Angels – Faith & Trust - JOPLIN CHURCH OF CHRIST
Angels – Faith & Trust-Introduction-The topic of angels in a very intriguing one. And, although they are referenced many, many times in scripture, we simply aren’t told a great deal about them.-example of puzzle – putting pieces together – getting glimpse of the picture-We know that angels: are created, spiritual beings (Col. 1:15-16); are messengers (meaning of the word “angel”); were involved with the giving of the Law (Acts 7:53, Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2); were spectators as God’s plan unfolded (1 Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:9-11).-Regarding this last point, it is evident that God did not reveal His plan aforetime to the angels. -Therefore, the angels who faithfully served God century after century – prior to realizing the “manifold wisdom of God” (Eph. 3:10) – had to do so with faith and trust.-Angels Who Rebelled-God always gives those whom He created the freedom of choice. God never takes that freedom away. Such was/is the case with the angels as well.-What choice did the angels have? – the same choice we have – whether or not to be obedient to God.-Unfortunately, some of the angels made a very unwise decision.-2 Peter 2:4-Satan – The Source of Sin-Satan tempted Eve and thereby sin was introduced into the world.-He could not force Adam and Eve into sin. The choice was theirs. Yet, he influenced the poor choice.-Is it possible that Satan did the same thing in heaven?-Satan, a created being (Col. 1:16), exercised his freedom to choose evil over good. He then exerted an influence on others in the heavenly realm.-Matthew 25:41 – “the devil and his angels”-Side note: Notice, this verse tells us that hell was prepared for the devil and his angels – not for mankind. However, it awaits those who fail to submit to God’s will. They will end up in a place not intended for them. Of course, we need to understand this in light of God’s supreme and complete foreknowledge.-1 Tim. 3:6-Satan does not have the authority to condemn. Jesus is the judge (2 Cor. 5:10). Satan can only tempt us to follow a course of action that leads to condemnation.-It seems that this verse is telling us that Satan, due to pride, fell into condemnation. Therefore, there must have been a time when he was not condemned.-Was Satan once an angel of God? Perhaps so. With the pieces of information revealed in the scripture, I think we can logically conclude that Satan is a created, spiritual being who was created good, but due to pride, exercised his freedom of choice, rebelled against the will of God and now stands in the condition of condemnation.-Sadly, he exerted (and continues to exert) an influence that tempts people to follow a similar course which results in condemnation.-John 8:44 – “This implies that the devil was once in the truth, was in heaven, even theatmosphere of heaven; but he loved falsehood better than truth, was cast out of heaven and was carried down to hell” (Lipscomb, David, The Gospel According to John, Nashville, TN, Gospel Advocate Co., ? 1979).-Rev. 12:3-4, 9-10 – Perhaps verse 4 is an indication of Satan’s influence upon the angels of heaven.-Summary and Invitation-In considering this information, we find similarities with what the angels previously faced and what we currently face.-We have decisions that we must make. In making those decisions we must overcome the influence of Satan and decide to serve God in faith and trust.-The angels didn’t know the fullness of God’s plan. They had to serve in faith and trust.-In this regard, we are much more fortunate than they. We have the fullness of the revelation of God’s will.-Now consider a primary difference between us and them – We have an opportunity for forgiveness – a plan of redemption – the Gospel of Christ.-Heb 2:14-18-So, have you made the best decision you can make – to obey the Gospel and faithfully serve God? And, are you following through with that decision?-If you haven’t obeyed the Gospel, you can now – Believe (John 3:16, 8:24), Confess (Matt. 10:32, Rom. 10:9-10), Repent of sin (Luke 13:3,5; Acts 17:30), Be Baptized for forgiveness (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38).-If you’ve obeyed the Gospel, but haven’t follow through with faithfulness, confess your shortcomings, repent of them and seek forgiveness through prayer (1 John 1:7-9, Acts 8:22-24).Joplin – December 19, 2010 – p.m. ................
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