"Q&A" (6)

Proposition - Proposition - This evening as we seek to get a better understanding of what Scripture says about specific topics and or questions may we engage our hearts and minds as we begin to uncover the preciousness of Scripture!

Interrogative question - What purpose does the Bible play in your day to day life?

1. What does Deuteronomy 17:16-17 mean?

Deuteronomy 17:16–17 NASB95

16 “Moreover, he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor shall he cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never again return that way.’ 17 “He shall not multiply wives for himself, or else his heart will turn away; nor shall he greatly increase silver and gold for himself.

context is key -

Who is writing?

Who is he writing to?

The ESV Study Bible (Chapter 17) 17:16–17 The warnings about too many horses and wives and too much wealth—which reflect the standard prerogatives of ancient kings in military, personal, and economic spheres—are precisely the pitfalls of Solomon (1 Kings 4:26; 10:14; 11:3–4). Here God is warning that governmental leaders will constantly face the temptation to abuse their power for the sake of personal gain, which is contrary to his will. Since Egypt was the place of slavery from which the Lord had just rescued Israel, it was prohibited for Israel to return to Egypt for help (e.g., Isa. 31:1; cf. Deut. 28:68). 17:18–20 a copy of this law. This refers probably to chs. 1–30 (see 31:9). Even the king is to be under the authority of God’s word or law (see Josh. 1:7–9). Reading and obeying the word of God trains people to fear the LORD (see note on Deut. 6:1–2). heart. See notes on 4:37–39; 6:5; 6:6. to the right hand or to the left. See Josh. 1:7 and note on Deut. 5:32–33.

Faithlife Study Bible (Chapter 17) 17:16 he may not make numerous for himself horses If the king were to form a large cavalry, such an asset would indicate he relies on self-sufficiency instead of Yahweh for the nation’s protection (compare Isa 31:1; Hos 14:3; Psa 33:16–17; Prov 21:31). you may never return God promises on several occasions that Israel will never return again to bondage (see Exod 14:13). It seems that earlier promise appears as a command in this context. 17:17 he must not acquire many wives Later Israelite history shows that large harems, especially involving foreign wives, led people to tolerate or even embrace the worship of foreign gods. The practice of royal marriages for political alliance was very common in the ancient Near East (see 1 Kgs 3:1), but for an Israelite such a practice could (and did) lead to idolatry (see 1 Kgs 11:1–10; 16:31–33).

2. Would a fallen angel be able to repent?

The Bible does not specifically address the issue of fallen angels having an opportunity to repent, but we can gain some insight from what the Bible does say. First, Satan (Lucifer) was one of the highest angels, perhaps the highest (Ezekiel 28:14). Lucifer—and all the angels—were continually in God’s presence and had knowledge of the glory of God. Therefore, they had no excuse for rebelling against God and turning away from Him. They were not tempted. Lucifer and the other angels rebelling against God despite what they knew was the utmost evil. Second, God did not provide a plan of redemption for the angels as He did for mankind. The fall of the human race necessitated an atoning sacrifice for sin, and God provided that sacrifice in Jesus Christ. In His grace, God redeemed the human race and brought glory to Himself. No such sacrifice was planned for the angels. In addition, God referred to those angels who remain faithful to Him as His “elect angels” (1 Timothy 5:21). We know from the biblical doctrine of election that those whom God elects to salvation will be saved, and nothing can separate them from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39). Clearly, those angels who rebelled were not “elect angels” of God. Finally, the Bible gives us no reason to believe that angels would repent even if God gave them the chance (1 Peter 5:8). The fallen angels seem completely devoted to opposing God and attacking God’s people. The Bible says that the severity of God’s judgment varies according to how much knowledge a person possesses (Luke 12:48). The fallen angels, then, with the great knowledge they possessed, are greatly deserving of God’s wrath. gotqeustions.org

If they have free will because they chose to follow Satan, can they repent and be reconciled with God?

No - something for you to think about (is there a difference between freewill and choice?)

Think about Romans 3:10-11 -

What is their purpose?

