“CHRIST SUPERIOR TO THE ANGELS”

Heb. 1:4-14

Introduction: This is a continuation of the previous lesson. We actually begin with the last point of that sermon, and find a new section being developed. The relationship of Christ to angels is being presented here, and the writer uses several passages of Scripture, mainly from the Psalms, to establish his proposition.

Let us notice in what ways Christ is “better” than angels.

I.            His Unique Relation to the Father (v. 5)

A.       “Thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee.”

1.       Quoted from Ps. 2:7.

2.       At first, we might think this was applied to the birth of Jesus of the virgin, Mary.

3.       However, Paul quoted this verse and made application to the resurrection (see Acts 13:55; Rom. 1:4).

B.       “I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son.”

1.       Quoted from 2 Sam. 7:14.

2.       Context indicates that not only Solomon, but “one greater than Solomon,” was in view when Nathan told David God’s future plans.

3.       “Great David’s greater Son” (see Mt. 1:1; 22:41- 45).

II.           He Accepts Worship from Angels. (v.6)

A.       “Let all the angels of God worship him.”

1.        Angels were not allowed to receive worship from men. (Rev. 19:10; 22:8,9).

2.        But even the angels were bidden to worship Jesus. (Lk. 2:12,15).

B.      This shows Jesus’ divine nature.

 1.       We must worship only God (Mt. 4:10; Deut. 6:13).

                         2.       But, we must worship Christ, and he expects and receives our worship.

3.       Therefore, Jesus is deity.

III.         The Son is Given A Throne and a Kingdom

A.       The angels are ministering servants.

1.       “Angel” means “messenger”.

2.       The angels served as messengers for God throughout the O.T., and in the N.T.

B.      However, no angel was ever promised a throne or dominion over a Kingdom!

 1.       “Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever.”

2.       Quoted from Ps. 45:6,7.

3.       It was promised to Mary that “the holy child” she would deliver would “inherit the throne of his father David.” (Lk. 1:32).

C.      Also, this testifies to his deity.

IV.       The Son Took Part in the Creation (vv. 10—12).

            A.      Quoted from Ps. 102:25ff.

1.       See Heb. 1:2b.

2.       Col. 1:16.

3.       Jn. 1:1-4.

4.       Gen. 1:26.

              B.      No angel had a part, for they also were created!

V.        The Son is Honored at God’s Right Hand. (vv. 15,14).

A.      Quoted from Ps. 110:1.

B.      The “right hand” is the seat of honor, respect, and authority.

1.       The angels worship God, and sing to him, and are portrayed as “court servants” (see Isa. 6:1ff; Rev. 5, etc.).

2.       The Son sits in God’s presence!

C.      He occupies the highest possible station!