lesson two - angels - jesusintherealworld.org
Transcription
lesson two - angels - jesusintherealworld.org
Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven.” Luke 10:20 Lesson II: 26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” Luke 1:26-28 Most of us are well aware that the story of Jesus begins with a visitation of a supernatural, spiritual being named Gabriel, who is sent by God specifically to Mary, a young virgin who is humble, devoted and a servant of God. This being is referred to as an “angel”. You may have noticed that angels are mentioned many times throughout the entirety of the Scriptures. Endless theories put forth by endless sources seek to educate and enlighten us as to the role of angels in our lives. But for the Christian, there is only one reliable and trustworthy source of information concerning angels. The Bible. 1 In following the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus, His exposure and experience in spiritual, supernatural events and how He dealt with them, we begin our study on spiritual warfare with an in-depth look at angels. What are angels? What is their nature? What purpose do they serve? What is their role in the existence and daily lives of humanity? What is the extent of our interaction with angels? Time Magazine once noted, “if there is such a thing as a universal idea, common across most cultures and throughout the centuries, the belief in angels comes close to it.” Leading philosopher Mortimer Adler, editor of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Says. “Angels are more fascinating that any other science fiction, or the concept of UFOs. Why is that? Angelic interventions have and continue to help shape the course of human existence. Directly, and indirectly, angels have appeared in every culture and civilization. There have been innumerable “angelic encounters” good and evil throughout history. Angels have also played a role in every human world religion. From the angelic announcement to Mary of the birth of Jesus, to the angelic revelation of the Koran to Mohammed, to the angelic guidance received by Joseph Smith of the location of the “golden plates” that were to be translated to the Book of Mormon. The interest in angels has resurged so strongly in today’s society as to be labeled a “craze.” Polls indicate a meteoric rise in the popularity of angels. Almost three out of every 4 Americans believe in angels. This adds up to more than 300 million. Worldwide it exceeds over three billion. Every year the American Conference on Angels holds it meetings. You can join angel themed organizations such as: Angel Watch Network The Angels Collectors Club of America National Organization of Angel Lovers angel-only boutiques, angel newsletters and magazines, angel seminars and college-level courses, angel T-shirts, calendars, postcards, sunglasses, jewelry, and an angel Broadway play. 2 Moreover, according to Publishers Weekly, at one time during 1993 five of the ten best-selling paperback books were about angels. Angels are seen as everything from mighty messengers/ soldiers dispatched by God and are awesome, powerful and fearful creatures, to the new age versions of benevolent spirits, chubby cherubs, spirit guides and supernatural companions available to everyone like aspirin. Angels enlighten, teach, heal, rescue, bring good luck and fortune, and just about anything else you need them to do. Books on angels come with all manner of titles and subjects: Devotion to Holy Angels; 100 Ways To Attract Angels; Know Your Guardian Angel; Ask Your Angels, Commune With The Angels; Creating With The Angels; Angel Voices; The Angels Within Us, Angel Therapy Handbook. Your Angle’s Names; Angel Tarot Cards; Angelspeak, How to Speak With Your Angels and countless others… Why are we going to spend this precious time of our lives discussing angels? Glad you asked. Intense Interest in spirituality, the occult and supernatural in it’s various forms, is at an all time high. While people are avoiding religion in it’s many forms, they seek supernatural answers from the most unconventional, and untraditional sources. The more unusual and weirder, it seems, the better. Religion in the world today is a salad bar where people heap on upbeat beliefs they like and often leave the veggies - like strict doctrines - behind. The existence of angels seems to point to the existence of God. The idea of a race of supernatural, spiritual super beings existing and functioning all around us brings to mind some of the deepest personal questions humanity asks throughout history. If angels exist, then a spiritual universe exists, which in turn carries us back to profound questions about God as the Creator, and related philosophical issues such as who am I? what is the purpose of my existence? What happens when I die? 3 People inherently believe or want to believe in angels. Today angels are far from being ignored. In theater, television, literature, film art and music, angels are back in the popular mind and culture, even among skeptics. Angels seem to provide answers to the meaning of life. Think of it like spirituality or religion “light.” While many people are not willing to attend a church, open a bible, or make the effort to sort out truth and lies, fact or fiction, angels seem to provide a lighter, a seemingly more agreeable faith that does not require anything in return. Since angels are thought to play vital roles in providing humanity with life’s answers, there is a vast movement teaching that angels reside with us, within us, and are waiting for us to use them to tap into our human potential, enhance creativity, gain success in all aspects of our lives, relationships, business etc., provide psychological healing and fulfillment, along with spiritual self-enlightenment. Not to mention the things people seem to need most… Assurance; love & guidance. Angels seem very eager to interact with us. The Scriptures tell us they are curious creatures, 1 Peter 1:12: Hebrews 13:2 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven—things into which angels long to look. (does this apply to fallen angels as well?) They are assigned to protect us… Psalm 91:11-12 11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a stone. 