Untitled Sermon (3)

John 14:6 ESV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

TH501 OUTLINE

ANGELOLOGY

Gerry Breshears, Ph.D.

[e-mail]

Western Seminary, Portland

October 2020

Note: These are outlines that I use in my classes. You are welcome to use them in any way that honors the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have comments at any point, I'd welcome them.

1.             Introduction

1.             The Doctrine of Angels in History

2.             Sources for the Study

2.             The Nature of Angels

1.             Spiritual but Not Ghosts

Ghosts are departed spirits of people. Christmas Carole and the 3 ghosts of Christmas. These are not angels.

Hebrews 2

2.             Personal (they can hear, speak, respond) but Not Human

3.             Created but Not Immortal (not subject to death)

4.             Powerful but Not Omnipotent

Danial 10:5-9 ends up being in a war with the prince of Persia but Micheal comes and help

5.             Knowledgeable but not Omniscient

6.             Organized but no Details or Concern Eph 6:12

7.             Number

8.             Finite

9.             Moral

10.          Special Topics

1.             Angel of the Lord Malach YHWH

Gen 3:2 Angel of the Lord appears to him. Moses turn aside and sees this. THWH called out. Wait the Angel of the Lord appeared to him but YHWH calls out to him. That’s the enigma who is this special angel of the lord that is YHWH?

Gen 22 Abraham is going to slaughter him but an Angel of the Lord stops him. It’s not the Lord but the angel of the Lord. Prophetic picture of what will happen to Jesus. But the person who stops him is saying hey you showed me your faith but that’s my job to die.

Gerry thinks the angel of the Lord is Jesus

He’s not the messiah yet. He becomes the messiah after he gets baptized. So don’t call him the preincarnate Christ.

But he’s the second person of the trinity.

1.             THE PASSAGES: [(e) means the word Elohim is used at least once] Gen. 16:7-14; 21:17 (e); 22:9-18; 31:11-16 (e); 48:15-16; Exo. 3:1ff; 13:21-22; 14:19 (e); 23:20-23; 32:34; 33:2; Num. 20:16; 22:24-35; Judges 2:1-4; 5:23; 6:19-24 (e); 13:3-23 (e); 1 Sam. 29:9 (e); 2 Sam. 14:17-20 (e); 19:28 (e); 24:16; 1 Kings 19:5ff; 2 Kings 1:3, 15; 19:35-36; 1 Chron. 21:15; Psa. 34:7; 35:5-6; Isa. 21:12-30; Zech. 1:9-13; 3:1-6; 12:8; Matt. 1:20-24; 2:13-19; 28:2; Luke 1:11; 2:9; Acts 5:19; 8:26; 12:23.

2.             HE IS IDENTIFIED AS YHWH

1)            He speaks of YHWH as "I."

2)            The use of YHWH is unique to God and this angel. For example, the angels are called sons of God (Elohim) but never sons of YHWH.

3)            He receives dual identification -- as angel and as YHWH. The angel appears to Hagar, promises what only God can promise, and is identified as YHWH (Gen 16:13). When the angel appeared to Moses in the bush (Ex. 3:2) he is identified with YHWH two verses later. The name YHWH is revealed in v. 14. See also Gideon (Judg. 6:12, 14), Manoah (Judg. 13:21-22) and Zechariah (Zech. 3:1-2).

3.             HE IS DIFFERENTIATED FROM YHWH

1)            He speaks of YHWH as "He."

2)            He prays to YHWH in Zech. 1:9-13, and calls upon YHWH to defend Zechariah from the adversary (3:1-2).

4.             HIS MINISTRIES ARE PARALLEL WITH CHRIST'S (This from Fred Dickason)

The ministries of the Angel of YHWH were many and varied. He was obviously God's special representative to His people in the Old Testament, just as Christ was in the New Testament. Their ministries were surprisingly parallel and argue further for the identification on the angel with Christ.

1)            Revelation, Outstanding in this angel's ministries of revelation was that of disclosing God's name, YHWH (Ex. 3:2, 4, 6, 14). To him was given this unique privilege above all angels. Jesus Christ is permanent revelation of God in bodily form (Jn. 1:14, 18 Col. 2:9), and He also revealed God's name (Jn. 17:6) by word and in person.

