Sermon Central
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Angelic Lessons About Life And Eternity Series
Contributed by Perry Fowler on Sep 13, 2023 (message contributor)
Summary: Do you believe in angels? 7 out of 10 Americans do. But what is their purpose? What do they teach us? Hebrews 1 is the most comprehensive discussion about angels in the Bible. They've got a lot to say.
Do you believe in angels? This question is repeated over and over in one of my favorite movies of all time: “Angels in the Outfield”
The word “angel” is used consistently in the Bible. They are consistently spoken of for example:
a) At creation they were present as Job said in Job 38: 4, 7 that at creation they “shouted for joy.”
b) Likewise, at the fall, angels were stationed to guard Adam and Eve away from the tree of life.
Then we see them active in the rescue of Hagar and Lot, Jacob experienced a stairway with angels ascending and descending, at the Passover there was an angel, when the Law angels were present (Deuteronomy 33:2) at the Birth of Jesus there were angels, at the stoning of Stephen there were angels. Angels are mentioned 108 times in the Old Testament and 177 times in the New Testament.
This book, Hebrews, that we are studying also tells us that they are present among us as we read: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this come have entertained angels without knowing it.“ Hebrews 13:2
In our world today there is a fascination with angels. One man in East Jordan, Michigan( Glen Forman) said was caught one on his home security camera and then moved out of frame. Then, there’s the question about the 9-11 memorial lights of 2016 (5 years after 9-11) that Richard McCormick snapped a picture that went global that many say was an angel. (Show pictures)
7 out of 10 people believe in angels according to the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affair Research. Interesting enough, 4 out of 10 that say they believe in angels say they believe even though they don’t go to church.
It’s understandable that people believe in angels because 89% of Americans believe in God. Yet, strangely enough only 58% of Americans believe in hell.
In Hebrews 1: 4-14 we have one of the most comprehensive discussions about angels in the Bible that not only communicates their ministry, but also compares angels to the Messiah; Jesus Christ. It places them in their proper perspective in relation to Christ.
Through this passage our curiosity is stirred, but also, our hearts are strengthened to know we have help when journeying through life with Jesus.
Transition: What do we learn from angels?
I. The Value of Our Salvation
vs. 14- “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out (dispatched) to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation.”
Explanation:
To begin our discussion of angels, let’s start at the end and work our way back to the beginning. In verse 14 we read God’s job description for angels. He says: “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out (dispatched) to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?”
Take note of what God tells us about the angels; they are “sent out” – or dispatched” to come to our need, to render service, to provide the assistance necessary.
The point is that God has provided angelic help as we fight the spiritual battle. You are not in life alone. Not only do we have the person of God with us, but we have the “staff” of God with us. God uses angels to help us fulfill His historical plan.
Hebrews 1 communicates how they serve (you and me) – the inheritors of salvation. In other words, we have an invisible army. Two-thirds of all the angels still work for God, while 1/3 jumped ship after they were persuaded to give up God and follow the devil.
We have an army sent out as needed, by God, to minister to those who have inherited salvation.
It is interesting to read Luke 15:16 because it shows how angels are passionate about our salvation.
If you don’t remember Luke 15 is all about “things that are lost.”
Jesus told three parables about “lost things”
a) He tells a story about a shepherd who lost his sheep. (vs. 4-7)
b) He tells a story about a widow who lost a coin. (vs. 8-10)
c) Then he tell story about a Father who lost his son; the Prodigal who left home. (vs. 11 &
following)
As a climax to this crescendo of stories, he concludes the message saying: “Likewise, I say to you there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents.”
Listen: The moment you were “born again” angels started focusing on you.
I Corinthians 4:9 says: “...for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and men.”
The word “spectacle” refers to an arena. We are watched from above. We are the center of the drama that is unfolding on earth. We are center stage.