12 They They were created to obey God and minister to us…Hebrews 1:13-14 to which of the angels has He ever said, “SIT AT MY RIGHT HAND, UNTIL I MAKE YOUR ENEMIES A FOOTSTOOL FOR YOUR FEET”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? 13 But To much of society, they seem to provide the kind of spirituality they desperately need and want; approval from a higher power; (the Creator perhaps?) a purpose and significance to their lives, and justification for all the decisions and actions in their lives. ….things we all seem to instinctively want………………………..BUT 4 without all the hindrances of absolute truth, personal obligations, moral shackles and the perceived restrictions to human freedoms, desires and indulgences…a “no-fault” spirituality if you will? The idea of angels seems to convey the assumption that they can only be and do good for us. Think of the disparity between the belief in angels, but the denial of a personal devil? People convinced of this will seek out and try any kind of contact or experience with these beings. How can contacting them be a risk and anything but a positive, enlightening experience? So that the well-equipped saint can know the difference and not be deceived by the counterfeits and their lies! Jesus warns us that “false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” Matthew 24:24 . The Apostle Paul tells us that “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 8 Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; 9 that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, 10 and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, 12 in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” How difficult would it be to present a delusion so huge and overwhelming it could deceive even the most rock-solid believer in todays world? DO NOT KID YOURSELVES! The framework for many cosmic-class deceptions are already in place. The foundations being laid brick by brick, for countless ages, or from the “Incident at Eden” to be most precise. What are they? evolution; ghosts; psychic powers; UFO’s or proof of life on other planets, Humanism, false religions and spiritual experiences (Angels) every aspect of the New Age. (Just to name a few.) 5 the Bible tells us Satan and his fallen angels will not always approach us in the most scariest, obviously demonic attacks we see in the movies…13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds. 2 Corinthians 11:13-16 But their teachings will be in direct contradiction to the Scriptures… Galatians 1:6-9 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed! Is it possible, as Jesus spoke of, for the “elect” to be deceived? I believe it is, but this is strictly up to you. God has promised us a few times in the Scriptures He has given us everything we need to recognize and resist the lie… Ephesians 1:3-4 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. 2 Peter 1:2-3 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; 3 seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ 6 Blessed Saint… have you taken a hold of “everything” God has given you to recognize and resist? Regrettably, from new Christians to seasoned saints…many do not even know what this means. Angels appear throughout the Bible from Genesis to Revelation with over 300 references to them in the Old and New Testaments. This doesn’t include synonyms such as “sons of God”, “holy ones’”, “morning stars”, Cherubim, Seraphim, ‘ministering spirit”, “watchers” etc. In the church we don’t speak very often of angels, why? Because they are doing their jobs right! We are not to actively seek out, direct prayers or any type of spiritual activity towards biblical angels. While worldly angels and new age angels want to be the focus of our lives, to be studied, channeled, prayed to, worshipped and sought out for all our human problems, biblical angels never sought or brought any attention to themselves. They quickly resisted any attempt by anyone to bow down and worship. Perhaps still traumatized by the first angel ever to seek out praise and worship for himself? Colossians 2:18 tells us… 18 Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. Revelation 19:10 10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.” It must be really hard to resist the urge to fall on your face, because John makes the same mistake again in Revelation 22:8-9… 8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 7 9 But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!” This is in sharp contrast to the reactions of the so-called angels channeled by mediums and psychics, who throughout the years made a name for themselves and became celebrities all over the world, writing books, conducting seminars and counseling people. Their angels demanded worship and obedience, eventually bringing unbearable oppression and torment upon their human instruments. Many came to Christ and have been rescued, and have written books about their experiences. We can’t really blame John for his reaction! When face to face with an incredible supernatural power, a spiritual being, how would you react? How would we know? This is why we need to continuously be filled by the Spirit of God, prayed up and prepared at all times. Only the Holy Spirit can help us discern the spirits and defend ourselves against these forces, whether they come at us directly, with a display of supernatural power, or subtly, through deceit and manipulation, our loyalties and attentions are continuously being challenged and directed away from God. Do you really think this is simply by accident? (4397/4398 Hebrew concordance NASB) is the Hebrew word used in the Old Testament translated to “angel”. It literally means a messenger; an angel; ambassadors or envoys. (47 in Hebrew concordance NASB) is translated “angels” only once in Psalm 78:25. Man did eat the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance. This refers to angels as mighty, valiant, strong ones. (32a in the Greek concordance NASB) is used primarily for angels in the New Testament. It translates to messenger; angel or angels; angel’s; angelic; from the root word “aggello” to announce or report. (31b) The Greek word “agellia” is a message. (31a) 8 (2465 in Greek concordance NASB) Is only found once in Luke 20:36; they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. It means equal to angels, or like angels. 