INTRODUCTION
Angels are certainly very real. They are called spirits (Hebrews 1:14) and can take visible or invisible form. Angels are created beings, made before man and of a different order. These beings are mentioned almost three hundred times in the bible and over seventy of those references are in Revelation, that is three times more than any other book of Scripture. In both the Hebrew and Greek languages the words translated "angels" mean "messengers" or "agents." In Revelation angels are sometimes used to represent great messages and actions of God. In this way angels are both real and symbolic, as are some other words used in the last book of the bible. The angels love Jesus and they love you. If you will let them, they will guide you and guard you and finally welcome you
What are the most exciting and the most monotonous features of your daily occupation? What have others said?
Can you recount an experience when you were aware of a supernatural presence around you? What have others said?
ANGELS: Close to God's Throne
All of the angels are, or once were, close to the throne of God at the 'center' of the universe. How many loyal angels does John see around the throne and whom are they exalting and praising? Revelation 5:11, 12 What have others said?
What strange tragedy happened when one of the leading angels used his free will to lead a rebellion against Jesus? Revelation 12:7-9 What have others said?
How does the word 'war' make you feel? Are you surprised that God admits that it happened in heaven? What have others said?
Cross Reference
Under the symbolism of the 'King of Tyre,' Ezekiel (28:11-19) pictures the downfall of Satan. How meaningful for you is the promise that Satan will one day, 'be no more' (Ezekiel 28:19) and only has a 'short (limited) time.' Revelation 12:12 What have others said?
Apparently one third of the angels followed Satan (Revelation 12:4; the stars represent angels as in Revelation 1:20).
Should it give you encouragement to realize that there are twice as many loyal as disloyal angels? Why? What have others said?
Cross Reference:
The fallen angels are the evil spirits of this world and can even work apparent miracles (see Revelation 16:14). List four key characteristics of the loyal angels which distinguish them from the evil angels who try to draw you away from God. Psalm 103:20
How does Jesus share with the loyal angels the joy of your acceptance of His salvation? Luke 15:7, 10. (Compare with Revelation 3:5) What have others said?
ANGELS: Communicate God's Messages
Sometimes communication is literally the work of God's angels. How is this described in Revelation 1:1 and 22:6, 16?
Very often angels are used in Revelation to represent great messages God has to communicate through His people on earth. As this symbolism is used, with what type of voice do the angels speak, and what would this signify to you? Revelation 10:1-5, 10; 14:6-12; 18:1, 2 What have others said?
These symbolic angel messengers represent the final surge of the everlasting gospel as it sweeps across the world to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus. This appears to be a last day spiritual movement that is predicted in Scripture, and it clearly finds its fulfillment in a people who proclaim the New Testament faith of Jesus and obedience to the Word and commands of God.
Would you be more impressed by God's message of salvation and truth if it were spoken to you be a real angel or a fellow human? Why? What have others said?
ANGELS: Carry out God's Judgments
Those who reject God's final message of love are pictured as receiving the tragic results of disobedience and selfishness. Angels represent the execution and distribution of God's judgments which He allows unrepentant humanity to bring upon itself. The angels are also used to introduce the saved to the judgment of joy. Compare Revelation 16:1 with Revelation 21:9. If you were an angel what pain and what pleasure would you feel in these two scenes? What have others said?
Would you like to be one of the 12 angels in Revelation 21:12? Why? What have others said?
Those who are saved rejoice finally in God's love and are shown the glories of the eternal city by angels who have long waited to welcome those people who have accepted the sacrifice of the Lamb and have lived for Him. Can you imagine what it will be like to join the angels as they sing around the throne? What have others said?
How could you in the next 24 hours help another person to bring joy to the angels in heaven? What have others said?
How will your actions and faith be different if you are aware that guardian angels are constantly with you? What have others said?
If an evil angel counterfeited the return of Jesus or impersonated a dead friend or relative how could you discern the deception? What have others said?
The loyal angels obey God's will and Word. How can you have strength to follow their example? What have others said?
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