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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
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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.
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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.
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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?
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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. 12 They will bear you up in their hands, That you do not strike your foot against a
stone.
They were created to obey God and minister to us…Hebrews 1:13-14 13 But 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?
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
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.)
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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
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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.
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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)
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(2465 in Greek concordance NASB)
Is only found once in Luke 20:36; 36 for 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.
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?
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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? ; ) ~
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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………
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: “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.
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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.”
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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
15
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.
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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?
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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?”
18
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?
19
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?
20
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:
21
23 “BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A 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.
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…
22
“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.
23
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
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
25
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.’
26
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.”
27
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.”
28
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.
29
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.
30
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
31
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
32
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.
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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.
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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…