36 for These terms in the Old and New testaments can apply to both men or spirits, so the context in which it is used determines if it is used for a human or angelic messenger. When were Angels created? Scholars and theologians suggest that angels did not always exist, and were created some time prior to creation. Nehemiah 9:6 tells us, “You alone are the Lord. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You. And in Psalm 148: 5-6: 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, For He commanded and they were created. 6 He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree which will not pass away. Angels are not born to angels. We never see references to “sons of angels.” Angels are referred to as “sons of God” in the sense that they are a direct creation of His hand. Angels do not procreate and any source that claims they do comes from outside the scriptures. Human beings do not become angels when they die. It seems to be a common belief in popular culture, maybe even the majority opinion. It is the premise of movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, TV shows like Highway to Heaven, and scores of other types of media. Art, film, music etc. We might state the proposition as: “All morally good humans become angels when they die.” Or, “All angels were once humans.” We could chalk it up to wishful thinking and sentimentality on the part of some who do not have a solid biblical grasp on this subject. As it is most often formulated, it seems to be a thoroughly modern belief. It is most assuredly not the official position of any Christian church of which I am aware. But does the Bible imply it? 9 There are a handful of New Testament texts that compare humans to angels. In Mark 12:25 Jesus states…“For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.” Obviously, Jesus is not teaching that the righteous become angels. First, he explicitly says they are merely “like” angels. Second, the righteous are also explicitly in possession of physical bodies, since he is describing what happens “when they rise from the dead.” Third, in the context of the Sadducees’ hypothetical puzzle of a widow who had been married to multiple husbands in life, the point of the comparison is explicitly with the fact that neither angels nor resurrected saints participate in the institution of marriage. Still, the fact remains that a comparison can be made between the final state of the righteous dead and the nature of angels. Perhaps this was enough to set the stage to propose the idea that death equates to a human to angelic transformation. More to the point is a minority interpretation of a couple of other passages. Matthew 18:10 says, “Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.” Acts 12:12-15 describes how Peter, fresh from his escape from prison (with angelic assistance) flees to safety: As soon as he realized [that it wasn't just a dream], he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many had gathered and were praying. When he knocked at the outer gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer. On recognizing Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that, instead of opening the gate, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gate. They said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she insisted that it was so. They said, “It is his angel.” Scripture clearly distinguishes humans from angels. Psalm 8:5 tells us 5 Yet You have made him a little lower than God, and You crown him with glory and majesty! Humans will judge angels… 1 Corinthians 6:3 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? ~ Do you think this kinda scares them a little bit? ; ) ~ 10 Angels minister to humans… Hebrews 1:14 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation? There are different organizations and ranks of angels in the Bible. We will not go into detail. You can find in-depth descriptions and listings from Christian to satanic, sacred to profane on the internet. The Bible tells us in Colossians 1:16… 16 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. Ephesians 1:18-21 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might 20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. What do the terms principalities, powers, thrones, and dominions mean in these passages and other such verses? In the Jewish mindset and in a majority consensus among Rabbi from the first century on, these referred to the classifications in the spiritual realm of angels, fallen or otherwise. These names do not point to different kinds of angels, but simply the differences of position and function among them. The Scriptures speak of other angels who have varying levels of authority and purpose. These include Archangels, Cherubim and Seraphim. The Archangel seems to be the highest ranking of all. (“arche” means first) Seraphim & Cherubim rank very high, and we are never told how they relate to the other angels. The very first Bible reference to a supernatural, spiritual being describes Cherubim on a divine mission to guard the tree of life from humans who had fallen into sin……… 11 : “After he [God] drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life” Genesis 3:24 Interesting to note that Ezekiel (28) refers to Satan as the “Cherub who covers” which makes Satan one of the angels who sat at each side of the mercy seat, wings outstretched, protecting the holiness of God, making his rebellion all the more significant and serious. Angels are uncountable. Bibldad the Shumite asks the question in Job 25:2-3… 1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered, 2 “Dominion and awe belong to Him who establishes peace in His heights. 3 “Is there any number to His troops? And upon whom does His light not rise? Thomas Aquinas speculates there are much more angels than human beings. A man referred to as Saint Albert the Great fixed the number at 399,920,004. Medieval Jewish Kabbalists set the number at 301,655,722. Clement of Alexandria suggests there are as many angels as stars in the heavens. This is based on the idea that angels are associated with the stars of heaven. This could run into the billions. Job 38:7 7 When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Scripture never tells us precisely how many angels there are, but does indicate their numbers are vast. Luke 2:12-14 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” Angels are spoken of as being in the tens of thousands in Revelation 5:11 11 Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the living creatures and the elders; and the number of them was myriads of myriads, and thousands of thousands, The word “myriad” means vast number, innumerable. 