Daniel 10 - Introduction

SPECIAL STUDY FOUR
THE MYSTERY AND MINISTRY OF ANGELS

by Herbert Lockyer

Universal belief in angelic existence became enveloped in a mythological covering, both among Jews and those destitute of Divine Revelation (Colossians 2:18). Gradually, the worship of angels prevailed among all people, and became common before the apostolic age, and false teachers, finding this corruption of the true doctrine of angels, adapted it to subserve their ambition, giving it their zealous support. But the prompt reproof John received from the ministering angel testifies to the fact that angel worship was both a mark of folly and a sin (Revelation 22:2-9).

At first men began to worship the sun, moon and stars by whom the celestial hosts were supposed to be inhabited. (cf. Job 31:26). This was called Zabianism and is believed to have originated among the star-gazers in Chaldea. and brought into Arabia in the days of Job (cf. Deuteronomy 17:2-3).

The Jewish rabbis divided their doctrine of angels thusly:
The Heavens: the residence of seven archangels (neither of the two Biblical archangels are mentioned).
The Heaven of Heavens; divided into 10 departments, each occupied by numerous companies of angels under the command of their respective chiefs.

Another tradition says, Every man has his angel who speaks for him, and prays for him; as it said, -O thou that hearest prayer,-' Psalms 65:2-7; that is the prayer of the angel, who is the Marshal or guardian of men.

CREATION OF ANGELS

The angels owe their being to God's creative act, but when this took place belongs to God's secret counsels. As the Sons of God referred to in Job 38:4-7 are generally believed to be angels, they were existing when the foundations of the earth were fastened. (cf. also Psalms 148:2-3; Nehemiah 9:6).

There are many speculations as to when and how the angels were created, but the creation record was not designed to include a history of celestial beings, but an account of the creation of the earth and man and the scheme of redemption of man. That the angels were created by God and for His glory is undeniable (Hebrews 1:1-3).

When created by God, all the angels were good. Some, however, fell from their celestial wisdom and position through the misuse of their liberty. God made nothing evil. The evil spirits were not created demons but became demons when by a free act, they cut themselves off from their Creator.

NATURE OF ANGELS

Angels are spirit-beings. They have no bodies as we understand them, although at times they have assumed human form. As pure spirits, Psalms 104:4; Hebrews 1:7; Hebrews 1:14, there can be no question of procreation or generation among the angels, of angelic families or relatives. Angels are sexless (Matthew 22:30). Each angel stands apart as a direct creation of God, and complete as an individual. There is a difference of rank among angels, but not of species. All are angels.

The true nature of angels is expressed by the word Spirit. It is somewhat hard for us to form any idea of a spirit. We know what it is not, than what it is. (Luke 24:39).

Being without bodies the angels are invisible. Further, being incorporeal and immaterial, they are immortal. They have no parts capable of disunion and dissolution. Even the rebellious angels continue and perish not. Psalms 104:4 indicates that they are endowed with wonderful activity, moving with the swiftness of the winds, and operating with the force and energy of flaming fire. Although the angels are invisible through such organs of vision as we possess, it would seem that they will come with Jesus (to bring glory to Him) in a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15) which will be recognizable, else how will Jesus be glorified when they come with him.

At His incarnation, our Lord did not take upon Himself the naturephysical constitution or existenceof angels, but the seed of the man Abraham, Hebrews 2:16. Had Christ chosen to lay hold of fallen angels, with a view of raising them from their lost estate, He would without doubt have taken upon Himself their nature, and descended into the pit; identifying Himself with their miseries, and paving, by His sufferings, a pathway across the great gulf fixed which intervenes between their lost estate and Paradise. But verily He took not hold of angels, but of the seed of Abraham; and had no alternative, therefore, but to assimilate Himself in all points to the nature of those whom, in infinite mercy and grace, He brothered.

THE ATTRIBUTES OF ANGELS

1.

CELESTIAL QUALITIES

As to their nature, angels are Spirits (Hebrews 1:7; Hebrews 1:14), of windlike velocity, subtle nature, capable of close communion with God, sharers in His truth, purity, love, since they ever behold His face (Matthew 18:10) even as the redeemed shall (1 John 3:2); not necessarily incorporeal, (Luke 20:37; Philippians 3:21; 1 Corinthians 15:44) seemingly but not certainly implying their having bodies. Their glorious appearance (Daniel 10:6) like our Lord's when transfigured and afterwards as the ascended Saviour (Revelation 1:14-16), and their human form (Luke 24:4) favor the same view.

2.