2)            Commission. On the same occasion, the angel commissioned Moses to deliver God's people from Egyptian bondage and to lead them to the promised land (Ex. 3:7-8). He called and commissioned Gideon to go in God's might against the Midianites (Judg 6:11-23). Jesus Christ called and commissioned His disciples and us to deliver men from sin with the gospel (Mt. 28:19; Jn 20:21).

3)            Deliverance. He was the angel of deliverance as well, for in each of the above cases, he acted to deliver God's people from servitude to their enemies. Jesus Christ delivers from fear and death and sin's guilt for those who trust Him now (Eph. 1:7, Heb. 2:14-15) and for Israel (Ro. 11:25‑26).

4)            Protection. His protecting ministry was renown in David's days. Psalm 34:7 declares, "The angel of YHWH encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them" (ASV). Hezekiah knew spectacular deliverance from the Assyrian army (2 Ki. 19:35). Jesus Christ is our Protector today. We need not fear man because "He hath, I will never leave thee, nor forsake them." (Heb, 13:5).

5)            Intercession. The Angel of YHWH interceded for Israel when they were oppressed by their enemies. He asked God to act to deliver them (Zec. 1:12-13). Our High Priest ever lives to intercede for us (Heb. 7:25).

6)            Advocacy. Zechariah pictures the angel as the advocate of God's imperfect believers, defending them against the accusations of Satan (Zec. 3:1-7). Jesus Christ the righteous is our Advocate defending our position gained by His work on Calvary that satisfied God for our sins (1 Jn. 2:1‑2).

7)            Confirmation of the covenant. The angel confirmed the covenant with Abraham (Gen. 22:11-18). God had previously promised Abraham great personal, national, and universal blessings (Gen. 12:1-3). Abraham had believed God (15:5-6), and God "cut a covenant' unconditionally with Abraham (15:8-21). So great was his faith that he would have sacrificed Isaac, his only son; but the angel of YHWH stopped him and confirmed God's promises (22:11-18). It is in this connection that the angel is identified with YHWH as He who made an unbreakable covenant with Israel (Judg. 2:1). Christ was sent to confirm the promises to Israel for their deliverance, and the forgiveness of sins for all (Mt. 26:28, Rom. 15:8-9, Heb. 9:15).

8)            Comfort. The angel of YHWH found and comforted the outcast slave woman Hagar, promising her safety and a great progeny (Gen. 16:7-13). Christ came with comfort and blessing (Lk. 4:16‑19) and ministered to the outcast (Jn. 9:35‑38; 16:1-4).

9)            Judgment. At times the angel brought judgment. When Satan had provoked David to number Israel to revel in his military might, God was displeased and sent the Angel of YHWH to partially destroy Jerusalem (1 Ch. 21:1, 14-15). During the Great Tribulation, the Lord Jesus shall judge His people Israel along with unbelieving earth‑dwellers (Mt. 24:44-51, 25:32-42, 2 Th. 1:5‑10: Rev. 5:5, 6:1-17) The purging done, the temple will be rebuilt for worship (Eze. 20:37-42, 43:2-5, 12).

5.             Concluding Words

The Angel of YHWH has been shown to be equal in essence with YHWH and yet distinct from YHWH. The only answer to this seeming contradiction is that he is a preincarnate appearance of our Lord Jesus, the eternal Son. Indeed, he is the most frequent Christophany in the Old Testament. His ministries are varied and extensive and well known in Old Testament times from the days of Abraham to Zechariah. Some of his ministries are those that only God Himself can do and are so extensively parallel with Christ's ministries that they may argue further for his identity as the preincarnate Christ.

2.             Sons of God

1.             Passages

1)            Gen. 6:1-4

2)            Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7

3)            Matt. 5:9; Lk. 20:36; Rom. 8:14, 19; Gal. 3:26

2.             Positions on Gen. 6:1-4

Demonic

Sethite

Normal

Sons of God

Daughters of Men

Nephilim

Nature of Sin

Relation to Flood

Key Support

3.             The Service of Angels

1.             For God

1.             Praise

2.             Messengers

3.             Executing Judgment Rev 19

2.             With/To Christ in the Time of

1.             Temptation

2.             Crucifixion

3.             Second Coming

3.             To Believers

1.             Communicate God's Message

2.             Ministers of Providential Care Heb 1:14

3.             Spiritual Encouragement and Strengthening

4.             Issues in Angelology

1.             Personal Guardian Angels? Matt 18:5-6, 10 their angels. If you hit aid in the middle of the night the angels will tattle on you. It’s not that each child is assigned their own angel.

