The Scrolls is a weekly Bible study written by pastors and other leaders at Central Bible Church, based on that week’s sermon topic. Use The Scrolls as a personal Bible study tool, for family devotions, and for small group discussions. You can read part of it below. The downloadable PDF also includes discussion questions, more in-depth commentary, end notes, and a kids’ page designed for families to study the topic together. This lesson goes with the sermon "Heaven Help Me."
The passages examined in this week’s issue have one thing in common, the mention of angels. In Hebrews 1:14, Psalm 91:9-12, and Matthew 18:10-14 Scripture refers to their ministry to those who will one day inherit the fullness of their salvation in Jesus Christ. In answer to the question, “What are angels?” one theologian answers: “Angels are created, spiritual beings with moral judgment and high intelligence, but without physical bodies” (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 397).
He then provides the following helpful description of angels:
“Angels have not always existed; they are part of the universe that God created. In a passage that refers to angels as the ‘host’ of heaven (or ‘armies of heaven’), Ezra says. ‘You are the Lord, you alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host . . . and the host of heaven worships you’ (Neh. 9:6; cf. Ps. 148:2, 5). Paul tells us that God crated all things ‘visible and invisible’ through Christ and for him, and then specifically includes the angelic world with the phrase ‘whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities’ (Col. 1:16).
“That angels exercise moral judgment is seen in the fact that some of them sinned and fell from their positions (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6; see chapter 20). Their high intelligence is seen throughout Scripture as they speak to people (Matt. 28:5; Acts 12:6-11, et al.) and sing praise to God (Rev. 4:11; 5:11).
“Since angels are ‘spirits’ (Heb 1:14) or spiritual creatures, they do not ordinarily have physical bodies (Luke 24:39). Therefore they cannot usually be seen by us unless God gives us a special ability to see them (Num. 22:31; 2 Kings 6:17; Luke 2:13). In their ordinary activities of guarding and protecting us (Ps. 34:7; 91:11; Heb. 1:14), and joining with us in worship to God (Heb. 12:22), they are invisible. However, from time to time angels took on a bodily form to appear to various people in Scripture (Matt. 28:5; Heb. 13:2)” (397).
From this author’s observations we might extrapolate that since angels do not have physical bodies—they are immaterial and incorporeal—they neither procreate nor are they mortal like humans. What’s more, given that an innumerable number of them (Heb 12:22) were created simultaneously (Col 1:16) prior to the creation of the earth as we know it, their number is static (see Charles C. Ryrie, Basic Theology, 144).
Generally speaking, “What do angels do?” for believers in particular. Another theologian answers, “Angels are termed ‘ministering spirits’ in Hebrews 1:14. The Greek term for ministering (leitourgika) does not convey the idea of slavery, but of official functioning. They have been duly commissioned and sent forth with the responsibility of aiding believers” (Paul Enns, The Moody Handbook of Theology, 291). And the author gives the following examples of how angels have helped believers historically: 1) By providing physical protection (Ps 34:7; 91:11-13); 2) By providing physical sustenance (1Ki 19:5-7; cf. Mt 4:11); 3) By providing encouragement (Ac 27:23-25; cf. Mt 4:11); 4) By providing direction (Ac 8:26; 10:3, 22); 5) By assisting in answers to prayer (Ac 12:1-11; Da 9:20-27; cf. 10:10-12:13); and 6) By caring for the righteous at the time of death (Lk 16:22).
“When we are suddenly delivered from a danger or distress, we might suspect that angels have been sent by God to help us, and we should be thankful . . . When a car suddenly swerves from hitting us, when we suddenly find footing to keep from being swept along in a raging river, when we walk unscathed in a dangerous neighborhood, should we not suspect that God has sent his angels to protect us? (Ps 91:11-12). Should we not therefore thank God for sending angels to protect us at such times? It seems right that we should do so” (Grudem, 406).
Central Message of the Text:
While individuals do not have guardian angels, angels do serve as ministering spirits that serve the needs of all believers.
Family Talk:
Several years ago, I received a phone call from a dear friend asking for biblical guidance in the wake of grief. Her teen daughter was experiencing the tragic loss of a classmate and she was looking for words of comfort. We talked at length about God’s sovereignty and how He controls the dates and times of all our lives here on earth. I gave her some helpful speaking points that would comfort her daughter and point to biblical truth. At some point in the conversation, I remember her saying, “So, I shouldn’t say God needed him or now he’s your guardian angel.” My heart sank. No. Please don’t say that. I’m not afraid to acknowledge the fact that the Bible is filled with strange things and angels are definitely on that list. Not to mention, passages on angels must be piecemealed together and that leaves quite a bit of room for our brains to fill in the missing blanks. So often we want to fill the space at the expense of accuracy and truth. When talking to your kids about angels (or giants, or people turning into salt pillars, or a donkey that talks, or hands that write on walls…), it’s ok to leave room for the unknown. What’s not ok is to fill in the blank with untruth. We don’t become angels when we die, and to soften the blow of grief with inaccurate and unbiblical information is to diminish and deny the truth of Scripture. Instead, focus on undeniable truth, be amazed at what God can do, and be excited that one day God will answer all the questions. We’re praying for you!