Dispelling Old Wives Tales About Angels
A.
There is much interest today about angels & demons alike.
1.
many best selling books on this subjects.
2.
bookstores also filled w/books concerning the occult, the Satanic, the
demonic, w/little or no truth concerning angels.
B. Recently had someone call my office wanting me to lay hands on a person to remove an evil spirit out of him.
1.
there much conjecture on the subject.
2.
much of it w/no scriptural proof whatsoever.
C. For most people – subject of angels is somewhat sentimental.
1.
Websters defines angel as:
2.
a messenger of God; an immortal spirit; an image of a human figure
w/wings & a halo; a person regarded as beautiful, good, etc.
3.
There = probably no other word used more religiously than “angel”
besides “Christian.”
D. We must study/increase our knowledge of truth about angels.
1. angels have been avoided as a subject of study for fear of controversy.
2.
Angels are a Bible subject.
3.
Bible has much to say on the subject.
4.
As in any subject that is not understood….many people may believe things
that are not necessarily true.
a)
1 Tim. 4:7
b)
in this lesson – we will discuss some of the more prominent old
wives tales.
5. Many unsubstantiated tales involve Bible subjects. Unfortunately. more wrong is taught than right on this subject.
6.
Let us look at some of these “fables” that are often taught as truth.
I. Nothing can be known about Angels.
A. This belief has been held by many honest & truthful people. (many of them in the church.)
1. few preachers have preached on the subject.
2.
There are no significant books from Biblical scholars.
a) books in general (if any) concerning angels are basically dated prior to 1900.
B. What do you Biblically know about angels?
1. are you deeply interested or just curious?
2.
There is more about angels in Scripture than the demonic.
C. Angels – mentioned in 34 of 66 Books of the Bible. (17 in OT & 17 in NT)
1. No reason why we can’t understand truths from Scriptures on angels.
2.
Angels = heavens personal delivery service.
II. Study of Angels is an OT Study –
not an NT Study.
A. Many have hard time knowing what to do w/the OT.
1. Col. 2:14 – since old law nailed to cross – many believe that OT was as well.
2.
OT = inspired word of God!
a)
2 Pet. 1:20-21
B. Study of Angels is both an OT & NT study. Makes it scriptural acceptable for study & doctrine. Angels mentioned 108 times in OT and 186 times in NT.
1.
Ideal that angels ceased working after death of Christ is not consistent
w/Biblical fact.
2.
As a result some have b/c like the Sadducees of the 1st Century. – Acts 23:6-9
C. Bible says: Angels Minster to the heirs of salvation.
1.
Heb. 1:14
2.
Bible supernatural in many ways – some areas b/y mans
understanding.
3.
the study of angels = a NT subject.
III. Angels are women.
A. This = a romantic title given to women/children (usually)
1.
she is an angel.
2.
their little children are angels.
B.
The only angels named in entire Bible have the names of men:
1.
Gabriel & Michael
2.
When angels appear to man – they are always men.
3.
Gen. 18:2; Mk. 16:5
C. Angels are not feminine.
1. Actually = they sexless.
2.
Consider Mt. 22:39-32; Lk. 20:35-37
3.
Marriage implies procreation.
4.
Angels do not have additions to themselves.
IV. Angels have wings & play harps.
A. Human artists have influenced men more than Scripture.
B.
Angels in Scripture have neither wings, harps, or halos.
1. Nothing in Scripture to indicate that angels have wings.
V. Angels are w/o bodies.
A. Angels are w/o human form.
1. does not mean they are w/o some form or body.
2.
we have seen in the Scriptures – for expediency – they have assumed human form.
B. Angels have a heavenly body – just as God & Christ.
1. Scriptures testify that both God & Christ have a form.
2.
Phil. 2:5-7; 3:21
3.
Col. 2:8-9
C. Angels have a heavenly body – one suited for eternity.
VI. Angels are dead saints in heaven.
A.
During many funerals – especially for babies – people often
day: the departed are now
“another of God’s angels.”
B.
We as Christians are known as Saints.
1. We can & do die & are carried by the angels to paradise.
2.
Lk. 16:20-22
D. Lazarus was still Lazarus – He was not angel.
E.
1 Cor. 15:50-57 & 1
Thess. 3 talk about the return of Christ and a bodily resurrection.
1. Bible teaches there will be a resurrection – not a reincarnation as would have to be if we
2.
were to become angels.
VII. Angels are to be worshipped.
A. Some religious people openly worship angels as “patron saints”.
1. Bible specifically condemns this practice.
2.
Col. 2:18
3.
Rom. 1:24-25
B. 10 commandments specified that God and God alone is to be worshipped.
1.
Ex. 20:1-6
2.
This same message has been carried over in the NT.
VIII. Angels are w/o personal feelings.
A. Angels not only have a form, but they have a heart as well.
1. they never pictured as a impersonal heavenly robot.
B. They have curiosity.
1.
1 Pet. 1:12
2.
They rejoice when the sinner repents – Lk. 15:10.
Conclusion
A.
There = a lot more for us to study…but at a later time
B.
Remember:
1. Bible speaks of angels.
2.
it = a NT subject that needs to be studied
3.
Angels are always mentioned as men & appear that way. They are sexless.
4.
Don’t have wings or play harps
5.
Have heavenly bodies
6.
Not dead saints in heaven
7.
not to worship them
8.
They do have feelings.
C. As in all Biblical questions – we need to study the word of God for the right answers.
D.
I N VI T A T I O N