12 In the Old Testament angels accomplished the Father’s will and did nothing apart from Him. It is greatly significant that two angelic names given to us in the Scriptures emphasize their relationship to God. Both names end in “el”, which in the Hebrew means God. Michael means “Who is like God?” Gabriel means “Mighty one of God”. Delivering God’s Word Genesis 16:7,9 Now the angel of the LORD found her by a spring of water in the wilderness, by the spring on the way to Shur; then the angel of the LORD said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself to her authority.” Ministering To God’s servants Genesis 24:40 He said to me, ‘The LORD, before whom I have walked, will send His angel with you to make your journey successful, and you will take a wife for my son from my relatives and from my father’s house; 1 Kings 19:5, 7 He lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, there was an angel touching him, and he said to him, “Arise, eat.” The angel of the LORD came again a second time and touched him and said, “Arise, eat, because the journey is too great for you.” 2 Kings 1:3, 15 But the angel of the LORD said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron?’ The angel of the LORD said to Elijah, “Go down with him; do not be afraid of him.” So he arose and went down with him to the king. Exodus 23:20, 23, 34 “Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared; For My angel will go before you and bring you in to the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will completely destroy them; But go now, lead the people where I told you. Behold, My angel shall go before you; nevertheless in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin.” 13 Numbers 20:16 But when we cried out to the LORD, He heard our voice and sent an angel and brought us out from Egypt; now behold, we are at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory. Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. Psalm 103:20 Bless the LORD, you His angels, Mighty in strength, which perform His word, obeying the voice of His word! Isaiah 63:9 In all their affliction He was afflicted, And the angel of His presence saved them; In His love and in His mercy He redeemed them, And He lifted them and carried them all the days of old. Daniel 3:28 Nebuchadnezzar responded and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him, violating the king’s command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God. Daniel 6:22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” To execute judgment Exodus 12:12-13, 23-24 12 For I will go through the land of Egypt on that night, and will strike down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments—I am the LORD. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live; and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and no plague will befall you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 23 For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two doorposts, the LORD will 14 pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. 24 And you shall observe this event as an ordinance for you and your children forever. Exodus 32:34 But go now, lead the people where I told you. Behold, My angel shall go before you; nevertheless in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin.” 2 Kings 19:35 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. 1 Chronicles 21:12 either three years of famine, or three months to be swept away before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the LORD, even pestilence in the land, and the angel of the LORD destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’ Now, therefore, consider what answer I shall return to Him who sent me.” 1 Chronicles 21:15 And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it; but as he was about to destroy it, the LORD saw and was sorry over the calamity, and said to the destroying angel, “It is enough; now relax your hand.” And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 1 Chronicles 21:27 The LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back in its sheath. 1 Chronicles 21:30 But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was terrified by the sword of the angel of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel who destroyed every mighty warrior, commander and officer in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned in shame to his own land. And when he had entered the temple of his god, some of his own children killed him there with the sword. Psalm 78:49 He sent upon them His burning anger, Fury and indignation and trouble, a band of destroying angels. 15 Listen to King David’s prayer for a moment…Psalm 35:4-6 Let those be ashamed and dishonored who seek my life; Let those be turned back and humiliated who devise evil against me. 5 Let them be like chaff before the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them on. 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, with the angel of the LORD pursuing them. Why emphasize this negative aspect of angels? God uses angels in every aspect of spiritual warfare. We dismiss the power of God’s holy angels, we dismiss the power of God. We have redefined angels as we have attempted to redefine God. We do not fear God’s angels, so we do not fear Satan's. We are deceived into going against Satan and his angels with our own puny resources. This is why many tend to dismiss the power of the Holy Spirit in dealing with fallen angels and all their power, deceptions and attacks. We do not sense or feel the urgency, intensity and absolute reliance on God and His grace and mercy for our survival. We do not acknowledge, understand and accept the extent of our daily need and dependence on God. We truly feel we are up to any task, any challenge and can handle anything thrown at us. Now think carefully about the extent of angelic powers? Faithful or fallen? If God did not provide daily by hourly by second to second protection, how long could we last? Are you beginning to grasp at least this first foundational principle of spiritual warfare? Just who is the “angel of the Lord” we read about constantly in the Old Testament? The appearance of this particular angel is unique in the way the angel speaks and it’s attributes. It sets itself apart, speaks for God in the first person, and commands obedience and worship? Just who is this angel? 