Biblical Doctrine: A Systematic Summary of Bible Truth (Holy Angels’ Ministries) From the time of creation (Job 38:7) to the consummation (Rev. 21:12), angels have figured prominently in executing God’s purposes. The following summaries highlight the ministries of angels to (1) God, (2) Christ, (3) Christians, (4) the church, (5) unbelievers, and (6) the nations.

GOD Angels worship and praise God (Job 38:7; Ps. 148:2; Isa. 6:1–4; Rev. 4:6–11; 5:8–13; 7:11–12). They serve God (Ps. 103:20–21; Heb. 1:7). Angels congregate as the sons of God before God (Job 1:6; 2:1) in the “assembly of the holy ones” (Ps. 89:5) and in the “council of the holy ones” (Ps. 89:7). These ministering servants also deliver messages for God. The Lord used angels to transmit his law to Moses (Acts 7:38, 53; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2), and Gabriel took God’s word to Daniel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21), Zechariah (Luke 1:19), and Mary (Luke 1:26). Angels frequently communicated to John in Revelation (Rev. 1:1–22:16). Angels served as God’s instrument of judgment on Sodom (Gen. 19:1, 12–13), and they will evict Satan and his angels at the midpoint of Daniel’s seventieth week (Rev. 12:7–9). Angels will be directly involved in the trumpet judgment (Rev. 8:6–11:19) and bowl judgments on the world (Rev. 16:1–21) during Daniel’s seventieth week.

CHRIST Angels participated in announcing Christ’s birth to Mary (Luke 1:26–38), Joseph (Matt. 1:18–23), and the shepherds (Luke 2:8–15). They protected Christ during his infancy (Matt. 2:13–15, 19–21). Angels ministered to Christ from the beginning of his public ministry (Matt. 4:11) to the end of it (Luke 22:43), and they generally ministered to Christ during his ministry on earth (John 1:51; 1 Tim. 3:16). They helped people understand Christ’s resurrection (Matt. 28:1–2, 6; Luke 24:5–8) and ascension (Acts 1:11). Hebrews 1–2 enumerates the reasons why angels minister to Christ with multiple comparisons to validate Christ’s superiority to angels. When Christ returns to earth at the rapture of the church, angels will also be active (1 Thess. 4:16). They will accompany Christ at his second advent (Matt. 25:31), gather in believers (Matt. 13:39–43; 24:31), and bring judgment on unbelievers (2 Thess. 1:7). An angel will bind and imprison Satan for the duration of Christ’s millennial kingdom (Rev. 20:1–3).

CHRISTIANS Angels minister generally to believers (Heb. 1:14), which includes rejoicing at a believer’s salvation (Luke 15:10) and providing protection (Pss. 34:7; 35:5–6; 91:11–12; Matt. 18:10) as willed by God. Since the episode of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) is most likely a parable, it should not be used with absolute certainty to argue that angels transport all believers to heaven at death (Luke 16:22).

THE CHURCH Angels can be involved in the church with regard to (1) the leadership (1 Cor. 4:9), (2) women (1 Cor. 11:10), (3) the purity of pastors (1 Tim. 5:21), and (4) their own pursuit of understanding salvation (1 Pet. 1:12).

UNBELIEVERS As Christ explains in one of his parables, angels will separate the “weeds” (unbelievers) from the “wheat” (believers) (Matt. 13:27–30, 36–43). An angel will preach the gospel to all the world during Daniel’s seventieth week (Rev. 14:6–7). They will participate in Christ’s second-coming judgment of unbelievers (Matt. 16:27; 2 Thess. 1:7).

THE NATIONS Angels serve God’s purposes for the nations in general (Dan. 10:13, 20) and for Israel in particular (Dan. 10:21; 12:1; Rev. 7:1–3). They will also specifically bring major judgment on all nations preceding Christ’s second coming (Rev. 8:6–11:19; 16:1–21).

Why did God create them?

To accomplish His plan for His honor and glory -

3. Could you please share some of your favorite Bible verses?

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4. How can we share the Word of God with others?

SO WHAT?

2 Timothy 2:15 NASB95

15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.