INTELLECTUAL QUALITIES

Angels are the most understanding creatures in heaven or earth and, because of their rationality and knowledge, are likened unto a man, Ezekiel 1:5. Angels are the best of philosophers, knowing the principles, causes, effects, life, notions, death, of natural things (Revelation 7:1; Revelation 7:12). They are also great statists, knowing the affairs of kingdoms (Daniel 10:13). Gabriel became a courtier, acquainting himself with the affairs of Persia. Angels are never so heavenly minded as to be of no earthly use. The knowledge of angels is limited in that it does not extend to future events (Matthew 24:36) and the mysteries of grace. They desire to look into the wonder of man's redemption and learn of the Church, the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:9-10; 1 Peter 1:12; Daniel 10:13).

3.

MORAL QUALITIES

The angels as spirits, are superior to men but inferior to God, Psalms 8; Psalms 4-5; Hebrews 1:7-8. Although spiritual personalities, they cannot create, change, alter the laws of nature, perform miracles of themselves, or search the heart. These prerogatives belong to God and His Word, and the angels act only as He directs,

Along with the highest intelligence, there is the possession of the utmost moral excellence and loveliness of character. Thus the angels are good, gentle, meek, kind and compassionate. Could any creation of the God of love be fashioned without the capacity of love? If the angels can sing and rejoice, then they can love. They exalt in victory over the powers of darkness and in the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom and in the salvation of the lost (Luke 2:14; Luke 15:10).

Dwelling in God, then, the angels dwell in love (1 John 4:16). We cannot fully grasp the reach of an angel's mind, or the fervour of one's benevolence and love. They ever hearken to God's voice and obey His will Psalms 103:20. They deem it their chief end to praise and glorify their Creator Psalms 148:2.

4. PHYSICAL QUALITIES

Angels exercise their power in material and spiritual realms (2 Kings 19:35; 2 Thessalonians 1:7). They are spoken of as the sons of the mighty (Psalms 89:6). Their power is superhuman (2 Kings 6:17; Zechariah 12:8; 2 Peter 2:11). They excel in strength, (Psalms 103:20). Angels can chase, (Psalms 35:5-6) fight (Genesis 32:1; 2 Samuel 5:24) open prison doors (Acts 5:19 to Acts 12:7) liberate the dead (Matthew 28:2) and throw great millstones into the sea (Revelation 18:21) and shut the mouths of lions (Daniel 6:22).

THE MISSION OF ANGELS

From first to last, the angels of God are ministering spirits. Worship and ministry are their twofold function-priests in the heavenly temple: messengers on God's errands of love and justice, Isaiah 6:1-3; Daniel 7:9-10; Revelation 5:11. Angelic activity covers all history, ancient and modern, national and personal. THE WORLD IS IN CLOSER TOUCH WITH HEAVENLY FORCES THAN IT DREAMS (and the forces of Hell also, we might add).

As servants of God, Christ and man, the angels have manifold relationship we can summarize in the following way:

1.

Relation of Angels to God: Brought into being by God, the angels stand ready to do his bidding. His will and theirs are one.

a.

They were created by the wish of God, Neb. Daniel 9:6; Colossians 1:16

b.

They worship and adore the Triune God, Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 1:6

c.

They communicate the Will of God, Daniel 8:16-17; Daniel 10:11, etc.

d.

They obey the command of God, Psalms 103:20; Matthew 6:10

e.

They execute the purpose of God in grace and providence, Numbers 22:22; Psalms 103:21; John 5:4

f.

They administer the judgments of God, 2 Samuel 24:16; 2 Kings 19:35; Psalms 35:5 -

g.

They celebrate the praise of God, Job 38:7; Psalms 148:2; Isaiah 6:3; Luke 2:12; Revelation 5:11-12

h. They minister the law of God, Psalms 68:17; Acts 7:53; Hebrews 2:2

2.

Relation of Angels to Christ: It was personal and intimate.

a.

An angel prophesied the conception and birth of Christ, Luke 1:26-35 (cf. also Acts 2:29-36)

b.

An angel named the Coming One, Matthew 1:21; the song of redemption is one angels cannot sing, Hebrews 2:16. They are happy to surround His throne but will never have the privilege of sitting with Him on His throne, Revelation 3:21; Revelation 5:11

c.

Angels announced to the shepherds the birth of Jesus, Luke 2:8-15

d.

An angel directed Joseph as to the Child's safety, Matthew 1:2-21; Matthew 1:24

e.

Angels ministered to Christ after His temptation, Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13

f.

An angel strengthened Christ after His agony in Gethsemane, Luke 22:43-44

g.

