ANGELS

MEMORY VERSE: For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all
thy ways. Ps. 91:11.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 91:1-16

INTRODUCTION: Little attention is paid to the study of angels today because many
people consider such a study almost valueless. However, we should not
underestimate the ministry of angles, particularly that of guardian angels; we
certainly do not know how much we owe to them (Matt. 18:10). We are not to
worship angels (Col. 2:18). But knowing about them and what they do will
increase our thanksgiving to the Lord of Hosts. The word “angel” first occurs in
(Gen. 16:7).
They are created by God but the time of creation is not specifically mentioned.
Paul believed in angels and talked about “Jesus and His angles” (11 Thess. 1:7).
1. WHAT ARE ANGELS LIKE
Angels are spirit beings (Heb. 1:14). As spirits, angles are not bound by natural
human laws. Therefore
angels can enter locked rooms (Acts 12:7).
Open doors without keys (Acts 5:19) and
ascend in a flame (Jud. 13:19-20).
They can travel great distances quickly and are wiser than men (11 Sam.14:20).
Angels are very strong (Ps. 103:20). For example, one angel killed 185,000
Assyrian soldiers in one night (11 Kg. 19:35), another slew 70,000 Israelites
following David’s sin in 11 Sam. 24:15-16. One angel thwarted the power of
Rome, Broke the seal and rolled away the stone from the Lord’s tomb, (Matt.
28:2, 4).
Also, one angel will one day bind the devil and imprison him for a thousand years.
There are various ranks and orders of angels:
Michael is called an archangel (Jude 9). There are also angels, principalities,
powers, dominions and thrones (Col. 1:16,
1 Thess.4:16). Angels are immortal, Lk. 20:35-36.
2. HOW MANY OF THEM
Angels seem to be innumerable (Rev. 5:11) gives their number as “ten thousands
of thousands.” (Heb. 12:22) refers to them as “an innumerable company of
angels.” In (Matt.26:53), Jesus spoke of “Legions of angels” No wonder we can
rest secure since our Saviour, the Lord of Hosts is in charge of the innumerable
angels.
3. WHAT IS THEIR DUTY
The duties of angels are many and varied. For example,
 in heaven, they are to honour, worship and serve the Lord God (Rev. 5:11-
12).
 On earth, they are to run errands for the Lord e.g. showing Hagar a
fountain, releasing chains from Peter, opening prison doors etc. they also
act as divine policemen and soldiers to execute God’s judgements and
purpose e.g. to block Balaam’s pathway (Num.22:22), to kill Herod (Acts
12:23). And (This one concerns sinners!) to gather the sinful tares at the last
judgement and burn them (Matt. 13:41).
 Their duties also include guiding believers (Acts 8:26); assisting, protecting
and strengthening saints e.g Elijah in (1 Kings. 19); Daniel in the Lions den,
(Dan. 6:22), and Jesus in (Lk. 22:43).
 They will accompany our Lord when He returns and we shall see them then
(Matt. 25:31, 11 Thess. 1-1-8).
 And should we die before the Lord returns, it is angels that will take us to
heaven at death, (Lk. 16:22).
4. WHO IS SUPERIOR, MAN OR ANGELS
Any born-again child of God is superior to any angel. Angels are Ministering
spirits, they are to take care of us (Heb. 1:14). In fact one day we shall judge
angels (1 Cor. 6:3), that is if we remain true to the Lord to the end; otherwise they
will help to throw us to hell fire!
5. CONCLUSION
When some angels sinned, the Lord did not provide a Saviour for them. How
wonderful then that the lord of Hosts Himself had to die for ordinary dusts like us.
Let us therefore remain in grace if only to show our gratitude to Him.
QUESTIONS
1. How many angels are there?
2. What is their duty?
3. Give two ways that men are superior to angels?