Pastor’s Pen Pulpit Series: Angels

July 30, 2006

A STUDY OF ANGELS IN THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

Conclusion

In our former three studies in the Epistle to the Hebrews we have studied what the book has to say about elect angels – or the angels of God. In the final study in this series, we will look at another type of angel that is seen in Hebrews.

The Book of Hebrews reveals the presence of a non-elect angel.

His Designation - This non-elect angel is revealed in at least two ways: “Him who had the power of death”(2:14); and the devil (2:14).

His Personality - This angel is clearly seen to be a distinct personality as seen in the personal pronoun “him” (2:14); his ingenuity as reflected in his title, “devil” which means “slanderer.”

His Character - The character of this one is seen as both destructive, “had the power of death” (2:14); and deceiving.

His Defeat - The defeat of this non-elect angel is brought about by the death of Jesus Christ (2:14,15). This defeat fundamentally guarantees his place in the lake of fire as well as depriving him of his authority over the church (2:14).

By way of application - To learn how you and I as believers in Jesus Christ may gain victory over this enemy of the Gospel, it is essential that we learn how Jesus dealt with him in his personal attacks. We see this in the record in Matthew 4:1-11.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And after He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He then became hungry. And the tempter came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” But He answered and said, “It is written, MAN SHALL NOT LIVE ON BREAD ALONE, BUT ON EVERY WORD THAT PROCEEDS OUT OF THE MOUTH OF GOD.” Then the devil took Him into the holy city; and had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple and said to Him “if you are the Son of God throw Yourself down; for it is written, ”HE WILL GIVE HIS ANGELS CHARGE CONCERNING YOU; and ON THEIR HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, LEST YOU STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.” Jesus said to him, “ON THE OTHER HAND, IT IS WRITTEN, YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.” Again the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and all their glory; And he said to Him, “All these things will I give You, if you fall down and worship me. Then Jesus said to him, “Begone, Satan! For it is written, YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD. AND SERVE HIM ONLY.” Then the devil left Him; and behold, the angels came and began to minister to Him.

Temptation within itself is not a sin. Jesus was tempted in every way, just as we are yet He was without sin. A misunderstanding of this fact defeats many believers before they begin resisting temptation. A false guilt grips them and they lose the battle before they begin to fight it.

All people go through temptation. Even Jesus as a man experienced temptation. However, Jesus taught us how to win over temptation by meeting temptation with appropriate Scriptures. We are often tempted at our weakest point. Jesus went forty days and forty nights without food. He was very hungry. This is one of the areas where the devil tempted Him.

As Jesus was tempted to fall down and worship Satan, so we too are tempted to substitute something else in the place of God.

As Jesus was tempted to jump off the pinnacle of the temple – sometimes we are tempted to do stupid things in order to gain attention from others.

Temptation often follows a highpoint in our life. In Jesus’ case His baptism preceded His temptation.

Also temptation often precedes something we are about to accomplish for God. Jesus was about to begin His ministry to mankind who was held in slavery by sin and Satan. THIS SATAN DID NOT LIKE! However, we have the same resource as Jesus: IT IS WRITTEN!

All of His replies to the devil were from the Book of Deuteronomy. Interestingly enough one of the books attacked most by critics of the Bible is the Book of Deuteronomy. Does that tell us something?

Why is the work of angels important? It does not appear from Scripture that angels are included in the plan of salvation. However, it is necessary, I think, for us to learn how God uses all of His created beings to minister within he scope of His great plan for the human race. He accomplishes many things through the agency of angelic beings. Personally, I think it would be profitable to do a comprehensive study on the subject of angels.

God bless until next time when we resume our study in Romans