Angels were Witnesses and Heralds of Christ's Resurrection; an angel rolled away the stone, Matthew 28:2-7; they guarded the tomb and witnessed John 20:11-14 (cf. Luke 24:23)

h. Angels attended Christ at His Ascension, Acts 1:3

i.

Angels are to attend Christ at His Second Advent, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9

Relation of Angels to the Nations

1.

Paul speaks of the world rulers of the darkness of this world Ephesians 2:3; Ephesians 6:12

2.

Christ did not dispute the claim of Satan to the control of the kingdoms of this world (cf. Matthew 12:26) where a kingdom of Satan is taught)

3.

In Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1 we discover that demon-angels have power to connect themselves with different nations. An important angelic personage is Satanic angel (demon) the prince of the kingdom of Persia, Daniel 10:13. A second demonic personality is mentioned as the prince of Grecia, Daniel 10:20

4.

The devil has angels (Revelation 12:7). They are the instruments of his will. Satan enthroned himself as the unseen ruler of the nations and, at different times in the history of the world, has expressed through rulers his own character in opposition to God's character.

5.

Under Satan's leadership Tyre became one of the leading powers of the world and leaders in wickedness (Ezekiel 28)

6.

Babylon became the seat of Satanic influence. At another critical period in the Church's history Satan's throne was in Pergamos Revelation 2:13

7.

Unseen forces are presently active as the rulers of the darkness of this world.

8.

It is distressing to think of these mighty potentates of evil being the invisible rulers of this world. Yet how comforting to know that no existing power, seen or unseen, can tear the believer from the love of God

Relation of Angels to the Jewish Nation

1.

The law was ordained of angels; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; Acts 7:53; Psalms 68:17

2.

Note:

An angel commissioned Moses to redeem Israel, Exodus 3:2

An angel led the nation in the wilderness, Exodus 14:19; Exodus 23:20-23

An angel rebuked the nation for its idolatry, Judges 2:1-5

An angel called Gideon to deliver the nation, Joshua 6:11-27

An angel smote the nation with pestilence, 2 Samuel 24:16-17

An angel smote the nation's foes, 2 Kings 19:35

An angel encamped round about the nation, Psalms 34:7; Psalms 91:11

3.

The Sadducees denied angels-' existence

Relation of Angels to the Church and believers

1.

Angels are present when the church gathers for worship 1 Corinthians 11:10

2.

Angels watch over the affairs of the church, 1 Corinthians 4:9; Hebrews 12:22; 1 Timothy 5:21

3.

Angels present the Church's worship before God, Revelation 8:3-5; 1 Peter 1:12; 1 Corinthians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3

4.

God does not now speak to men through angels, Galatians 1:8-12; Acts 9:5

5.

Angels are employed to Guard and Preserve the saints, Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43; John 5:4; Acts 27:21-35; Psalms 91:11; Hebrews 1:14; Acts 12:7; Acts 27:23; Acts 5:19

6.

Angels care for the young in faith, Matthew 18:10; Matthew 18:16; Psalms 34:7; Psalms 91:11; Hebrews 1:14; Luke 1:19

7.

Angels assist in answering the prayers of saints, Revelation 8:3; Revelation 5:8; Daniel 10:12-14

8.

Angels afford evidence of God's love and care for saints, Genesis 28:12-13; John 1:51

9.

Angels convey to heaven the souls of saints, Luke 6:22; Mark 13:27; Hebrews 12:22-23

10.

Angels minister at the resurrection of saints, 1 Thessalonians 4; Matthew 24

SERMON NUMBER TEN

THE MYSTERY AND MINISTRY OF ANGELS

Text: Daniel 10

INTRODUCTION

I.

WHERE DO ANGELS COME FROM?

A,

God created them

1.

When this took place belongs to God's secret counsels.

2.

They were existing when the foundations of the earth were fastened (cf. Job 38:4-7; Psalms 148:2-3; Nehemiah 9:6).

3.

The scriptures were not designed to include a history of celestial beings, but mainly the scheme of redemption of man: For surely it is not with angels that he is concerned but with the descendants of Abraham. Hebrews 2:16.

4.

When created by God, all the angels were good. Some, however fell from their celestial wisdom and position through the misuse of their liberty. God made nothing evil. The evil spirits were not created demons but became demons when by a free act, they cut themselves off from their Creator.

B.

Universal belief in angelic existence became enveloped in a mythological covering, both among Jews and pagans (Colossians 2:18).

1.

The worship of angels prevailed among all people, and became common before the apostolic age.

2.

False teachers exploited this superstition.

3.