16 Most biblical scholars define these appearances as the pre-incarnate appearances of Jesus. Since the trinity is present in the Old Testament, with the obvious presence of the Father and the Holy Spirit, this angel’s particular characteristics fall well within the nature and work of Jesus. While the issue can be debated, it is not critical that we accept this or believe it for salvation purposes. Exodus 3 - The Burning Bush 3 Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 The angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, yet the bush was not consumed. 3 So Moses said, “I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.” 4 When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then He said, “Do not come near here; remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 He said also, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God. Numbers 22:22-34 22 But God was angry because he was going, and the angel of the LORD took his stand in the way as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey and his two servants were with him. 23 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. 24 Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path of the vineyards, with a wall on this side and a wall on that side. 25 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed herself to the wall and pressed Balaam’s foot against the wall, so he struck her again. 26 The angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place where there was no way to turn to the right hand or the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam; so Balaam was angry and struck the donkey with his stick. 28 And the LORD opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 17 29 Then Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have made a mockery of me! If there had been a sword in my hand, I would have killed you by now.” 30 The donkey said to Balaam, “Am I not your donkey on which you have ridden all your life to this day? Have I ever been accustomed to do so to you?” And he said, “No.” 31 Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way with his drawn sword in his hand; and he bowed all the way to the ground. 32 The angel of the LORD said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I have come out as an adversary, because your way was contrary to me. 33 But the donkey saw me and turned aside from me these three times. If she had not turned aside from me, I would surely have killed you just now, and let her live.” 34 Balaam said to the angel of the LORD, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you were standing in the way against me. Now then, if it is displeasing to you, I will turn back.” Judges 5:13-15 13 Now it came about when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, a man was standing opposite him with his sword drawn in his hand, and Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” 14 He said, “No; rather I indeed come now as captain of the host of the LORD.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and bowed down, and said to him, “What has my lord to say to his servant?” 15 The captain of the LORD’S host said to Joshua, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. Judges 2:1 Now the angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim. And he said, “I brought you up out of Egypt and led you into the land which I have sworn to your fathers; and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you…” Judges 6:21-22 Then the angel of the LORD put out the end of the staff that was in his hand and touched the meat and the unleavened bread; and fire sprang up from the rock and consumed the meat and the unleavened bread. Then the angel of the LORD vanished from his sight. When Gideon saw that he was the angel of the LORD, he said, “Alas, O Lord GOD! For now I have seen the angel of the LORD face to face.” Is Jesus the “Angel of the Lord” spoken of in 1 Chronicles 21? Can we accept this radical picture of Jesus? 18 1 Chronicles 21:15-16, 18, 20, 27 And God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it; but as he was about to destroy it, the LORD saw and was sorry over the calamity, and said to the destroying angel, “It is enough; now relax your hand.” And the angel of the LORD was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. Then David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the LORD standing between earth and heaven, with his drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, covered with sackcloth, fell on their faces. Then the angel of the LORD commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up and build an altar to the LORD on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. Now Ornan turned back and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. And Ornan was threshing wheat. The LORD commanded the angel, and he put his sword back in its sheath. Having a hard time thinking of our Lord Jesus, meek and mild, waging war and executing God’s wrath? Matthew 10:34 “Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” Revelation 19:11-16 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems; and He has a name written on Him which no one knows except Himself. 13 He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15 From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16 And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” Jesus tells us HE can call on angels…Matthew 26:52-53 52 Then Jesus *said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 19 2 Thessalonians 1:7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire… Angels are extremely active in fulfilling all of God’s purposes and commands. Starting with our Lord Jesus. We see very specific instances where angels perform their special tasks in ministering to our Savior throughout His entire life and ministry. Proclaiming Jesus’ birth…Luke 2:8-15 8 In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.” 15 When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” Providing and protecting Jesus’ family…Matthew 1:18-25 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows: when His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. 19 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. 21 She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this took place to fulfill what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet: 20 23 “BEHOLD, SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL,” which translated means, “GOD WITH US.” 24 And Joseph awoke from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord commanded him, and took Mary as his wife, 25 but kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus. THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A Matthew 2:13-15 13 Now when they had gone, behold, an angel of the Lord *appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” 14 So Joseph got up and took the Child and His mother while it was still night, and left for Egypt. 15 He remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet: “OUT OF EGYPT I CALLED MY SON.” Ministering to Jesus Himself in the hardest moments of His life…His 40 day fast… Matthew 4:11 11 Then the devil *left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him. The Garden of Gethsemane… Luke 22:40-43 40 When He arrived at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.” 41 And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and He knelt down and began to pray, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me; yet not My will, but Yours be done.” 43 Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. At Jesus’ resurrection - Matthew 28:2-7 2 And behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came and rolled away the stone and sat upon it. 3 And his appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. 4 The guards shook for fear of him and became like dead men. 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.” Luke 24:4-7 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men suddenly stood near them in dazzling clothing; 5 and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them… 21 “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? 6 He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.” Acts 1:9-11 9 And after He had said these things, He was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. 11 They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” It is obvious that angels played a critical part in every aspect of Jesus’ life. They were always present and ready to help Jesus throughout every moment of His life, death and resurrection…and especially in His return! Matthew 25:31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne. If you need convincing that angels are involved in Jesus’ return, just read most of the Old Testament and the Book of Revelation! What are the angelic obligations to believers? Do we have an assigned “guardian angel”? While it is entirely possible that we might have our own personal assigned angel, keep in mind that this does not change anything in our spiritual lives and walks. Why? We are forbidden to reach out, pray to invoke or communicate with this angel in ANY way shape or form. Does it comfort you to know that you have a guardian angel? More so than knowing you are under God’s watchful eye and protective care? More so than the power and presence of the Holy Spirit? IT SHOULDN’T. 22 Assigned angel or not…it will only do what God commands it to do anyway. There are countless prayers online to guardian angels and saints… Check out this list on “catholic online”… • A Guardian Angel Prayer for Friends • A GUARDIAN ANGEL PRAYER FOR FRIENDS • A Mother's Prayer to the Guardian Angels of her Children • A MOTHER'S PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGELS OF HER CHILDREN • A Prayer to Holy Guardian Angels • A PRAYER TO THE HOLY GUARDIAN ANGELS • Angel Guardian • Daily Prayer to Guardian Angel • GOOD NIGHT MY GUARDIAN ANGEL • GOOD NIGHT MY GUARDIAN ANGEL • GUARDIAN ANGEL PRAYER • Guardian Angel Prayer • Guardian Angel Prayer #1 • Guardian Angel Prayer #2 • Guardian Angel Prayer #3 • Guardian Angel Prayer #4 • Guardian Angel Prayer #6 - Saint Gertrude • Guardian Prayer #1 • Holy Guardian Angel (Feast on October 2) • Holy Guardian Angel (Feast on October 2) • HOLY GUARDIAN ANGEL (Feast on October 2) • Holy Guardian Angels (Feast, October 2) • Prayer for God's Guidance • Prayer to All Angels • PRAYER TO ALL GUARDIAN ANGELS • PRAYER TO MY GUARDIAN ANGEL. • PRAYER TO ONE'S GUARDIAN ANGEL • Prayer to One's Guardian Angel • PRAYER TO OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL • PRAYER TO OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL • Prayer to our Guardian Angel • Prayer To The Daughter Of Israel • PRAYER TO THE GUARDIAN ANGELS # 10 • St. Gertrude's Guardian Angel Prayer • Thanks to My Guardian Angel • The Guardian Angel Prayer for Friends • THE GUARDIAN ANGEL'S LAMENT 23 What guarantee do the persons praying to these angels have that they will be answered by God’s angels, or Satan’s? Can you find just one example of anyone praying to an angel in the entirety of the Scriptures? You’re a daisy if you do! The scriptures seem to indicate that many multitudes of angels are always ready and willing to render help and protection to each individual Christian whenever God commands it and the need arises…Psalm 91:9-11 9 For you have made the LORD, my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place. 10 No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. 