Hebrews 1:4-14 - Christ's Supremacy Over the Angels

Introduction:

We live in a world that is very spiritual today. But it wasn’t necessarily that way in recent history.

Starting around the late 19th century and extending into the mid to late 20th century, there was a time where naturalism and atheism had a stronger hold on our culture. Although this influence still affects many today, it appears to be losing its grip. Though naturalism can explain a lot of things, it still leaves one with a sense of hopelessness. It struggles to answer many of life’s big questions in a meaningful way - questions such as where did I come from, who am I, why am I here, how should I live, what is my purpose, and where will I go when I die.

However, according to a Barna study in 2022, the amount of people in the US who consider themselves spiritual and believe in a higher power went up to almost 80% (1).

Unfortunately, this trend is not because of Christian commitment. The last four decades have shown a downward slide of those who are following Christ.

And one of these competing issues is the worship of angelic or angelic-like beings - which today are likely demonic beings masquerading as angels of light. This is nothing new. The author of the book of Hebrews was also fighting against a false spirituality in his culture. There were Jews who held a very high view of angels.

We are told in Hebrews 2:2 that the Mosaic Law was mediated by angels. This is reiterated in Acts 7:53 as well as Galatians 3:19. The angels - or messengers of God - were active in the Law. Because of this, some Jews had mistakenly started considering Jesus an angel of God. They saw Him as only a divine messenger instead of as the true Son of God.

So we come to our Scripture today which asserts that Christ is supreme over the angels.

There is no shadow of a doubt regarding the Biblical teaching about this truth after going through these powerful verses.

Let’s go ahead and pray and gets started into today’s message…

Prayer

Today’s message will be set up a little differently than my normal messages. This is because verse 4 sets up the rest of the passage. And verse four asserts that…

The Name of Christ Is Superior Because… (4)

We will get to the four points of our sermons after we discuss verse 4…

Hebrews 1:4 ESV

having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

During our last sermon in Hebrews, we saw Christ supremely revealed. We discussed Christ as creator, as the better prophet, as the heir over all, and as the exact imprint of God’s nature. We discussed how He upholds everything. And we ended with the Gospel - His death on the cross thereby making purification for our sins followed by His exaltation as King of kings and Lord of lords as He sits at the right hand of the Father.

After laying that groundwork, the author of Hebrews turns his attention to the angels.

The author of Hebrews is going to compare Jesus to many competing objects of man’s worship. He wants us to know that everything pales in comparison to Jesus.

In our verses for today, we will see the Old Testament quoted seven times directly. Five of these will come from the Psalms, one from 2 Samuel, and one from Deuteronomy.

However, before getting into these quotations we are told that Christ has a superior and more excellent name when compared to the angels.

In ancient Jewish culture, a name was more than just what someone was called. It was who they were. The name of someone encompassed their entire being. This is why most Jews were afraid to even say the name Yahweh out loud! They felt that God’s covenant name was too great to speak.

With that said…

Why is the Name of Christ superior and more excellent?

It is the only Name in which men may be saved (Acts 4:12).

He has the Name above all names (Philippians 2:9-10).

His Name carries authority and power (John 14:13, Mark 16:17, John 16:23, Colossians 3:17).

His Name is to be praised (Isaiah 9:6).

This is why blasphemy is such a big deal in the Bible. Revelation 21:8 tells us that all liars - specifically blasphemers in this context - have their part in the Lake of Fire. We live in a world that uses the name of God flippantly and without restraint.

Friends, this is not the unforgiveable sin, but it is a grievous sin. And may we not be desensitized by this evil world and forget just how important God’s name is. The name of Christ is to be praised and magnified and never cursed.

His name is a more excellent name and a superior name. Which brings us to our reasons why His name is superior…

Scripture References: Hebrews 2:2, Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19, Revelation 21:8

I. The Name of Christ Is Superior Because… Only Christ is Son (5)

Hebrews 1:5 ESV

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?

During this section of Scripture, we are going to spend time seeing how the author magnifies Christ over the angels. However, it is important that we correctly understand angels from a Biblical perspective. So before diving into this verse, let’s take an aerial view of the angels. The author of Hebrews is seeking to let you know about the supremacy of Christ. He is seeking to combat angelolatry - or the worship of angels. However, in studying this, we want to make sure that we understand the amazing blessing and work of angels as well.

The word angel actually means messenger.

Angels are messengers of God sent to perform His will.

We see in this verse that Christ is exalted far above the angels. He actually rules over the angels as we will see later in this passage.

With that in mind, what are some Biblical truths about the angels?