Angel worship is both a follow and a sin (Revelation 22:2-9).

4.

Jewish rabbis divided their doctrine of angels thusly:

a.

The Heavens: residence of 7 archangels (neither of the two biblical archangels are mentioned).

b.

The Heaven of Heavens: divided into 10 apartments, each occupied by numerous companies of angels under the command of their respective chiefs.

c.

Another tradition says: Every man has his angel who speaks for him, and prays for him; as it is said, -O thou that hearest prayer,-' (Psalms 65:2; that is the prayer of the angel, who is the Marshal of guardian of men.)

DISCUSSION

1.

ANGELIC APPEARANCE, Daniel 10:1-9

A.

In the form of a man; dressed so gloriously Daniel grew ill with awe.

1.

Angels are spirit-beings. They have no bodies as we understand them, although at times they have assumed human form.

2.

Angels are sexless (Matthew 22:30), so each angel stands apart as a direct creation of God, and complete as an individual.

3.

The true nature of angels is expressed by the word Spirit. It is somewhat hard for us to form any idea of a spirit. We know better what it is not, that what it is (Luke 24:39).

4.

Being without bodies, the angels are invisible unless they manifest themselves visibly); being spirits and without corruptible bodies they are immortal. Even the rebellious angels continue and perish not.

5.

Psalms 104:4 indicates they are endowed with wonderful activity, moving with the swiftness of the winds, and operating with the force and energy of flaming fire.

6.

It seems they will come with Jesus (1 Corinthians 15) in a spiritual body which will be recognizable. they are to glorify Him when they come.

B.

Attributes of Angels

1.

Celestial qualities

a.

They are spirits (Hebrews 1:7; Hebrews 1:14) of windlike velocity, subtle nature, capable of close communion with God, sharers in His truth, purity, love, since they every behold His face, Matthew 18:10).

b.

The glorious appearance here to Daniel shows that they reflect the overwhelming glory-' of God in whose presence they dwell.

2.

Intellectual qualities

a.

They are the most understanding creatures in heaven or earth and because of their rationality and knowledge are likened unto a man (Ezekiel 1:5).

b.

They are the best of philosophers knowing the principles, causes, effects, life, notions, death, of natural things (Revelation 7:1; Revelation 7:12).

c.

They are also great statesmen, knowing the affairs of kingdoms (Daniel 10:13).

d.

Their knowledge is limited, however, and does not extend to things which God reserves in His secret counsels (Matthew 24:36). They desire to look into the wonder of man's redemption and learn of such things, but they are incapable (Ephesians 3:9-10; 1 Peter 1:12; Daniel 10:13).

3.

Moral qualities

a.

Although spiritual beings, they cannot create, change, alter the laws of nature, perform miracles of themselves, or search the heart of man. These prerogatives belong to God and the angels act only as He directs and empowers them.

b.

They possess the utmost moral excellence and loveliness of character. They are good, gentle, meek, kind and compassionate.

c.

They sing and rejoice over one sinner when he repents. they can love; they rejoice over victories of light over darkness.

d.

They ever harken to God's voice and obey His will (Psalms 103:20).

e.

They deem it their chief end to praise and glorify their Creator (Psalms 148:2).

4.

Physical qualities

a.

They exercise their power in material and spiritual realms (2 Kings 19:35; 2 Thessalonians 1:7).

b.

They are sons of the mighty (Psalms 89:6); their power is super-human (2 Kings 6:17; Zechariah 12:8; 2 Peter 2:11).

c.

They excel in strength (Psalms 103:20).

d.

They can chase, fight, open prison doors, liberate the dead, and throw great millstones into the sea, shut the mouths of lions (Psalms 35:5-6; Genesis 32:1; 2 Samuel 5:24; Acts 5:19; Acts 12:7; Matthew 28:2; Daniel 6:22).

C.

Is it any wonder then that Daniel fainted flat on his face when such a being appeared to him?

1.

Do we treat the fact that God has spoken to us in these last days in His Son too flippantly (Hebrews 1:1 ff)?

2.

If an angelic appearance should cause such vexation of soul in sinful man, is it any wonder that Peter cried, Depart from me, for I am a sinful man! when Jesus walked on the water?

3.

Since God has appeared in the flesh in Jesus Christ our only proper response is adoration, thankfulness and obedience.

II.

ANGELIC ANNOUNCEMENT, Daniel 10:10-14

A.

Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days. Daniel 10:14

1.

Angels are the messengers of God.

2.

They announced the law to Moses; Galatians 3:19; Hebrews 2:2; Acts 7:53; Psalms 68:17.

3.

