Angels and Demons
Angels and Demons • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Before we delve into today’s topic, I want to spend a little time playing True or False.
True or False?
True or False?
Eve gave Adam an apple in the garden when they sinned by eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
Eve gave Adam an apple in the garden when they sinned by eating the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
False
False
Let’s start in the beginning, or just after – with forbidden fruit, but not necessarily an apple. Genesis 3:6 talks of “the fruit of the tree”.
Apples are not the only fruit: the non-canonical Book of Enoch says the fruit resembled grapes, Michelangelo painted a fig, and some Greek classicists prefer a pomegranate. If I had to pick a fruit, I would choose a mango.
Jonah was swallowed by a whale.
Jonah was swallowed by a whale.
False
False
Despite what Veggie Tales taught you, the Bible never explicitly says it was a whale that swallowed the runaway prophet. Some translations of Jonah 1:17 and Matthew 12:40 use the word “whale,” but the original language (דָּ֣ג גָּד֔וֹל in Hebrew, κήτους in Greek) simply means “great fish.”
It could’ve been a whale. But if a grouper can swallow a shark whole, I’m sure God could find a fish big enough for Jonah.
More closely related to today’s topic…
When people die, they get their angel wings.
When people die, they get their angel wings.
False
False
While this is often a phrase used to comfort those who have lost loved ones, it is important to understand that there is a significant difference between humans and angels. We want to be sensitive to people, and we certainly do not want to correct them during a time of grief. However, please understand that this concept is not from the Bible.
It actually goes back to an 18th-century Swedish mystic and philosopher named Emanuel Swedenborg, who taught that all angels and demons were once human.
It was then popularized again in several movies and TV shows over the last century, with “It’s a Wonderful Life” perhaps being one of the more popular ones. In the movie, they would say, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” Clarence Oddbody, who was once human and is now an AS2 (angel second class), was working to get his wings.
The reason I bring up these True and False statements is again to emphasize the importance of getting our theological truths from the Bible and the Bible alone.
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.
But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,
For the “You Asked For It” series, the topic of Angels came up. However, I felt it would be good to preach not only on good Angels but also on the bad angels, otherwise known as Satan and his demons.
The goal is to cover as much as we can on Angels today, and then on Satan and demons next week.
This morning, I want to try to answer a list of questions we must ask ourselves as we look into the subject, whether good or bad angels…
Do Angels Exist?
Do Angels Exist?
And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon. The dragon and his angels waged war,
and they were not strong enough, and there was no longer a place found for them in heaven.
And the great dragon was thrown down, the serpent of old who is called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.
There are multiple accounts of angels throughout the bible.
The word for angel in Hebrew is (mal’ak), and in Greek it is (angelos), which translates as messenger.
Angels are mentioned in the Old Testament more than 100 times.
For example, if you recall the story of Lot, two angels came to rescue him and his family from Sodom. “Now the two angels came to Sodom in the evening as Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom.” (Gen. 19:1a NASB)
Angels are mentioned 165 times in the New Testament.
For example, after the Devil’s failed attempt to tempt Jesus in the wilderness, the scriptures say, “Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and beganto minister to Him.” (Matt. 4:11 NASB)
Since, according to the Bible, angels exist...
When were they created?
When were they created?
There is some debate about the exact creation date of angels. What we do know, however, is that angels were created and witnessed creation with awe and praise for the creator.
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; Praise Him in the heights!
Praise Him, all His angels; Praise Him, all His hosts!
Praise Him, sun and moon; Praise Him, all stars of light!
Praise Him, highest heavens, And the waters that are above the heavens!
Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created.
For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him.
The Bible is very clear that God created all things… but the book of Job gives us insight that the angels, although created by God, may have had the opportunity to witness God create everything else.
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? … When the morning stars sang together And all the sons of God shouted for joy?
Since Angels exist and were created, the next question we must ask is…
What are Angels Like?
What are Angels Like?
They are not how they are portrayed in a lot of Renaissance art, where they are depicted as chubby babies with wings, nor are they Cupid flying around shooting arrows of love.
John Grudem a theologian and writer of Systematic Theology says, “We may define angels as follows: angels are created spiritual beings with moral judgment and high intelligence but without physical bodies.”
Angels possess intelligence, emotions, and will. These traits are true of both good and evil angels (demons).
In Luke 8, the story of the legion of demons cast into the pigs shows their fear of what Jesus would do to them.
Jude 1:6 speaks of the angels who chose to rebel against God and follow Satan.
Sometimes they would take on human form. Usually they appear as males, although there is some possibility that angels also appear as females.
Then I lifted up my eyes and looked, and there two women were coming out with the wind in their wings; and they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah between the earth and the heavens.
While they often took on human form, this was not always the case. Their appearances varied widely, and Angels would often use the phrase “fear not” or “do not be afraid” when interacting with humans.
And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow.
The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men.
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified.
Much like the angel who rolled the stone away from the tomb, they are often described as having superhuman characteristics. (e.g., Dan. 10:5-7; Rev. 10:1-3, 15:6; Isa. 6:2, 6; Ezek. 1:5-8).
