The Work of Angels Today

FILING INFORMATION:

2001023

Subject: angels

Preached Originally: 04/15/01 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction:

A.     From the beginning to end of Scripture we have an abundant testimony to the existence of angels.

1.     Deny existence of angels?  Deny what has been revealed in God’s word.

2.     Much interest today in angels/demons.  Much of the info on angels is sentimental in nature.  Some material is filled with little truth.

B.    We must study/increase our knowledge of truth about angels.

1.     subject avoided for fear of controversy.

2.     This = Bible subject!  Bible has much to say!

3.     But some scriptural guidelines are necessary to keep in mind when approaching a subject as this:

a)    Deut 29:29

b)    Isa. 55:8-9

4.     Rampant speculation/conjecture is NOT what will take place today!

C.    Wish to base our study on the facts that have been revealed to us – nothing more nothing less.

D.    This AM’s lesson will attempt to answer:

1.     What do angels do?

2.     What are their activities?

3.     Must remember that we do not know all the specific ways in which God’s angels minister to us.

4.     But there are some facts we can know concerning their work.

 

I.  Angels Guard Gates.

A.    Rev. 21:12 – guard the gates of heaven itself.

1.    Note: a great & high wall – 12 angels at the gates.

B.    Gen. 3:24 – angels placed at the entrance to the garden of Eden.

1.    to keep Adam/Eve out because of their sinful behavior.

2.    Since the purpose of angels being placed at the gate of the Garden of Eden to guard it – one can infer that angels are also guarding the gates of heaven.

 

II.  Angels Execute Judgments.

A.     When God intended to execute judgment on people – he often used angels.  Sometimes He sent them before hand to issue a warning:

1.    Gen. 19:12-14

B.     2 Sam. 24:15-17 – angel sent to bring pestilence upon Israel as punishment for David’s census.

C.    Mt. 13:41-42 – angels will be the ones to take those who commit lawlessness from out of the kingdom and cast them into the fire.

D.    W/o a doubt, angels have been and will continue to be used to execute God’s judgment on ungodliness.

 

III.  Angels Praise God.

A.    They sing, praise, & worship God.

1.    Rev. 5:11-14

2.    They fall down in amazement in the presence of God.

B.    They worship & adore Him.

 

IV.  Angels Strengthen in Trial.

A.     Mt. 4:11 – Jesus had been fasting (40 days) and been tempted by Satan.  At the end – we find angels came to Him.

1.    text:  came to minister to Him – they saw to His needs.

B.    Lk. 22:43-44 – angel appeared to help during time of great trial – when Jesus at Gethsemane.

1.    Goal:  to strengthen Jesus in His final hours on earth.

C.    We must be more aware of the presence of God’s angels to strengthen us during times of trial and sorrow.  There are times we can be at a low ebb – angels can help!

D.    When we face trials – we can receive strength through a variety of ways:

1.    Psa. 119:7-9 – receive guidance/comfort through God’s word.

2.    Gal. 6:1-2 – fellow Christians

3.    Rom. 8:26-28 – Holy Spirit assists us.

4.    Heb. 1:14 – angels minister unto us.

5.    We can be assured that God will come to our aid – when we live faithfully.

 

V.  Lead Sinners to Gospel Workers.

A.    Acts 10 – angel appeared to Cornelius – told him to send to Joppa for Peter.

1.     God worked through the angel & through a vision that appeared to Peter – to bring the preacher to the sinner.

2.     See acts 10:1-23

B.    Acts 8:26 – Angel directed Philip to the Eunuch.

1.     Philip taught & baptized the man – 8:26-38

C.   Specific examples of this today?

1.     No example of angels communicating directly w/men telling them to go to some specific place/person.

2.     But…providence of God b/c evident when looking back in events in people’s lives.

a)    not other way to explain their receiving gospel than due to His providence.

b)    Make no mistake – if a sinner praying for salvation – to be saved – for the True church – I believe God will link person to a Christian so gospel will be taught.

 

VI.  Angels Receive Departed Saints.

A.    Lk. 16:22 – angels carried Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom.

1.    How do they do this?

2.    Don’t know exactly.

B.    Speaking of this incident, J.W. McGarvey says:

1.    it is the office of angels to minister to the heirs of salvation.  The rich man passes from view w/pomp and pageantry of a burial – an earthly honor suited to a worldly life.  But Lazarus passes hence w/the angels – a spiritual triumph suited to one accepted of God. (p. 512, “Fourfold Gospel”)

2.    Should take comfort knowing that we will be accompanied to this resting place after this life is over.

 

VII.  Angels are present in the church assembly.

A.    1 Cor. 11:10 – because of the angels….could this mean that they are present in the worship (church) assembly?

1.    Scriptures teach that they are witnesses to what transpires on earth.

B.    1 Tim. 5:21 – further proof of their consciousness of our activities.

C.   We are not told how angels are present – nor the purpose of their presence.

1.    All that is revealed – is the fact of their presence.

 

VIII.  Angels will accompany Christ on His return.

A.    Mt. 16:27; 25:31; 2 Thess. 1:7

1.    They will participate in the separation of the righteous from the wicked - & in the judgment that will take place on the earth.

2.    Mt. 13:36-43 – they will harvest God’s crop.

B.    How exactly they will do this is not revealed.

 

Conclusion:

A.    These are just a few of the activities angels do today. 

1.    Hope we can learn from it & realize the fact that angels are real!

2.    They play a definite role in God’s overall scheme of things.

C.   When the angels participate in the separation of the righteous form the unrighteous – where will you be?

1.    With those who have served/glorified God?

2.    Or with those who will be placed in the fiery furnace where there will be weeping/gnashing of teeth?

3.    Obey the gospel today!

D.  I N V I T A T I O N