1. Angels are created beings superior to men (Psalm 104:4, Colossians 1:16, Psalm 8:5).

2. Angels are God’s messengers (Luke 1, Daniel 8:16, Daniel 9:21-22, Acts 8:26, Acts 10:3-8).

3. Angels are God’s agents of protection for His people (Genesis 19, Psalm 34:7, Daniel 6:22).

4. Angels worship God (Nehemiah 9:6, Hebrews 1:6, Luke 2:13-14, Revelation 4:8).

5. Angels are God’s warriors and take part in the judgements of God including the end times judgements to come (2 Kings 19:35, Matthew 13:39-42, Matthew 24:31, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Revelation 20:1-2).

6. Angels are numerous (Psalm 68:17, Matthew 26:53, Hebrews 12:22, Revelation 5:11).

7. Some angels have fallen with Satan from their original state - demons (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6, Revelation 20:10).

There are a few other interesting points that we should note in studying angels.

Despite mainstream media portrayals, people do not become angels when they die. Interestingly, when we die we are actually made higher than the angels.

The only angels mentioned in the Bible are male. There very well could be angels that take the form of a female, however, we see them only appear as males in the Scriptures. Yet, as spirits, they do not have a gender like humans which is seen in the fact that angels do not procreate. In Matthew 22:30, Jesus states that when we get to heaven we will be like the angels - not marrying or being given in marriage. Namely, there is no ability to procreate.

Lastly, the only angels mentioned with wings are the seraphim (Isaiah 6:2) and cherubim (Genesis 3:24, Ezekiel 1, Ezekiel 10, Exodus 25:20, Revelation 4:6-9). These are special angels that serve before the Lord in worship. They are described in detail and have very unique appearances. None of the other appearances of angels mention wings in the Scriptures. The cartoonish depictions of angels throughout the ages should be quickly forgotten and cast out.

Now, with a Biblical understanding of angels, lets get back into our Scripture for today…

Hebrews 1:5 ESV

For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?

The author of Hebrews wants us to see that Jesus has a special relationship with God - being God’s Son and God-made-flesh. His position is much greater than the angels because of His very Being.

He uses Psalm 2:7 and 2 Samuel 7:14 to drive home his point. As theologian Raymond Brown asserts - “Jesus is no mere messenger. He is the Son of God.”

There are some important aspects of these quotations to note. When God says today I have begotten you - this does not mean that Jesus was created. This refers to the incarnation of Christ. As we will see later in today’s sermon, Jesus has always existed. Angels were created but Christ was begotten. This is an incredibly important distinction.

Jesus has always existed as God’s Son. God created the world through His Son (Colossians 1:13-16 and Hebrews 1:2). Verses such as Galatians 4:4 and 1 John 4:10-14 shows us that God sent His Son to earth to be a sacrifice for sin - thereby referring to Christ as Son even before the incarnation. This understanding is called the eternal sonship of Christ. The Triune God has always existed as Father - Son - and Holy Spirit. This understanding of the Son and the Trinity was clearly stated in the Nicene Creed of 325 AD as well as the Athanasian Creed in the fifth century.

Yet, we note here that it wasn’t until He was born of woman - namely begotten - that He fulfilled this prophecy.

The fact that Christ was begotten some 2,000 years ago is of the utmost importance for us, Church. Jesus took on the form of man, being born of woman - truly God and truly man - so that He could live the sinless life we couldn’t live and provide salvation through His death on the cross. By His wounds we are healed.

For those who repent of their sins and place their faith and trust in the Son of God, eternal life in heaven awaits them.

I pray that each of you here have done this. I pray that you understand that Christ is the Superior Son!

May we praise God for sending His Son to save us!

Moving forward, we see that…

Scripture References: Matthew 22:30, Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2) and Cherubim (Genesis 3:24, Ezekiel 1, Ezekiel 10, Exodus 25:20, Revelation 4:6-9), Psalm 2:7, 2 Samuel 7:14, Colossians 1:13-16, Hebrews 1:2, Galatians 4:4, 1 John 4:10-14

II. The Name of Christ Is Superior Because… Only Christ is the Savior to be Worshiped (6-7)

Hebrews 1:6 ESV

And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”

Before discussing the necessary worship due to Christ, we need to note something very important.

The Scriptures never approve angel worship. In fact they clearly teach against it.

Consider Revelation 19:10 where an angel stops John from worshipping him and tells John to worship God. We also see this in Revelation 22:8-9.

In Matthew 4:9-10, we see Jesus state that one is to only worship God and God alone.

Consider the false teachings mentioned by Paul in Colossians 2:18 - one of which is the worship of angels.

Yet, Christ is to be worshipped. The author quotes from the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) a reference from Deuteronomy 32:43 which also has overlap with Psalm 97:7.

