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58. Angelology: The Doctrine of Angels

Purpose: It is the purpose of this session to bring clarity to the mind of a disciple regarding the existence and work of spirit beings in the world.

Objectives

1. The disciple will understand that there are myriads of angel spirit beings in existence today.

2. The disciple will understand what these beings do and where they come from.

3. The disciple will understand the origin and work of Satan as he mobilized evil forces against the plan of God and Christians in the world.

4. The disciple will understand the very special work angels to for us today.

Scripture Memory

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“? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to serve those who will inherit salvation?

Hebrews 1:13-14

Agenda

1. Mutual prayer and sharing.

2. Share Scripture memory.

3. Discuss worksheet and questions.

4. Go over new terms.

Worksheet

The Doctrine of Angels, (Fallen and Unfallen)

This is a difficult study for most people to consider. Because so much superstition surrounds ideas concerning angels and Satan, many simply avoid the subject altogether. We do not feel this is correct.

Angels are “_________________ __________________”, Hebrews 1:14. They have a ministry in the world and elsewhere today. Satan is our “__________________”, 1 Peter 5:8. It is good to know our enemies if we are to effectively resist them and overcome.

The purpose of this session is to help the participant come to a better understanding of a world that we do not see...a world that nonetheless exists. We will become aware of the reality that man is not the highest form of God's created creatures.

We also note that simply because men scoff at the existence of spirit-beings does not mean that they do not exist. Since we believe in the deity of Jesus and the authenticity of Scripture, we also accept the reality of the existence of these beings.

The Existence of Angels

That angels exist is surely taught in the Word of God. Look up the following verses and see how they teach this doctrine.

In Matthew 18:10, Jesus was speaking of little children. In the course of what He said, He referred to angels that seem to minister especially to little children and that they ___________________________________________________________. These we often refer to as “_________________” angels. In reference to His coming, He stated that the angels’ wisdom concerning that event was similar to man's wisdom in that they __________________________________________ _______________________, Mark 13:32. See also Matthew 26:53 and Matthew 13:41. These verses seem to imply what?

Other verses that attest to the reality of angels include the following verses. See if you can tell how they testify to this reality.

Colossians 2:18

2 Peter 2:11

The preceding verses are given to demonstrate that the Scripture teaches the existence of angels. Next it is important to determine some things about their nature. Some of these characteristics are included below.

Colossians 1:16 tells us that angels are _____________ beings. They were created as _____________, are angels today, and will forever be _____________ . They cannot be the spirits of departed humans, nor are they glorified human beings.

Another truth regarding angels is that which pertains to their essence or being. Hebrews 1:14 tells us that angels are sent to serve or sent to those who are heirs of salvation. What ways do you believe angels have served or ministered to you?

Angels seem to have great _______________ , 2 Peter 2:11, and are apparently more powerful than _____________. See some of the powerful things angels have done in the past.

Isaiah 37:36

Genesis 19

In the future, an angel will do what mighty deed? Revelation 20:1-3. Their power is delegated. They are mighty, but not almighty. There also seems to be an order of angels, with _____________ the _____________ at least one of the highest, Jude 9.

The Fall of Angels

That there was a fall that angels experienced, even as man fell, seems to be taught in the Scripture. What do the following verses state about such an event? Describe what seems to have happened from your understanding of these verses.

2 Peter 2:4

Jude 6

The time of this fall, or when it took place, is uncertain. Certainly it was before the fall of man in Genesis. Some feel that it happened between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2. The earth became _________________ and empty! What could have caused this to happen? There was certainly a great catastrophe of some kind that took place at this point. Other Scriptures speak of the fall specifically and give us some understanding concerning how sin entered the creation of God. Read carefully Isaiah 14:12-20. What is Satan called in vs. 12?

How would you describe his sin? vs. 13,14.

Some angels seem to be bound and in prison for their sin. Others seem to be free and are commonly associated with the term “demons or familiar spirits.” Their works are seen in the following verses:

Daniel 10:10-14

Matthew 17:15-18

Ephesians 6:12

These are certainly not exhaustive. Satan and his hosts are cunning and are bent on deceiving the world and thwarting the plan of God and the works of His children.

The Work of Angels Who are Not Fallen

I. They have a heavenly ministry, Revelation 5:11,12

II. Their earthly ministry:

a. Acts 8:26

b. Acts 12:5-11

c. Acts 27:21-26

d. Luke 15:10

e. Matthew 4:11

f. Acts 5:19

g. Luke 16:22

Angels are servants of believers today!

The Doctrine of Satan

The existence of Satan is clearly taught in the Scripture. In Matthew 13: 19, 39, He is called _______ __________ _______, and the ___________. In John 13:2, he is called the_____________. We have already seen that Satan probably was an angel of high and great power who fell because of pride. In 2 Corinthians 11:14, he is called an ________ __________ ____________. It is important to know that he is not a creature with forked tail and smoke coming out of his nose. He probably was originally the most beautiful of all creatures made by God.

The fact that Jesus spoke about Satan can only be explained in one of three ways.

A. Jesus accommodated His language to fit the superstition of His day. But if this is true, then what of His own reliability and sincerity?

B. Jesus believed as people believed in His day, and supported the superstitions with his own belief. But then what of His omniscience?

C. The doctrine is true. Satan is a spirit person and he exists.

I. The Personality of Satan

In the following verses, how is the personality of Satan taught?

A. Matthew 4:1-11

B. 1 John 3:8

C. John 14:30

He is one of the sources of temptation today.

II. The Place of Satan in the World

A. Ephesians 2:2

B. 2 Corinthians 4:4

C. Hebrews 2:14

III. His Names

A. 1 Peter 5:8

B. John 8:44 . The word "devil" is the word "diabolos" which is a term of slander from two words: "dia" which means into, and "ballo" which means to throw.

C. Matthew 13:19 . This title suggests that Satan is not only wicked, but he is the source of much wickedness in the world.

D. Matthew 4:3. What does Genesis 3:1 teach us about his strategy as tempter?

Some of his strategies can be seen when he tempts, Matthew 4:1-11; by the use of right things in the wrong way; and through impressing his followers by signs and wonders, 2 Thessalonians 2:9,10.

What does 1 Peter 5:8, 9 tell us to do?

What is the end of Satan? Revelation 20:10

Questions for Review and Discussion

1. Write briefly about Satan and compare his characteristics with divine attributes.

How does this effect his ability to tempt man?

2. Over what, in particular, does Satan rule today?

3. What effect does your study of the doctrine of angels have upon you?

4. What is a "familiar spirit"? (you may have to research this KJV term)

( see Merrill Unger’s book on demonology)

5. How do you feel about the idea that there is a demon behind every problem man has today (demon of depression, demon of lust, etc.)?

Related Topics: Discipleship

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