I saw another strong angel coming down out of heaven, clothed with a cloud; and the rainbow was upon his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire;
Sometimes they carry weapons such as a “Sword.”
When the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand, the donkey turned off from the way and went into the field; but Balaam struck the donkey to turn her back into the way.
Okay, so far we know Angels exist, were created, and we know a little about what they are like. The last logical question we must ask is…
What do Angels do?
What do Angels do?
As I mentioned earlier, the Hebrew and Greek word for angels translates to "messenger." However, the duties of angels are much broader than just being messengers.
While the Bible often describes the number of angels as myriads and myriads, only 2 angels are mentioned by name in the Bible. Michael and Gabriel.
Michael the Archangel - Warrior
Michael fights the Demon, the prince of the kingdom of Persia, in Daniel 10:13, 21.
Fights Satan over Moses’ body in Jude 9.
Defeats Satan and his demons, driving them out of heaven in Revelation 12:7-8.
Gabriel - Messenger
Provides Daniel with understanding and instruction in Daniel 8:16.
In Luke 1:19, he tells Zacharias that Elizabeth will have a son and that they are to call him John.
In Luke 1:26-27, he tells Mary that she is going to become pregnant and that she is to call her son Jesus.
Other than the special tasks that seem to be assigned to Michael and Gabriel, the duties of Angels would seem to fall into six primary categories.
The first category concerns God. Angels’ primary ministry, above all else, is to worship and praise God (e.g., Ps. 148:1-2; Isa. 6:3; Heb. 1:6; Rev. 5:8-13).
Seraphim stood above Him, each having six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.
And one called out to another and said, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.”
They rejoice in His works (e.g., Job 38:6-7). They serve God in whatever capacity is needed, including carrying out judgments (e.g., Ps. 103:20; Rev. 7:1; 8:2; 22:9).
Scripture indicates they appear before God for specific tasks (e.g., Job 1:6; 2:1).
I believe their primary role above all else is to bring glory to God in endless worship and service to Him.
Secondly, angels seem to always appear for NEW EPOCHS or AGES.
They worshiped and praised at creation; they were involved in the giving of the Mosaic Law; they were very active during the early years of the church; and they will be heavily involved in the end times (e.g., Job 38:6-7; Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2; Matt. 1:20; 4:11; Acts 8:26; 10:3, 7; 12:11; Matt. 25:31; 1 Thess. 4:16).
Third, angels were specifically involved in THE LIFE OF CHRIST. They announced His birth, warned Mary and Joseph of Herod’s decree, ministered to Christ after Satan’s temptation, announced His resurrection, and will accompany Christ at the second coming (e.g., Luke 2:8-15; Matt. 2:13-15; Luke 22:43; Matt. 28:5-6; Luke 24:5-7; Matt. 25:31; 2 Thess. 1:7).
Fourth, they are involved with the NATIONS AND GOVERNMENTS.
God placed Michael as a guardian over the nation of Israel. We see this in Daniel 12:1.
They watch over rulers of nations, influence human leaders, and will administer God’s judgments on the nations (e.g., Dan. 10:21; 11:1; 12:1; Rev. 8:9-16).
Sennacherib the king of Assyria had deified God, so in response God sent 1 angel to deal with him…
Then it happened that night that the angel of the Lord went out and struck 185,000 in the camp of the Assyrians; and when men rose early in the morning, behold, all of them were dead.
Fifth, regarding the UNRIGHTEOUS THOSE WHO ARE NOT SAVED,
they will announce the coming judgment, carry it out, and separate the righteous from the unrighteous (e.g., Gen. 19:13; Rev. 14:6-7; 16:1; 19:17-18; Acts 12:23; Matt. 13:39-40).
Billy Graham says, “While angels will play an important role in executing the judgment of God on those who refuse Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, yet at the same time the Bible informs us that they also rejoice in the salvation of sinners.”
“In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
The sixth and last category concerns THE CHURCH/BELIEVERS.
Scripture teaches that angels help believers, facilitate the communication of truth, bring answers to prayers, assist in winning people to Christ, observe the work of believers, encourage, and are present at death (e.g., Heb. 1:14; Dan. 7:15-27; 8:13-26; 9:20-27; Rev. 1:1; 22:6-8; Acts 8:26; 10:3; 12:5-10; 27:23-24; 1 Cor. 4:9; 11:10; Eph. 3:10; 1 Pet. 1:12; Luke 16:22).
Guardian Angel?
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
o Story of Mom and Dad
Here is the take home…, the most important part of this whole sermon.
Based on the information I provided you this morning, we have just scratched the surface. It is clear that angels are incredible creatures created by God. They are powerful and possess incredible intellect, but they are not human.
Unlike the Angels, you were created in the Image of God.
Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”
God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
God values you so much that you will even be part of judging the angels.
Do you not know that we will judge angels?
When God created the Angels, He spoke them into being, just like the rest of creation, but when God created man, He took His time. He formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him.
Yes, angels are awesome and interesting to study, but remember you are far greater than the angels.
God made you exactly as you are!
You are special in His sight.
Jesus did not come to earth to save the angels; no, He came so that He could die on the cross, be buried, and rise again on the third day, defeating death and sin for you.
Let’s pray
