I. Introduction
A. Mystery of Angels
1. Angels are like a mystery to us.
2. We often think of them as human-like beings with wings, a glow about them, and a halo for good measure.
3. There is more in the Bible about angels than we might first think.
B. What are Angels?
1. Definition
a. The Hebrew term is מַלְאָךְ. It can mean angel, messenger, or ambassador.
b. The Greek term is ἄγγελος. It can refer to either a heavenly messenger OR a human one.
2. We often assign the description of angels to beings like cherubim or seraphim, and that may be the case, but we are never specifically told that these creatures are angels.
3. Our concept of angels is based on Scripture, but we don’t appreciate the full picture sometimes.
a. It appears that there are ranks/divisions among the angels (archangel Michael is distinguished from other angels).
b. The concept has developed over time that each person has a guardian angel. While we don’t necessarily see that idea in Scripture, we are told that they are ministering spirits to the saints.. (Hebrews 1:14).
4. We’ve examined Hebrews 1 and learned that Jesus is better than the angels, but that doesn’t mean the angels serve no purpose.
5. In fact, angels are fascinating servants of the Lord who play an important part in the redemption of man.
6. If God has worked through them, they are important to Him, and there are lessons we can learn from them.
II. Lessons from God’s Messengers
A. to God’s Authority
1. The scene in Isaiah depicts a host of beings that show us the of submitting to God.
2. Their natural position before God is one of humility.
a. Revelation 19:10 When John bowed down before the angel, the angel tells him only God is worthy of worship.
b. Jude 1:9 The archangel Michael does not use his own authority to condemn the devil
3. We also learn from the angels what happens when one is not willing to .
a. Hebrews 2:16 He does not offer help to the angels
b. Jude 1:6 When angels did not keep their proper place, He placed them in “eternal chains.”
4. We would do well to learn from angels that submission to God is a beautiful thing.
B. to God
1. Angels teach us the importance of serving as and ministers of the Lord.
a. Hebrews 1:14
b. Notice that these ministering spirits only serve those who are to inherit salvation (Christians).
2. Times When Angels Ministered
a. Countless times they deliver a message from God or explain a message from God (Genesis 18-19; Daniel 9:20-23; Luke 1:26-38; John 20:12).
b. After the temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:11).
c. When Jesus is alone in the Garden of Gethsemane, God sends an angel to comfort Him (Luke 22:43).
d. Aided Peter in escaping from prison (Acts 5:19).
e. In Hebrews 13:2, the writer reminds us to show hospitality because some have entertained angels without realizing it (most likely a reference to Abraham’s encounter in Genesis 18, though the text is not limited to that).
3. We are called to be for the Lord. Simply put, that means we are to serve one another.
C. in Worship
1. In Revelation 19:10, the angel tells John to “…Worship God…”
2. We can learn to praise God with and as the angels do.
3. These heavenly beings celebrate in the presence of God because God is worthy of their praise.
a. Luke 2:13-14
b. Luke 15:7,10
4. I doubt that the angels offer God muted worship; it is bold and without reservation.
5. Like the angels, we should desire to worship God in all His might and .
III. Conclusion
A. Not so Mysterious
1. Although there is still much that we do not know or understand about angels, we can learn from their example.
2. Their submission to God, service to Him, and the way they celebrate in worship can encourage us in each of those areas as we seek to glorify God above all in our lives.
B. Invitation
- Our lesson tonight emphasized the humility and submission of angels before God (Isaiah 6; Revelation 19:10; Jude 1:9). In what specific areas of your life do you find submission to God most challenging, and what can the angels’ example teach you about trusting God’s authority even when you do not fully understand His purposes?
- Angels are described as “ministering spirits sent out to serve” those who inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). How does this understanding of angelic service shape your view of Christian service? Identify one practical way you can intentionally serve others this week as part of your role as a minister for the Lord.
- Our text from Isaiah highlights the joyful, unrestrained worship of angels (Luke 2:13–14; Luke 15:7, 10). How would your personal worship change if you consistently worshiped God with the same sense of awe, joy, and urgency demonstrated by the angels, and what might that look like in your daily life beyond public worship?