2.             Contemporary Messengers? An angel came to me and said… could this happen? Gerry think it’s possible but he would have to test the spirits is this to be believed?

3.             Multiplied Mediators? Some people call out for an angel to help them because their more comfortable with dealing with an angel than God so they ask to send an angel our way. No you need to ask God to help

4.             Angels as Substitute for the Holy Spirit – catholic stuff

5.             Angel Reports as Hunger for the Experience of the Supernatural? People want more experience with God so they want to experience an angel.

2 kings 6:9-12, 15-16 but the man of God

16 do not be afraid for those who are with us are more than those who are with him. Vs 17 and saw angels and chariots all around Elijah vs 20 -21, 23 he tells them after feed their enemies don’t kill them

What is doing around me that I don’t see? But I have the eyes of faith.  

6.             New Age Angelology

7.             Dangers of Separating Angels from Christ & Bible

8.             Angelic Warfare (Dan. 10; Rev. 12)

Prayer is family conversation with God, not a power thing. "I pray against . . ."

9.             Archangels:

The Bible describes Michael one of the “chief princes” הַשָּׂרִ֥ים הָרִאשֹׁנִ֖ים  (Dan. 10:13; cf. Dan. 12:1; Rev. 12:7). He is called an archangel ὁ ἀρχάγγελος in Jude 1:9. The only other named angel is Gabriel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19, 26) The ancient non-canonical Book of Enoch lists seven “holy angels who watch:” Uriel, Raphael, Raguel, Michael, Saraqael, Gabriel and Remiel (Enoch 20). Enoch 40 lists four angels who “uttered praises before the Lord of glory.” Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Phanuel.

5.             Demons & Evil Spirits

1.             Origin and Nature

2.             Fall

3.             Satan, the Devil, as Chief

a.             Satan (Adversary, Opposer) 52 times

b.             Devil (Accuser) 35 times

c.             Evil One (John 17:15), Roaring Lion (1 Pet. 5:9), Abaddon (destroyer, Rev. 9:11; Great Red Dragon (Rev. 12:3), Ancient Serpent (Rev. 12:9; Gen. 3:1)

4.             Present Status and Authority

5.             Activities: Opposition to God and Promotion of Evil

1.             Deception

2.             Accusation

3.             Temptation

4.             Physical Assault

5.             Possession

6.             Modern Satanism and Occultism

7.             Territorial Spirits?

6.             Demons and Believers

1.             Christ triumphed over Satan at the Cross

2.             Believers will never become the possession of Satan

3.             Demons have no authority over believers

4.             Believers may yield to demonic deception, accusa­tion or temptation

5.             Believers are to resist Satan and the demons

6.             There is neither command nor description of dealing with common sins by deliverance

7.             Common errors of deliverance ministries

1.             Hermeneutics

2.             Reliance on Information Given by Demons

3.             Demonic Authority

4.             Underestimation Flesh and World

8.             World, flesh, and the devil

This is from Karl Payne, Antioch Bible Church and his book, Spiritual Warfare

1 John 2:15-17: three areas of attack.

Lust of the flesh designed to trigger physiological response in the life.

Lust of the eye: it is pretty. You got it and I want it. I drive a faith-mobile because God does not watch out for me.

Boastful pride of life = prideful ambition for personal success out of control and the willingness to do anything to get it.

Where is the temptation coming from?

World = external

Flesh = internal

Devil = spiritual accusation

Solution:

World: evaluate

Flesh: be filled with the Spirit, renew the mind, run.

Devil: resist, use offensive prayer

How to differentiate between demonic accusation and Spirit’s conviction:

Demons often contradict Scripture

Demons speak in second person singular

Demons do general accusations leading to shame where Spirit highlights to specific sins leading to forgiveness and cleansing

Demons destroy where Spirit builds

Demonization = demon caused passivity in some areas of ones life.

Oppression = external harassment, often expressed in accusing voices

Possession = domination or complete

BASIC PRINCIPLES FOR DEALING WITH THE DEMONIC

Gerry Breshears, PhD

Western Seminary, Portland

[e-mail]

Jesus triumphed over Satan and all his demons through His work of redemption, particularly by canceling the authority of sin over us at the cross, and His exaltation to the right hand of the Father (Matt. 12:28-29; Eph. 1:19-23; Col. 2:13-15). Satan is already condemned and his final destruction is sure (John 12:31; 16:11; Rev. 20:7-10).

