The Role of Angels

The Role of Angels

Introduction:
Angels have long captured human curiosity. People imagine them in art, song, and story, but what matters is what the Bible teaches. Scripture alone reveals their true nature, origin, and purpose. In this lesson, we will let God’s Word define the role of angels so our faith rests on truth, not speculation. (Job 38:4–7)

The Origin and Names of Angels
The Bible uses the word angel to mean “messenger.” Sometimes it refers to human messengers, but most often to heavenly beings created by God. Since all things were made by Him (John 1:3; Nehemiah 9:6), angels are created, not eternal. Job 38:4–7 shows they were present before the creation of man, rejoicing when God laid the foundations of the earth. Scripture calls them “sons of God” (Job 1:6), “dignities” (Jude 8–9), “thrones” and “powers” (Colossians 1:16). Other names describe their work: Seraphim (Isaiah 6:2–3) who praise God continually, and Cherubim (Genesis 3:24) who guard sacred places.

The Nature of Angels
Angels are spirit beings—intelligent, powerful, and holy. They have greater mobility than man (Daniel 9:21–23) and more knowledge (Daniel 8:13), yet they are not omniscient (Matthew 24:36). They are stronger than man (2 Peter 2:11), but they are not divine. They do not marry (Matthew 22:30) and cannot die (Luke 20:36). They possess free will; some chose to rebel and were cast down (Jude 6). At times, they appeared in human form and went unrecognized (Hebrews 13:2).

The Work of Angels
The chief work of angels is to serve God. They praise Him day and night (Revelation 5:11) and rejoice when a sinner repents (Luke 15:10). They execute God’s commands with strength (Psalm 103:20–22) and carry out His will in the lives of nations and individuals (Exodus 23:23). Angels have delivered divine messages, such as when one stayed Abraham’s hand (Genesis 22:10–13) and others declared Christ’s birth (Luke 2:9–14). They ministered to Jesus after His temptation (Matthew 4:11), rolled away the stone at His resurrection (Matthew 28:2), and announced His return at the ascension (Acts 1:10–11). They also minister to the saved (Hebrews 1:14), carry the faithful home (Luke 16:22), and behold the face of the Father (Matthew 18:10).

The Future Role of Angels
When Christ returns, He will come with His mighty angels (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8). They will separate the righteous from the wicked and execute final judgment. The same beings who rejoiced at creation will witness the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan.

The Role of Angels Sermon Outline:

• Title: The Role of Angels

• Text: Job 38:4–7

I. The Origin and Names of Angels

• Angels are messengers created by God. (John 1:3; Nehemiah 9:6)

• Known by many names—sons of God (Job 1:6), dignities (Jude 8–9), thrones and powers (Colossians 1:16).

• Seraphim praise God (Isaiah 6:2–3); Cherubim guard sacred things (Genesis 3:24).

II. The Nature of Angels

• Spiritual, not physical beings. (Job 4:18–19)

• Possess greater mobility (Daniel 9:21–23) and knowledge (Daniel 8:13).

• Not omniscient (Matthew 24:36), do not marry (Matthew 22:30), cannot die (Luke 20:36).

• Capable of choice—some fell into sin (Jude 6).

• Can appear as humans (Hebrews 13:2).

III. The Work of Angels

• Praise and worship God continually (Revelation 5:11).

• Rejoice over repentance (Luke 15:10).

• Execute divine will (Psalm 103:20–22).

• Deliver messages (Genesis 22:10–13; Acts 7:53).

• Active in Christ’s ministry (Luke 2:9–14; Matthew 4:11; Matthew 28:2; Acts 1:10–11).

• Minister to the saved (Hebrews 1:14).

IV. The Future Role of Angels

• Accompany Christ’s return (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8).

• Execute judgment upon the disobedient.

• Witness the final victory of God’s plan.

Call to Action:
Angels model absolute obedience and joyful service. While we are not angels, we are called to the same loyalty and worship. Let us serve the Lord with zeal, ready to do His will without hesitation. May our lives bring praise to God so that when Christ returns with His angels, we are among those welcomed into everlasting rest.

Key Takeaways:

• Angels are created spiritual beings who serve God’s purposes (John 1:3; Hebrews 1:14).

• They have greater power and knowledge than humans, but are not omniscient (Daniel 8:13; Matthew 24:36).

• Angels praise God and rejoice at human repentance (Revelation 5:11; Luke 15:10).

• They played major roles in Christ’s life and resurrection (Matthew 4:11; Matthew 28:2).

• Angels will accompany Christ at His return and carry out judgment (2 Thessalonians 1:7–8).

Scripture Reference List:

• Job 1:6 – Sons of God before the Lord.

• Job 38:4–7 – Angels rejoicing at creation.

• John 1:3; Nehemiah 9:6 – God as Creator of angels.

• Isaiah 6:2–3 – Seraphim praising God.

• Genesis 3:24 – Cherubim guarding Eden.

• Daniel 9:21–23 – Gabriel’s speed and purpose.

• Daniel 8:13 – Angelic knowledge.

• Matthew 24:36 – Angels not omniscient.

• 2 Peter 2:11 – Angels greater in power.

• Luke 20:36 – Angels do not die.

• Jude 6 – Angels with free will who rebelled.

• Hebrews 13:2 – Angels appearing in human form.

• Revelation 5:11 – Angels praising God.

• Luke 15:10 – Rejoicing over repentance.

• Psalm 103:20–22 – Executing God’s commands.

• Genesis 22:10–13 – Angel stays Abraham’s hand.

• Acts 7:53 – Angels involved in the giving of the Law.

• Luke 2:9–14 – Announcing Christ’s birth.

• Matthew 4:11 – Ministering to Christ after temptation.

• Matthew 28:2 – Rolling away the stone.

• Acts 1:10–11 – Announcing His return.

• Hebrews 1:14 – Ministering spirits to the saved.

• Luke 16:22 – Carrying the saved to paradise.

• 2 Thessalonians 1:7–8 – Christ returning with His mighty angels.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO