your day, and discerning God's presence. The goal is to become more aware of God's presence and power in our daily lives, transforming our worries into wonder and worship. This practice helps us to see God's hand in our everyday activities and to turn our prayers from reactive to proactive.
Finally, we reflected on the communal aspect of the Examen. While individual practice is valuable, sharing our experiences with others can deepen our understanding and awareness of God's presence. Whether it's with family at the dinner table or with friends over coffee, discussing how we see God at work in our lives can be incredibly enriching.
As we transition to worship, let's take a moment to reflect on what's happening inside us and where we sense God's presence. Let's turn our worries into worship, knowing that God is with us, guiding us through every moment.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Reality of Angels and the Supernatural: Believing in an invisible God logically extends to believing in angels and other spiritual beings. This challenges our modern skepticism and invites us to be open to the supernatural. Angels serve to redirect our focus back to God, reminding us of His constant presence and power. [22:52]
2. Seeing with Spiritual Eyes: The story of Elisha and his servant in 2 Kings 6 teaches us the importance of seeing beyond our physical circumstances. Elisha's calmness in the face of danger comes from his awareness of God's heavenly army. This spiritual vision transforms fear into faith, showing us that God's presence is always greater than our challenges. [29:19]
3. Prayer as a Steering Wheel: Prayer should be the steering wheel of our lives, guiding us through every situation, rather than a spare tire we use only in emergencies. Elisha's life exemplifies this proactive approach to prayer, where he constantly seeks God's guidance and intervention. This mindset helps us navigate life with confidence and peace. [36:52]
4. The Practice of the Examen: The Examen is a powerful tool for becoming more aware of God's presence in our daily lives. By giving thanks, asking for grace, reviewing our day, and discerning God's presence, we can transform our worries into wonder and worship. This practice helps us to see God's hand in our everyday activities and to turn our prayers from reactive to proactive. [45:44]
5. The Communal Aspect of Spiritual Practices: Sharing our spiritual experiences with others can deepen our understanding and awareness of God's presence. Whether it's with family at the dinner table or with friends over coffee, discussing how we see God at work in our lives can be incredibly enriching. This communal aspect of the Examen can help us grow in our faith and support each other in our spiritual journeys. [58:18]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[18:53] - The Role of Angels in the Bible
[22:52] - Modern Skepticism and the Supernatural
[24:24] - Elisha and the Syrian Army
[29:19] - Seeing with Spiritual Eyes
[36:52] - Prayer as a Steering Wheel
[45:44] - The Practice of the Examen
[54:26] - Reviewing Your Day with God
[58:18] - Communal vs. Individual Examen
[01:00:05] - The Power of Prayer and Presence
[01:02:16] - Transition to Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 6:8-23
2. Hebrews 13:2
3. Revelation 5:12
#### Observation Questions
1. In 2 Kings 6:8-23, how does Elisha's servant initially react when he sees the Syrian army surrounding the city? What changes his perspective? ([29:19])