Let all God’s angels worship him. Namely let them worship the Son of God - Jesus Christ.

Who is this Christ that they should worship? He is the firstborn of the world.

The term firstborn here is prototokon (pro-tow-tow-con) and refers to one who is preeminent - or above all. It is the same word that is used in Colossians 1:15 as Paul teaches that Christ is truly God. It does not speak of birth order but rather position. And the word translated world here does not refer to planet earth alone. It refers to the entire heavenly realm.

Again, we see that Christ is over all. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. And because of this, only Christ is to be worshipped.

On the contrary, we see that the angels are to serve and not to be worshiped. Look at verse 7…

Hebrews 1:7 ESV

Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his ministers a flame of fire.”

Quoting Psalm 104:4, the author reminds his readers that the angels are ministers - or servants - of Christ. Do not miss the word makes here - angels are made. They are created. And they are created to do the will of God.

There have been many attempts to try to understand what is meant by winds and flames of fire. The context of Psalm 104 is talking about the glory of God in His creating everything and sustaining everything. This reference likely refers to His ordering of the angels to minister in the ways that He commands. Whether it is in blessing or judgement, God’s angels serve and follow the commands of God.

Again, the comparison is clear - Christ is in charge. He is in control. He the Savior to be worshipped - while the angels are made to serve Him.

My friends, is Christ preeminent in your life? Does He take the seat of prominence in your thought life, your actions, your future plans?

If the angels, who are currently far above us in power and might, worship Him, how much more should we worship Him?

To worship means to ascribe worth and honor and reverence to someone who is superior. It involves devotion, appreciation and love. Our entire lives should be lived in worship of Christ. This involves all of our lives - our mind, our heart, our will.

May we worship Christ with all of our lives and live for His glory alone… because…

Scripture References: Deuteronomy 32:43, Psalm 97:7, Colossians 1:15, Psalm 104:4

III. The Name of Christ Is Superior Because… Only Christ Reigns as the Sovereign Eternal King (8-12)

Hebrews 1:8–12 ESV

But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your hands; they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment, like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment they will be changed. But you are the same, and your years will have no end.”

There is so much in these five verses. The author quotes Psalm 45:6-7 as well as Psalm 102:25-27 in this section.

It is clear that the Son is addressed as eternal. He was in the beginning and He will continue even through the end. His years have no end.

His kingship is eternal. We are given a few examples of His rule and reign in this section.

Christ is the Sovereign Eternal King…

1 - … whose throne is everlasting.

Again, we see the eternality of Christ. His rule never ends.

2 - … whose scepter is uprightness.

The scepter is a ceremonial rod or staff that is a symbol of authority and power. It demonstrates one’s sovereign authority as king. Christ’s scepter is not one of ruling unjustly. He rules with complete integrity and truth.

3 - … who is marked by righteousness.

Continuing to expound upon the last statement, His rule is marked by righteousness and complete justice. He hates wickedness. All wickedness will be repaid one day. His judgement will be swift and sure.

Many people struggle with why a good God would put up with all of the sin in our world. My friends, one day His mercy will be removed. His judgement will be far greater than we could ever imagine. Pray that all repent and turn from their evil ways and be saved. His wrath will be furious, but His love for those who are His is seen in this next statement…

4 - … whose reign is marked by joy.

Christ was called a man of sorrows while He walked this earth and prepared for His death (Isaiah 53:3). Yet, now He has been anointed with the oil of gladness. His ascension into heaven 40 days after His resurrection was a remarkable joy. He was placed at the right hand of the Father and honored as the Name above all other names.

And those who are His adopted children will be able to share in this eternal joy forever with Him. This joy is even available today, my friends. There is a reason that one of the fruits of the Spirit given to all followers of Christ is joy! Even despite our difficult circumstances, God gives joy to those who are His.

We can also have great joy because of what is coming…

5 - … who is sovereign creator and restorer.

Jesus created everything. He laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning. He created the heavens. However, as verses 11-12 tell us, these created things will wear out like a garment and like a robe He will roll them up. Like a garment they will be changed.

This speaks of Jesus’s restoration of creation. He will destroy and remake the heavens and the earth as a new heaven and a new earth one day. Sin has marred creation. Our world is like a worn out and stained garment. But Revelation 21 reminds us that Jesus will provide us a new heaven and a new earth in eternity.

What amazing joy we can have as we consider our eternity with Christ!

Although the angels will have their part in the end times judgements, only Christ will continue His rule and reign as supreme.

These attributes of Christ are worth meditating upon. Uprightness, justice, righteousness, joy, sovereignty, restorer.

Jesus is trustworthy with your entire life. He is powerful and sovereign. When doubts seem to creep in, remind yourself about the truth of who Christ is.

