Angelology: Angels and Demons Angels are spiritual beings who were created by God to act as messengers to “serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation.” (Neh 9:6; Heb 1:14) They are innumerable (Rev 5:11) and have great power (Psalm 103:20). They long to have what followers of Christ have…to be united with the Father through the saving work of Jesus (1 Peter 1:12; Luke 15:10). We do not worship angels, pray to them, or seek them out. We don’t become angels when we die. On the contrary, in Christ, we become greater than the angels (Col 2:18; Rev 19:10; 1 Tim 2:5). The Only 2 Angels named in the Bible Michael – means “who is like God” Jude 9; Daniel 1:21; Rev 12 Gabriel – means “God is strong” Dan 9:21-27 explains the 70 weeks Luke 1:26-27 told Mary about Jesus Dan 8:1-16 explains the kingdoms Luke 1:11-20 told Zacharias about John Special Classes of Angels Cherubim These are the proclaimers and protectors. Ezekiel 1 and 10 describe them as having four faces like a man, lion, ox, and eagle. They have four wings and feet like a calf. Gen 3:24 guarding the Garden of Eden Ex 25:17 covering the Mercy Seat of the Ark of the Covenant Seraphim These are described as “burning ones”. They worship around the throne. They have six wings. Isaiah 6 example of them worshiping Angels Ministry to Christ Luke 1:11-19 predicted His birth Matt 2:13 protected Him in infancy Matt 4:11 ministered after temptation Luke 22:43 strengthened at Gethsemane Matt 28:2-7 announced His resurrection Acts 1:9-10 at His ascension Matt 24:31 will attend His 2nd coming Angels Ministry to Christians Psalm 34:7 An angel protected David 1 Kings 19 An angel nourished Elijah Acts 27 Spoke encouragement to Paul at sea Luke 16 Carried Lazarus to Abraham’s side Angels Relationships to non-Christians Rev 8/9 Angels sound the trumpets to initiate judgements during the tribulation Rev 16 Angels pour out the bowl of judgements on the earth Angels Remind Us that the Unseen World is Real (Acts 23:8) So many people today deny the reality of anything they cannot see, but the Biblical teaching on the existence of angels is a constant reminder to us that there is an unseen world that is very real. 2 Kings 6:17 – the angelic army sent to Dothan to protect Elisha from the Syrians Angels are Examples to Us in Worship (Acts 6:3) We Should Be Aware of Angels in our Lives (Heb 13:2) However…we do not worship angels (Col 2:18; Rev 19:10) Pray to them (1 Tim 2:5) Seek them Satan and the demons are also around While the Bible does not give many details regarding the rebellion of Satan and the fallen angels, it seems that Satan—probably the greatest of all the angels (Ezek 28:12-18)—in pride chose to rebel against God in order to seek to become his own god. Satan (Lucifer) did not want to worship or obey God; he wanted to be God (Is 14:12-14). Rev 12:4 is thought to be a figurative description of one third of the angels choosing to follow Satan in his rebellion, becoming the fallen angels—demons (Jude 6) (Luke 10). Satan is the father of lies who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. Satan and demons are not omnipotent, omnipresent, or omniscient Satan hates humanity because we look like our Good Father (Imago Dei). In other words, we are guilty by association. How do we Live in this Reality? 1 Peter 5:6-9 – Live in a posture of humility, being keenly aware of the spiritual battle around you. Resist the enemy’s schemes and stand firm. Realize that Satan is prowling around LIKE a lion. Jesus is the True Lion of Judah. James 4:7-8 – Focus on the things of God, and not on the things of the spirit world. Be wise and avoid areas that could be a portal for the enemy to get into your life (Ouiji boards, horror genre, and horoscopes). Ephesians 6:10-18 – Pray on the armor of God. Realize that there is a battle that you have the power and authority to fight in. The Holy Spirit is alive in you, and will give you discernment to fight well as you focus on the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Bible. James 2:19 – There is power in the name of Jesus. Speak His name, sing His name, worship Him. The demons believe in God, and they tremble at His name. Ephesians 3:14 – Fight for your family. Fight for your loved ones. Fight on your knees. Go to your grave fighting for them, and don’t ever give up hope.