2. According to Hebrews 13:2, what should we be mindful of when interacting with strangers?
3. In Revelation 5:12, what are the angels doing in John's vision of heaven?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Elisha's calmness in the face of danger reveal about his spiritual vision and trust in God? How does this contrast with his servant's initial reaction? ([29:19])
2. How does the story of Elisha and the Syrian army challenge our modern skepticism about the supernatural, as discussed in the sermon? ([22:52])
3. What is the significance of the Examen practice in helping us become more aware of God's presence in our daily lives? How does this practice transform our worries into worship? ([45:44])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by a situation. How might seeing with "spiritual eyes" have changed your perspective? What steps can you take to develop this kind of spiritual vision in your daily life? ([29:19])
2. How can you make prayer the "steering wheel" of your life rather than a "spare tire"? What practical changes can you implement to ensure prayer guides your daily decisions and actions? ([36:52])
3. Have you ever experienced a moment where someone redirected your attention back to God, similar to the woman in the bakery story? How did that impact you, and how can you be that person for someone else? ([20:51])
4. The Examen practice involves giving thanks, asking for grace, reviewing your day, and discerning God's presence. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily routine? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them? ([45:44])
5. Discuss the communal aspect of the Examen. How can sharing your spiritual experiences with others deepen your understanding and awareness of God's presence? Can you think of a specific person or group with whom you can start this practice? ([58:18])
6. Think about a recent situation where you felt anxious or fearful. How might recognizing God's presence and power have changed your response? What specific prayer can you say in similar future situations to remind yourself of God's presence? ([34:55])
7. How can you cultivate a sense of wonder and worship in your daily life, especially during challenging times? What specific actions or practices can help you turn your worries into worship? ([01:02:16])
Devotional
Day 1: The Reality of Angels and the Supernatural
Angels are not just ancient myths; they are active participants in God's plan, guiding us back to Him. Throughout the Bible, angels appear in pivotal moments, from the Garden of Eden to the resurrection of Jesus, and even in the lives of the apostles. They serve as messengers and protectors, doing God's will and reminding us of His constant presence and power. This challenges our modern skepticism about the supernatural, as C.S. Lewis calls it, "chronological snobbery." If we believe in an invisible God, it logically extends to believing in angels and other spiritual beings. Embracing this belief invites us to be open to the supernatural and to recognize the ways God might be working in our lives through these spiritual beings.
[22:52]
Hebrews 1:14 (ESV): "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?"
Reflection: Think about a time when you felt an inexplicable sense of peace or protection. Could it have been an angelic presence? How does believing in angels change your perspective on God's involvement in your daily life?
Day 2: Seeing with Spiritual Eyes
The story of Elisha and his servant in 2 Kings 6 teaches us the importance of seeing beyond our physical circumstances. When the Syrian army surrounded the city, Elisha's servant was terrified. However, Elisha remained calm because he was aware of God's heavenly army protecting them. He prayed for his servant's eyes to be opened, and the servant saw a heavenly army of horses and chariots of fire surrounding them. This spiritual vision transformed his fear into faith. Elisha's calmness in the face of danger came from his awareness of God's presence and power. This story encourages us to pray for spiritual vision, to see God's hand at work in our lives, and to trust that His presence is always greater than our challenges.
[29:19]
2 Kings 6:17 (ESV): "Then Elisha prayed and said, 'O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.' So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to see with spiritual eyes? Ask God to open your eyes to His presence and power in those situations.
Day 3: Prayer as a Steering Wheel
Prayer should be the steering wheel of our lives, guiding us through every situation, rather than a spare tire we use only in emergencies. Elisha's life exemplifies this proactive approach to prayer. He constantly sought God's guidance and intervention, whether it was praying for his servant's eyes to be opened, for the Syrian army to be struck with blindness, or for their sight to be restored. His prayers were simple yet powerful, showing his deep trust in God. This mindset helps us navigate life with confidence and peace, knowing that we are continually seeking God's direction and relying on His strength.
[36:52]
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 (ESV): "Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
Reflection: How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine? Identify one specific time each day to pause and seek God's guidance.
Day 4: The Practice of the Examen
The Examen is a powerful tool for becoming more aware of God's presence in our daily lives. Developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola, this spiritual exercise involves four steps: giving thanks, asking for grace, reviewing your day, and discerning God's presence. By practicing the Examen, we can transform our worries into wonder and worship. This practice helps us to see God's hand in our everyday activities and to turn our prayers from reactive to proactive. It encourages us to reflect on our day with gratitude, seek God's guidance, and become more attuned to His presence and work in our lives.
[45:44]
Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV): "Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!"
Reflection: Set aside time today to practice the Examen. Reflect on your day, give thanks, ask for grace, and discern where you saw God's presence. How does this practice change your perspective on your daily activities?
Day 5: The Communal Aspect of Spiritual Practices
Sharing our spiritual experiences with others can deepen our understanding and awareness of God's presence. Whether it's with family at the dinner table or with friends over coffee, discussing how we see God at work in our lives can be incredibly enriching. This communal aspect of the Examen can help us grow in our faith and support each other in our spiritual journeys. By sharing our reflections and listening to others, we can gain new insights, encourage one another, and build a stronger sense of community centered around God's presence and work in our lives.