11 For He will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. If God provides these multitudes of angels all around us to protect us in “all our ways”, let ask me the million dollar question? Angels seem to be involved in every aspect of our walk or faith as well… At our spiritual birth… Luke 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 9:26 For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory, and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. Luke 12:8 “And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God; 24 Luke 12:9 but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. They seem to have a keen interest in the outcomes of our lives and decisions…there are a special cadre of angels assigned to watch and keep appointed times, to deliver a message, a judgment and fulfill God’s purposes for our lives. from the Book of Daniel. Daniel 4:13 ‘I was looking in the visions in my mind as I lay on my bed, and behold, an angelic watcher, a holy one, descended from heaven. Daniel 4:17 “This sentence is by the decree of the angelic watchers and the decision is a command of the holy ones, In order that the living may know that the Most High is ruler over the realm of mankind, And bestows it on whom He wishes And sets over it the lowliest of men.” Daniel 4:23 In that the king saw an angelic watcher, a holy one, descending from heaven and saying, “ Chop down the tree and destroy it; yet leave the stump with its roots in the ground, but with a band of iron and bronze around it in the new grass of the field, and let him be drenched with the dew of heaven, and let him share with the beasts of the field until seven periods of time pass over him,” Daniel the prophet had warned King Nebuchadnezzar that if he did not acknowledge God as Lord, he would be subject to judgment in exactly one year from the delivery of the message. Apparently an angel was assigned to keep time right down to the very last minute. What do you think about God’s methods’ purposes and timing? All Nebuchadnezzar had to do was follow Daniel’s simple advice… Daniel 4:27 27 Therefore, O king, may my advice be pleasing to you: break away now from your sins by doing righteousness and from your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, in case there may be a prolonging of your prosperity.’ 25 And in 1 Corinthians 4:9 For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. Angels were extremely active in facilitating the preaching and spread of the Gospel to the world by the Apostles and disciples…nothing could stop them until God said so…Revelation 14:6-7 Acts 5:18-21 18 They laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 20 “Go, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach. Acts 10:1-8 Now there was a man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people and prayed to God continually. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God who had just come in and said to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And fixing his gaze on him and being much alarmed, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 Now dispatch some men to Joppa and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; 6 he is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea.” 7 When the angel who was speaking to him had left, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier of those who were his personal attendants, 8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. Acts 12:6-11 6 On the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he *said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 26 9 And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 When they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent forth His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” Did you notice all the care and concern of the angel for Peter’s wellbeing? Check out this Scripture in Acts 16:6-10 where God does something a bit out of the ordinary, out of the framework and box we love to confine Him in… 6 They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia; 7 and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them; 8 and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 27:20-26 20 Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned.21 When they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete and incurred this damage and loss. 22 Yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25 Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must run aground on a certain island.” 27 Angels will play their part at the end of our lives and at our judgment... Luke 16:22 Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried. Mark 13:27 And then He will send forth the angels, and will gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest end of the earth to the farthest end of heaven. Matthew 13:39 and the enemy who sowed them is the devil, and the harvest is the end of the age; and the reapers are angels. Matthew 13:41 The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness, Matthew 13:49 So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come forth and take out the wicked from among the righteous, Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. Ok…this is all well and good, but where do angels fit in the realm of Spiritual Warfare? Glad you asked. again from the book of Daniel. 28 Daniel 10:2-13 2 In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three entire weeks. 3 I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed. 4 On the twenty-fourth day of the first month, while I was by the bank of the great river, that is, the Tigris, 5 I lifted my eyes and looked, and behold, there was a certain man dressed in linen, whose waist was girded with a belt of pure gold of Uphaz. 6 His body also was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and feet like the gleam of polished bronze, and the sound of his words like the sound of a tumult. 7 Now I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, while the men who were with me did not see the vision; nevertheless, a great dread fell on them, and they ran away to hide themselves. 8 So I was left alone and saw this great vision; yet no strength was left in me, for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor, and I retained no strength. 9 But I heard the sound of his words; and as soon as I heard the sound of his words, I fell into a deep sleep on my face, with my face to the ground. Daniel 10:10-14 10 Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. 11 He said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.” Daniel 10:20 Then he said, “Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince. 29 Points to Ponder… There are supernatural events going on all throughout the Old testament. But here is a particular instance where we gain a much deeper insight into the entire system of supernatural, not necessarily spiritual warfare. In this instance, we have a faithful believer in God, Daniel in his own words… “…mourning for three entire weeks. 