270. 1TI 2:8. MINISTRY OF ANGELS

1Ti_2:8. Ministry Of Angels

"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation." Heb_1:14.

The Bible does not contain a connected and full revelation of the nature and offices of angels; yet there is a great deal of information concerning them scattered abroad in its sacred pages. The text brings them prominently before us, and certifies that they are all ministering spirits to the heirs of salvation.

Let us,

I. Offer some general Remarks corcerning Angels.

Angels are an order of beings of superior nature to man. Psa_8:5. Spiritual intelligences, designed for the highest stations, and dwelling in the immediate presence of God.

1. They possess high natural perfections.

(1) Extensive knowledge. Said to be full of eyes. Doubtless have distinguished capacities for knowledge and wisdom. Dwell in the clear, cloudless region of celestial light.

They possess,

(2) Amazing power.

Said to "Excel in strength." Scripture presents several striking proofs. The immense slaughter of the first-born in Egypt, and the destruction of the 185,000 of the Assyrian army, were effected by an angel. The various judgments described in the Revelation, are to be executed by angels.

They are capable,

(3) Of astonishing activity. Doubtless they can move swifter than light; perhaps as rapidly as thought. Striking account given in the book of Dan_9:3; Dan_20:23.

2. They possess great moral perfections.

Of these we notice.

(1) Spotless purity. Often called holy angels. Compared to light, morning stars, Sons of God, &c. Rev_14:10.

(2) Exalted goodness. They love God; and they have displayed the greatest interest in the affairs of men. Hence they rejoiced at the creation of the world, and identified themselves with the great leading facts connected with the life and work of Jesus. Incarnation, temptation, agony, resurrection, ascension, &c.

(3) They are perfectly obedient. They rest not, but serve God incessantly. They do his work perfectly. Always wait to receive his order, and are ever ready to execute his commands.

3. Let us notice some general things connected with angels.

(1) They dwell in God’s holy presence. The highest and most gracious station occupied by created intelligences.

(2) They are evidently diversified in rank and order. Hence we read of angels, archangels, seraphim, cherubim, thrones, powers, &c.

(3) They are exceedingly numerous. Thousands of thousands, ten thousand times ten thousand. Dan_7:10. The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels. An innumerable company of angels. Psa_68:17; Heb_12:22.

(4) They are all glorious and happy.

Possessed of perfect harmony of powers, of moral goodness, and of resplendent beams of the favor of God’s favor.

Let us then notice.

II. The Objects and Character of then Ministry.

"Sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation."

1. Their ministry is by Divine appointment.

"Sent forth." They stand in God’s presence, ready to obey his commands. They go at his bidding, and are entirely subjected to his wise and benevolent appointments.

Notice,

2. The objects of their ministry.

"Heirs of salvation." The children of God, "who are heirs of God," &c. Rom_8:17; 1Pe_1:2.

3. The character of their ministry.

To minister is to serve. Hence they wait upon and communicate to these heirs according to the Divine will and pleasure They have sometimes,

(1) Been instructors. Thus Hagar, respecting Ishmael, Gen_16:7; Abraham, respecting Sodom, &c. Gen_18:2, &c. Elijah, respecting the king of Samaria, 2Ki_1:16; Zachariah, concerning John, Luk_1:10; Joseph, concerning Jesus, Mat_1:20; Philip, concerning the eunuch, Act_8:16; Cornelius, respecting Peter, Act_10:3.

(2) As deliverers. One saved Isaac from being slain, Gen_22:12; Lot from Sodom, Gen_19:29; Daniel from the lions, Dan_6:22; Peter, and the other apostles from prison, Act_5:19-20, and Act_12:7.

(3) As comforters. Thus Jacob, as he went forth to meet Esau; also, when he was going down into Egypt. Thus also Dan_10:19; thus Paul, before his shipwreck, Act_27:24.

(4) They rejoice at the conversion of sinners; see Luk_15:10.

(5) They bear the souls of the pious to glory. Elijah, also Lazarus, Luk_14:22.

(6) Angels will assist at the saints’ coronation, and be their companions forever. "He will come with all his holy angels," &c. "He will confess them before his Father and his holy angels," &c. John witnessed them all worshipping in the heavenly Jerusalem together. Rev_5:9-13.

Application

1. How dignified and happy are believers.

2. Let us be circumspect, on account of the presence of angels.

3. Let us try to imitate them as far as possible; be as wise, holy, good, and humble as angels.

4. Bless God for the service of angels.

5. Not to trust in them, or pray to them, but in Jesus, and in God only.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS