The Role and Nature of Angels in God's Plan

 

Summary

In our exploration of the doctrine of angels, we begin by acknowledging that angels are created beings, distinct from the eternal Godhead. They were brought into existence before the creation of the world and humanity. Angels, while spiritual, possess bodies suited to their spiritual nature, allowing them to appear in human form when necessary. They are not bound by human limitations such as death or marriage, and they exist in a realm superior to humans but inferior to the Godhead.

The Bible provides various names and designations for angels, such as spirits, thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. These terms highlight the hierarchical structure within the angelic realm, with some angels like Michael and Gabriel having specific roles and responsibilities. Angels are mighty in power, surpassing human strength and dignity, and they are divided into good and evil, with the good angels serving God's purposes.

The primary function of angels is to serve God and His people. They worship and adore God, always ready to execute His will. They are deeply interested in the salvation of humanity, marveling at the grace of God revealed through the church. Angels are present in our gatherings, observing and participating in the spiritual realm. They are instrumental in delivering God's messages, protecting, guiding, and comforting believers. They also play a role in executing God's judgments and will be active participants in the final judgment.

The presence of angels in our lives is a testament to God's care and provision. They minister to us, ensuring our safety and guiding us toward salvation. While the concept of a personal guardian angel is not explicitly supported, the collective ministry of angels is a source of comfort and assurance. As we reflect on the biblical teaching about angels, we are reminded of the vastness of God's love and the intricate ways He orchestrates our lives for His glory.

Key Takeaways:

- Angels are created beings, distinct from the eternal Godhead, existing before the creation of the world and humanity. They possess spiritual bodies, allowing them to appear in human form, and are not bound by human limitations such as death or marriage. [05:18]

- The Bible describes a hierarchical structure within the angelic realm, with specific roles for angels like Michael and Gabriel. These mighty beings surpass human strength and dignity, serving God's purposes and highlighting the order and organization in God's creation. [19:57]

- Angels are deeply interested in the salvation of humanity, marveling at the grace of God revealed through the church. Their presence in our gatherings signifies their participation in the spiritual realm, observing and supporting the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. [28:06]

- The primary function of angels is to serve God and His people, executing His will, delivering messages, protecting, guiding, and comforting believers. They are instrumental in revealing God's purposes and ensuring the safety and guidance of His people. [31:09]

- While the concept of a personal guardian angel is not explicitly supported, the collective ministry of angels is a source of comfort and assurance. Their presence in our lives is a testament to God's care and provision, orchestrating our lives for His glory. [41:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Biblical Doctrines
- [00:41] - The Doctrine of the Holy Trinity
- [01:30] - God's First Action: Creation of Angels
- [02:58] - Neglect of the Doctrine of Angels
- [05:18] - Nature and Characteristics of Angels
- [09:01] - Angels and Gender
- [11:27] - Status and Hierarchy of Angels
- [12:37] - Names and Designations of Angels
- [18:33] - The Number and Orders of Angels
- [23:54] - Good and Evil Angels
- [25:48] - The Work and Function of Angels
- [31:09] - Angels as Instruments of God's Will
- [34:24] - Angels in Salvation and Protection
- [39:02] - Angels at the End of Life
- [41:33] - Angels in Judgment and Final Events
- [45:27] - Conclusion and Reflection on Angelic Ministry

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Doctrine of Angels

#### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 1:14 - "Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?"
2. Colossians 1:16 - "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."
3. Matthew 22:30 - "For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven."

#### Observation Questions
1. What are some of the roles and responsibilities of angels as described in the sermon? ([31:09])
2. How does the sermon describe the nature and characteristics of angels, particularly in relation to humans and God? ([05:18])
3. What are the different names and designations given to angels in the Bible, and what do they signify? ([12:37])
4. According to the sermon, how do angels participate in God's plan for salvation? ([28:06])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the hierarchical structure of angels reflect the order and organization in God's creation? ([19:57])
2. In what ways do angels demonstrate their interest in the salvation of humanity, and why is this significant? ([28:06])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the presence of angels in our gatherings and their role in the spiritual realm? ([30:35])
4. How does the concept of angels as ministering spirits provide comfort and assurance to believers? ([34:09])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt protected or guided in a way that might have been influenced by angels. How does this change your perspective on God's care for you? ([34:24])
2. The sermon mentions that angels are deeply interested in our salvation. How can this knowledge impact your daily walk with God and your interactions with others? ([28:06])
3. Considering the role of angels in executing God's will, how can you be more attentive to God's guidance in your life? ([31:09])
4. How does understanding the nature and function of angels enhance your appreciation of God's love and provision? ([41:05])
5. The sermon suggests that while we may not have personal guardian angels, the collective ministry of angels is significant. How can this understanding influence your prayer life and trust in God's protection? ([41:05])
6. In what ways can you be more aware of the spiritual realm and the presence of angels in your daily life? ([30:35])
7. How can the knowledge of angels' roles in the final judgment motivate you to live a life that honors God? ([42:38])

Devotional

Day 1: Angels as Created Beings
Angels are distinct from the eternal Godhead, created before the world and humanity. They possess spiritual bodies, allowing them to appear in human form when necessary. Unlike humans, angels are not bound by limitations such as death or marriage, existing in a realm superior to humans but inferior to God. This understanding of angels as created beings highlights the order and purpose within God's creation, reminding us of the vastness of His design and the unique roles assigned to each part of His creation. [05:18]

Job 38:4-7 (ESV): "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements—surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it? On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy?"