Don’t trust in others - frankly don’t even trust in yourself. Trust in Christ alone - because there is only one way to guarantee a secure future - for only Christ…

Scripture References: Psalm 45:6-7, Psalm 102-25-27, Isaiah 53:3, Revelation 21

IV. The Name of Christ Is Superior Because… Only Christ is the Sure Victor (13-14)

Hebrews 1:13 ESV

And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

Quoting yet again from the Psalms (namely Psalm 110:1), the author asserts that all of Christ’s enemies will be made a footstool for His feet.

Interestingly, as Christ was teaching in the Temple in Mark 12:36, He quoted this same Scripture. Christ used this to describe His eternality. The author of Hebrews leaves out the first part of the verse because he has already taught on this concept - But for completeness, let’s read the verse in its entirety:

Psalm 110:1 ESV

The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.”

Jesus taught that if David called the Messiah Lord, then how could the Messiah be David’s son?

This spoke of Christ being eternal.

However, the author of Hebrews now wants to magnify Christ’s victory over sin, death, and all of His enemies.

Christ, through His death and resurrection, has defeated death and the grave. And one day, every enemy of His will be cast into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:7-15). He is the sure Victor.

Yet the angels have never been told such things. Christ is the One to Whom we look to for victory - not the angels.

As Warren Wiersbe stated:

“Christ is the sovereign; angels are the servants.”

Warren Wiersbe

Revelation 19:16 speaks of His victorious reign as well:

Revelation 19:16 ESV

On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.

This first chapter closes out with verse 14:

Hebrews 1:14 ESV

Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

We mentioned at the beginning that angels have functions in protecting and serving believers. This verse shows this clearly. And there are some other verses in the Scriptures that inform us of this as well.

We actually see that angels are very active within our church even today:

1 - They protect believers and aid them through trials (Acts 12:7-11).

Isn’t it comforting to know that Christ is ordering His angels to protect you and help you throughout this difficult life?

2- They guide believers and lead them in their ministry for Christ (Matthew 2:13, Acts 5:19, Acts 8:26),

As a pastor, this is certainly comforting. Christ, through His Holy Spirit as well as through His angels, is helping guide me in ministry. He is doing the same for you in your homes and workplaces. He guides and directs us throughout our lives.

3 - They escort believers into heaven at the time of death (Luke 16:22).

We see this in Luke 16:22, where a man named Lazarus dies and is carried into Paradise by an angel. It is comforting to know that the Lord is ready and waiting for us. His ministering angels are always active in bringing believers who pass to meet Him after they die.

4 - They encourage believers and assist them throughout their lives (Acts 27:23-25, Hebrews 1:14, Matthew 18:10).

In Matthew 18:10 we are told that even little ones have angels watching over them. This section is oftentimes interpreted as either new believers or children. Either way, we see that God is protecting those who are His.

In a message like this, I want to be sure that we do not develop a wrong view of angels. Angels are the highest of created beings prior to our glorification after death. They are mighty and powerful. But they are not to be exalted or glorified. Their job is to serve Christ and to glorify Him.

Scripture References: Psalm 110:1, Mark 12:36, Revelation 20:7-15, Revelation 19:16

Conclusion:

As we come to a close, I pray that we have seen Christ magnified yet again. The book of Hebrews provides a beautiful Christology - or study of Christ.

A message like this needs to be studied and mediated on. I pray that you spend some time reviewing the Scripture and the message from today throughout this next week.

There are a couple of points I want you to specifically consider throughout the next week.

1 - Understanding the definition of worship more fully now, is there anything in my life that I am worshipping more than Christ?

Look up in your handout and review the definition of worship. Is there something or someone that you ascribe greater honor to than Christ? Is there someone or something that you ascribe greater devotion to than Christ?

May Christ be our number one and only object of our worship. He alone is worthy.

2 - Do I have a false view of the spiritual realm? Have I allowed the culture to cause me to have a misunderstanding of angels and the Lord Jesus?

There are plenty of books out there speaking of spiritual experiences. When my son and I were in Ohio a couple of months ago, we went into a large mainstream bookstore. We went into the religious section and found many books written on spirituality as well as many written on false gospels. Possibly even more concerning was that there many books about witchcraft and other false religions.

We live in a spiritual world. Yet, much of this spirituality is darkness and not light. Only by the Word of God and His Holy Spirit can we discern truth from falsehood.

I pray that each of us use the Word of God alone for our understanding of God and the spiritual realm. Many things are mysteries to us and they will remain so until we go to meet our Lord. But may we remain faithful to His Word and to Him as we await that beautiful time when we meet Him face to face.