The principle of authority is that we are in the kingdom of Christ. Jesus is Lord and exalted far above all powers and authorities (Eph. 1:19-22). Satan and his forces have no actual legal authority over the believer. Despite his claims and how much he may take advantage of our sin, unbelief, weakness, ignorance, or fear, he is disarmed. We are members of the kingdom of light and therefore all sins were forgiven, all condemnation is ended, all cultic vows, promises, covenants, etc., were rendered null and void when we came into Christ's kingdom authority (Col. 1:13-14; 2:9-15). One must never compromise this principle by agreeing with the demonic claim that sin gives the demon actual legal authority to invade a believer or attach itself to your soul or body. Believe God; disbelieve Satan. Stand firm in Jesus; resist the Devil.

Our primary weapons against demonic stratagems are faithful application of the fundamentals of the faith (Eph. 6:10-20; 1 Pet. 5:6-9). Light expels darkness.

The only spiritual information to be received as given is that which comes through the Bible interpreted according to the author’s intent. Be particularly cautious about deeper meanings or uses of passages out of context (Matt. 4:6). All other spiritual knowledge, information, experience must be carefully tested. Expect that any information from demons, who are liars by nature (John 8:44; 2 Cor. 11:14), will be deceptive or facts given for dark purposes.

Basic patterns of ministry are found in the Bible. Patterns that differ substantially are always suspect.

Avoid every form of contact with the demonic including astrology, new age paraphernalia, demonic movies, TV shows, videos and video games, and music, charms, séances, Ouija, and many other places where the demonic is present obviously or subtly. (Lev. 19:26, 31; 20:6; Deut. 18:9-13; Acts 19:18-20).

Using deliverance as a substitute for dealing with our flesh or in place of spiritual disciplines, is dangerous.

Most sins don’t need any kind of demonic intervention. In their deceptive activity, demons often claim credit for sin or a tragedy, trying to profess more power than they possess. Allowing this lie to go unchallenged may lead to an unwarranted sense of helplessness on the part of a believer.

One must be very careful not to give Satan and his demons too much attention. This can lead to fearfulness or overestimation of his power, to a fascination with evil, or even a kind of satanic worship. Don't seek to know anything more about the demonic than what is taught in Bible or is pastorally necessary. Biblical accounts of deliverance do not involve discovering information about demons' origins, hierarchies, attachments, territorial jurisdiction, or specific functions. Jesus asks for a name only once (Mark 5:9) and then does not use the information the demons give. This indicates that knowing these sorts of things is not necessary for success in spiritual warfare. It also suggests that we curb our natural curiosity about such things.

All sins have been forgiven in Christ (Col. 2:13-15, 1 John 2:2) and believers are fully accepted as children of God (John 1:12; Gal. 3:26-4:7; 1 John 3:1). Confession (speaking truth from the heart with responsibility which differs from saying I am sorry about what happened) opens our heart to receive experientially the forgiveness of guilt, the cleansing of shame (1 John 1:9), and the reconciliation of relationship (Rom. 5:10-11; 2 Cor. 5:19-21; Col. 1:19-22) that God's truth brings. Believers confess their sin, accept Christ’s blood bought cleansing, renounce sin’s place in their lives, and recommit themselves as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6:12-14; Col. 3:1-17). Evil spirits can take advantage of us if we refuse to confess sin we have done or sin done to us, using it as an opportunity to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10; Eph. 4:27).

Scripture describes demons oppressing people apart from any specific sin or opening. God Himself declared Job righteous, yet he was attacked (Job 1:8). Jesus, the sinless one, was attacked repeatedly (Matt. 4:1-11; 16:23). Jesus dealt with many demonized people without addressing specific sin or openings. He heals, cures, drives out demons without repentance of sin as a prerequisite for casting out the demon (Luke 6:18; 7:21; 8:2; 9:1; 13:32; cf. Mark 6:13; Mark 7:24–30). As the devil harassed and afflicted Job, demons can cause physical maladies, to direct evildoers to assail others, or to inspire nightmares.

As children of God, regenerated and indwelt by the Spirit, we are responsible and empowered to resist Satan’s stratagems (Eph. 6:10-18; James 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:7-9; 1 John 4:1-4;5:1-5;18-19).

We may agree with a lie (no Christian would ever do what you did; sin gave the demon right to invade), receive a curse (you are an idiot; you are going to be ill), or accept an accusation (you are so filthy; if anyone knew, they would despise you). These can become a stronghold (2 Cor. 10:4-5) that must be torn down by discovering the stronghold, confessing the lie and affirming and receiving God’s truth in spirit, mind, heart and soul.