Reflection: Consider the ways in which you recognize the order and purpose in God's creation. How does acknowledging the distinct roles of angels enhance your understanding of God's sovereignty and creativity?


Day 2: Hierarchical Structure of Angels
The Bible describes a hierarchical structure within the angelic realm, with specific roles for angels like Michael and Gabriel. These mighty beings surpass human strength and dignity, serving God's purposes and highlighting the order and organization in God's creation. This hierarchy reflects the divine order and the intentional design of God, where each angel has a specific role and responsibility, contributing to the fulfillment of God's will. [19:57]

Colossians 1:16 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him."

Reflection: Reflect on the concept of hierarchy and order in your own life. How can you align your roles and responsibilities with God's purposes, recognizing the divine order in your daily activities?


Day 3: Angels and the Salvation of Humanity
Angels are deeply interested in the salvation of humanity, marveling at the grace of God revealed through the church. Their presence in our gatherings signifies their participation in the spiritual realm, observing and supporting the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. This interest and involvement of angels in human salvation underscore the significance of God's grace and the interconnectedness of the spiritual and physical realms. [28:06]

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: How does knowing that angels are interested in your salvation impact your view of God's grace? In what ways can you actively participate in God's redemptive plan today?


Day 4: Angels as Instruments of God's Will
The primary function of angels is to serve God and His people, executing His will, delivering messages, protecting, guiding, and comforting believers. They are instrumental in revealing God's purposes and ensuring the safety and guidance of His people. This role of angels as instruments of God's will highlights their active participation in the divine plan and their commitment to serving God's purposes. [31:09]

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: In what ways do you see God's guidance and protection in your life? How can you be more attentive to the ways God might be using His angels to minister to you?


Day 5: Collective Ministry of Angels
While the concept of a personal guardian angel is not explicitly supported, the collective ministry of angels is a source of comfort and assurance. Their presence in our lives is a testament to God's care and provision, orchestrating our lives for His glory. This collective ministry emphasizes the communal aspect of angelic work and the assurance that God provides through His heavenly hosts. [41:05]

Psalm 91:11-12 (ESV): "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone."

Reflection: How does the understanding of the collective ministry of angels provide comfort in your life? In what ways can you trust in God's provision and care through His angels today?

Quotes


The first thing we have to notice about the Angels is that they are created beings, and that is why we put them in this particular place and in this order. You noticed how that first chapter of the epistle to the Hebrews draws a distinction between the Son of God and the angels. [00:05:18]

The Angels while they are Spiritual Beings are nevertheless created beings. They have not existed from eternity as God the Father God the son and God the Holy Spirit have existed. Indeed, Paul in the first chapter of the epistle to the Colossians in the 16th verse very definitely teaches that they were created by the son. [00:05:48]

The Bible describes a hierarchical structure within the angelic realm, with specific roles for angels like Michael and Gabriel. These mighty beings surpass human strength and dignity, serving God's purposes and highlighting the order and organization in God's creation. [00:19:57]

Angels are deeply interested in the salvation of humanity, marveling at the grace of God revealed through the church. Their presence in our gatherings signifies their participation in the spiritual realm, observing and supporting the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. [00:28:06]

The primary function of angels is to serve God and His people, executing His will, delivering messages, protecting, guiding, and comforting believers. They are instrumental in revealing God's purposes and ensuring the safety and guidance of His people. [00:31:09]

While the concept of a personal guardian angel is not explicitly supported, the collective ministry of angels is a source of comfort and assurance. Their presence in our lives is a testament to God's care and provision, orchestrating our lives for His glory. [00:41:05]

The angels are used by God with respect to us and our Salvation from the very beginning right onto the end. To start with, they help to prepare us. Do you remember the conversion of Cornelius as it is recorded in the 10th chapter of the book of The Acts of the Apostles? [00:34:24]

The angels are used in protecting us. You remember the 91st Psalm verses 10 to 12: "There shall no evil before thee, neither shall any plague come thy dwelling, for he shall give his angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways." [00:39:02]

The angels are also used by God to give us Deliverance. You remember in the 12th chapter of Acts we read of Peter being arrested and thrown into prison. And you remember what happened to him: "And behold, an angel of the Lord came upon him." [00:41:33]

The angels are going to do that. Listen again to Matthew 13:49, the parable of the Dragnet: "So shall it be at the end of the world, the angel shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the good among the just." [00:45:27]

The angels are ministering spirits of God appointed and used and sent to minister to us, the heirs of Salvation. Whether you and I realize it or not, the angels are doing this for us. It may be that we'll go through this life without ever seeing an angel in any form. [00:49:33]

The angels are caring for us, they're watching over us, they're protecting us and shielding us. They often Deliver us. They are used of God to help us in this way. Shall I, as I close, tell you something which I've hesitated to tell you? [00:51:05]

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Transcript
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