3 I did not eat any tasty food, nor did meat or wine enter my mouth, nor did I use any ointment at all until the entire three weeks were completed. Daniel 10, v.2-3 Why did Daniel do this? The angel who came to Daniel tells us plainly. “you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God.” v. 12 What was God’s response to Daniel? Again listen carefully to the angel’s words… Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. 14 Now I have come to give you an understanding of what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision pertains to the days yet future.” V.12 -14 What was the enemy’s response to Daniel’s efforts? Coming: But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia. V.13 And going: Then he said, “Do you understand why I came to you? But I shall now return to fight against the prince of Persia; so I am going forth, and behold, the prince of Greece is about to come. However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your prince. V.20 30 did Daniel’s efforts in prayer and fasting have any effect on the outcome of the struggle between the angel of God and the forces of Satan? What if he had given up and quit before he got his answer? Would the outcome have been different? How long did Daniel fast and pray for? ______. How long was the struggle of the angel in coming to Daniel with his answer? _____. We do not make all-inclusive statements about anything simply from one or two bible verses. The truths we come to accept and apply must be consistent throughout the Scriptures. Especially when it comes to Spiritual warfare. But we are told many times throughout the New testament that we are in a spiritual battle, and not against human beings. Did Jesus experience Spiritual warfare? Matthew 4, Luke 4. John 13:21-30 Did the disciples experience spiritual warfare? Luke 22:31, John 13:21-30, Acts 26:18, 2 Corinthians 12:7, 1 Thessalonians 2:18, 2 Thessalonians 2:9 Are we promised spiritual warfare? You betcha. Romans 8:38, Ephesians 6:12, 1 John 14:30… I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, New International Version He has no power over me. New Living Translation He has no claim on me… English Standard Version 31 He has nothing in Me. New American Standard Bible He has nothing to use against me. Aramaic Bible in Plain English How amazingly AWESOME is that? Only problem is that Satan has a hold on us, power over us, claim on us, plenty in us, and tons to use against us. But only apart from our Savior and Lord, who crushed Satan underfoot and took away all His authority and claims on us. Do you understand why you need Jesus so much? Why the power and presence of the Holy Spirit is critical to your very survival? There is a very interesting story in 2 Kings 6:8-17 The Arameans Plot to Capture Elisha 8 Now the king of Aram was warring against Israel; and he counseled with his servants saying, “In such and such a place shall be my camp.” 9 The man of God sent word to the king of Israel saying, “Beware that you do not pass this place, for the Arameans are coming down there.” 10 The king of Israel sent to the place about which the man of God had told him; thus he warned him, so that he guarded himself there, more than once or twice. 11 Now the heart of the king of Aram was enraged over this thing; and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you tell me which of us is for the king of Israel?” 12 One of his servants said, “No, my lord, O king; but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” 13 So he said, “Go and see where he is, that I may send and take him.” And it was told him, saying, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” 14 He sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 32 15 Now when the attendant of the man of God had risen early and gone out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was circling the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the LORD opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. If you take away anything from this study…let it be this. 16 So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Reminds me of an amazing statement the Apostle John makes… 1 John 4:4 4 You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. Daniel asked what he was supposed to do about all this incredibly overwhelming stuff he was hearing… Daniel 12:8-10,13 8 As for me, I heard but could not understand; so I said, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these events?” 9 He said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are concealed and sealed up until the end time. 10 Many will be purged, purified and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand. 13 But as for you, go your way to the end; then you will enter into rest and rise again for your allotted portion at the end of the age.” Daniel didn’t have to do anything different or change anything about his life because he was already doing everything God had asked him to do. A consistent walk of faith will inherently come with all the spiritual protection and power we need to recognize and resist. And we all instinctively know what we need to do, what we are doing or not doing. What do we need to know about angelic activity in the overall scheme of spiritual warfare? Nothing except it exists and we are involved in the same battle and simply by living our lives faithfully for God, like Daniel…in obedience and according to His will, we are doing our part in the battle. Nothing else special, complicated or extra is required. 33 Like our Lord, a perfectly holy life will not eliminate satanic attacks and persecution from spiritual forces, but we are given everything we need to recognize, resist and overcome like Jesus did. Only those who do not want to live God’s way, or obey God’s words need all these extra tidbits of information on angels and the supernatural realm. Like grasping for a cross in the presence of a vampire; silver bullets for a werewolf, holy water for a demonic spirit, they believe they can live apart from God and still face and overcome these incredibly powerful and ancient beings. More incomprehensibly and ridiculously for that matter, that they can actually reach, tap into and control angels, whether God’s or Satan's, for our own purposes and will… 34