Believers may be deceived, accused or tempted and may yield to demonic attacks or give demons influence in their lives – though they do not have to. An evil spirit can empower, energize, encourage, or exploit a believer’s own sinful desires, unbelief, weakness, ignorance, or fear (Matt. 16:22-23; Acts 5:3).

This is a typical pattern of prayer to deal with demonic attack or influence. It is important to note that the specific wording is unimportant. Power and authority comes from truth:

Lord Jesus Christ, I acknowledge that this (name the specific situation or area of sin or influence) may be empowered by demons and evil spirits. If it is, I want nothing to do with them.

Lord Jesus Christ I confess that you triumphed over these demons and evil spirits by the power of your Cross that purchased forgiveness for all my sins and by your death, burial and resurrection that provided my new life in Christ.

Demon, in the name and authority of Jesus, I command you get away from me, now. Lord Jesus Christ I ask that you send these demons and evil spirits away from me.

Lord Jesus Christ I thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Please reveal to me anything in my life that might give demons and evil spirits opportunity in my life. Please fill me anew with your Holy Spirit so that I will be empowered to live out your life in joyful obedience to you and freedom from sin and harassment.

Believers are commanded to stand firm on biblical truths and resist the devil (Eph. 6:13; Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9). The word "resist" means active opposition (Acts 13:8; Gal. 2:11; 2 Tim. 3:8) including rebuke spoken directly to the demon in the authority of Jesus, the exalted Lord (Zech. 3:2; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10; Jude 1:9).

When Jesus was attacked by the devil, He spoke well-interpreted Scripture aloud to the devil and commanded him to get away (Matt. 4:1-10). This is the same pattern (stand firm and resist) commanded for believers (Eph. 6:13; Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:9). He did not argue theology (could the devil actually have given Him the kingdoms of this world?), or ask demons for information or hierarchies.

If believers continue to allow demonic influence, they may become entangled in a behavior so deeply that they may need help from other believers to escape (Matt. 18:15-20; 1 Cor. 5:1-5; Gal. 6:1-4; 2 Tim. 2:24-26; Heb.12:1-13). They could be dominated by a demonic personality in a way akin to a wife being dominated by an abusive husband, exhibiting personality change or loss of a sense of personal control. This is particularly true when there is direct personal involvement with demonic or occult activities, ceremonies, or rituals (1 Cor. 10:20; 2 Tim. 2:25-26). However, a believer will never be abandoned by the Holy Spirit or left to merely human resources as in the case of an unbeliever (Psa. 27; 90; Isa. 41:10-16).

Getting rid of demons in such cases is done by a believer using their authority in Christ to give a direct command to the demon. This must always be done in concert with the entrapped believer. 1) Dear Father, it is by your authority that we proceed to deliver “name” by the power of the Lord Jesus Christ. 2) [to the demon] In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by His authority, I join with "name" in commanding you to leave “name.” You have no right to be here. You are trespassing upon God’s property. Get away, now. 3) Father, we pray that you will empower this rebuke we have just issued in Jesus’ name.

I may preface the prayer by commanding the demon in the name of Jesus not to hurt anyone and to be silent. I help the believer reaffirm basic theological truths such as those in the first two paragraphs. In doing so, it is always good to ensure that people are actually believers. It is important to remember that the demon has no legal right to oppress, no matter what they may claim. Command rather than attempt to persuade the demon. All prayer is to God rather than against the demon. Commands are given in normal tones of voice. It is Christ's power, not mine, that works. I'm only His instrument. Demons are sent away by Christ’s authority, not by formulas, rituals, the power of their names, etc. A grave danger of deliverance ministry is a subtle temptation to pride and power.

Our goal is always to bring non-Christians to Christ and build Christians up so that they will be able to resist Satan's stratagems (Eph. 6:13; Jas. 4:7; 1 Pet. 5:8). Enable people to do their own spiritual work. Help them personalize and live out their identity as children of God.

It is the will of God for every Christian to walk in the freedom of our salvation through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the fellowship of the Holy Spirit and in the love of the Father. Satan seeks to fool Christians into thinking that he has authority to boss us around. He doesn’t! Stop giving the world, the flesh and the devil any opportunity to defeat us. Follow Galatians 5:1 and live free from the authority of sin and Satan!