[58:18]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: Who can you share your spiritual reflections with this week? Plan a time to discuss how you see God at work in your lives and encourage each other in your faith journeys.
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If we grant the reality of an invisible world, the supernatural reality just beyond ours, why would we put limits on what's out there? It's kind of an interesting question, right? If we already believe in an unseen God, why not angels? Or if God can take on human flesh and become a man, why couldn't an angel do something similar, and why can he be the God of the universe?" [23:41]
2. "Have you ever sat down and just, like, read through the Bible or... But specifically with a particular theme in mind. Angels. Have you ever, like, read through the Bible thinking or just flipped through it and been like, Man, angels actually happen a lot in the Bible. They're not like this one-off, right? They're in the Garden of Eden, so the very beginning. They visit Abraham, Moses, many of the prophets. They're present with Jesus at his birth and his resurrection. They appear to Paul, Peter, John, Mary, and Zechariah. Right? They're all over the place." [18:53]
3. "When you think about prayer in your life, think about your prayer yesterday. If you prayed, when was it? If you didn't pray, when was it? Why not? Often we don't pray because the anxiety of doing all the things we have in life dominates. We become so focused on our circumstances that we forget about God who changes circumstances and our heart." [42:09]
4. "I was training for a very long run one spring. And I happened to have this knee injury that was kind of nagging. I showed up after a run. My knee was bothering me. I had it all, like, wrapped up. And I was going to the bakery for a sweet little treat, you know, a little reward. And the couple ahead of me was, like, I mean, I'm not the most patient. But these people were, like, objectively glacial. Like, I swear, they were asking about every single pastry. They were then chatting with each other about every pastry. Like, literally, I'm not, like, all that apt. I really wanted to say to the cashier, can I please cut these people? I didn't. In part because halfway through my fuming and irritation and just literally, like, I was like, I'm not the most patient. It was a literal stupefaction that someone could be this slow in line. The woman who is in the couple turns to me and says, what did God say about it after asking me about my knee? Like, I'm trying to get a pastry here. She's going all deep. Well, I might have brushed her off, except for that earlier that morning, I actually did feel like God told me not to go running that day." [19:50]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The difference between terror and calm is the ability to discern the presence and power of God through often his messengers, right? Elisha is calm because he sees the angels, and it's only when the servant sees the power and presence of God through his messengers that his worry becomes wonder. His worry becomes worship." [34:55]
2. "Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? Just think about it, just in everyday life, right? Like, steering wheel, every time I drive, I grab it. The steering wheel is how I navigate through my car in life. The spare tire on Good Friday this year, I was pulling my car in, I don't know how I did it, but I popped my back tire on the curb, and pretty annoying. And I was like, oh, do I have a spare tire? Oh, where is it? You know? Oh, it's in the trunk. Oh, it's in the trunk. Okay. They're like, is it flat? Who thinks about their spare tire until they already have a flat?" [36:52]
3. "Give thanks. Now, the reason I think this is so important is we need to affirm at the outset of prayer, and particularly this kind of prayer, that God's primary posture towards us is love through his son, Jesus. There's two parts of this. One is giving thanks for God's character, right? Anchoring ourself in the grace and mercy and kindness of God. And then two, it's an affirmation of our identity as beloved children of the Father. God, I thank you as I start this prayer for your kindness to me. I thank you that standing in your presence, I am beloved in your eyes." [47:10]
4. "How often in life do we first approach God saying, God, change this, versus God, help me to see who you are and how you're moving in this moment. But Elisha isn't done, right? He knows the Syrian army is going to approach any moment. Like, awesome, the servant now sees. Yes. You know, that's in the win box. Love it. But now what?" [34:55]
5. "When was the last time you actually thought about, I wonder if there might be an angel in the room. I wonder if that person in the bakery actually is a messenger from heaven. There's a certain curiosity and playfulness that maybe there's this whole, whole invisible realm that we ignore, and often at our disadvantage. Because what you see in this servant is once he's aware of that, his fear goes away. How much of our fear, anxiety, worry is actually a result of our lack of awareness of the presence and power of God in our actual everyday life." [44:04]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?