They announced the birth of the Messiah (Luke 1:26-35; Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:8-15).

4.

They directed Joseph to Egypt for the Child's safety, Matthew 1:2-21; Matthew 1:24.

5.

They ministered to Christ after His temptation, Matthew 4:11.

6.

They ministered to Him after His Gethsemane agony, Matthew 22:43-44.

7.

They were witnesses and heralds of Christ's resurrection; an angel rolled away the stone (Matthew 28:2-7; John 20:11-14; Luke 24:23).

8.

They attended His Ascension, Acts 1:3.

9.

They will attend and announce His Second Advent, 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9.

B.

What the angel has to announce to Daniel follows in chapter 11.

1.

In Daniel 10:20 the angel limits the latter days to the era of history covered by the empires of Persia and Greece.

2.

These are the latter days of the O.T. dispensation, just preceding the coming of the Messiah.

3.

Chapter eleven deals in detail with the life and death struggles between the Seleucids and the Ptolemies (two of Alexander's generals who inherited these two segments of his divided kingdom).

4.

And it concerns this great struggle because poor little Palestine, the glorious land and the glorious people through whom the Redeemer the King, the Messiah is to come, is caught up in this life and death struggle, and it will appear as if God has forgotten His promise, and as if evil is soon to overcome good and the Messiah will never come.

5.

The angel shows in graphic detail, event by event, how even though evil personified in Antiochus IV appears to have won the battle, eventually God will overthrow evil and fulfill His promise.

C.

Angels have been sent often with such messages to comfort and strengthen God's saints in the midst of trials.

1.

One is reminded of the time when Elisha's servant thought all was lost but had his eyes opened and was enabled to see the mountain full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha. and hear. Fear not; for they that are with us are more than they that are with them. 2 Kings 6:14-19.

III.

ANGELIC ACTIVITY Daniel 10:15-21

A.

Knowest thou wherefore I come unto thee? and now will I return to fight with -the prince of Persia: and when I go forth, lo, the prince of Greece shall come. Daniel 10:20.

1.

The angel's question, we believe, is rhetorical, Do you remember what I told you about my purpose for coming to you?

a.

That he (the angel) had been sent to overcome the evil-angel who was being allowed to influence the decisions and actions of the rulers of Persia.

b.

The angel says he had overcome this evil-spirit and now announces that he is about to return and continue such work of overruling in order that God's purposes may be carried out.

2.

As soon as the one conflict ends with Persia, the angel will be engaged in the same sort of conflict with another demon-angel sent from hell to attempt to thwart God's plans by influencing the rulers of Greece.

B.

Angels not only announce, they are active in affairs that go on in the world.

1.

Here in Daniel 10 we are afforded a glimpse behind the scenes of world history to the realm of the supernatural where the unseen but very real battle of the ages is transpiring.

a.

In the realm of observable history there is more than meets the eye!

b.

There are powers at work of which some people never have conceived.

c.

The Christian warfare is one of supernatural elements (Ephesians 6:10-20. we wrestle not against flesh and blood; 2 Corinthians 10:3-5).

2.

These princes of the kingdoms of Persia. and of Greece. are not simply the mortal kings of these empires only. No mortal king could have so successfully opposed an angel of God for a period of 21 days (one angel was able to smite 185,000 Assyrians in one night)

a.

He is a demon-prince straight from Hell sent to gain some influence with sinful, pagan rulers, to attempt the thwarting of God's plan to redeem man!

b.

It appears that in the downward plunge away from truth and righteousness the Gentile nations, even as they chose to worship and seek the fellowship of demons (1 Corinthians 10:20 ff), came under the powerful influence of Satanic angels.

c.

These demon-spirits became the controlling, deceiving, power of decadent, depraved men, and they used whatever powers they had to hamper God's work. They even deceived those who delighted in being deceived with lying wonders and signs

3.

Paul has much to say about the world rulers of the darkness of this world (Ephesians 2:3; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:15; 1 Corinthians 10, etc.)

4.

Christ did not dispute the claim of Satan to the control of the kingdoms of this world (cf. Matthew 12:26a kingdom of Satan is mentioned).

5.

The devil has angels (Revelation 12:7). They are the instruments of his will, Satan enthroned himself as the unseen ruler of the nations and, at different times in the history of the world, has expressed through rulers his own character in opposition to God's character. HE IS A BEAST (ROARING LION) HIS HELPERS ARE BEASTS.

6.

Under Satan's leadership Tyre became one of the leading powers of the world and leaders in wickedness (and personified Satan in the ruler of Tyre), Ezekiel 28.

7.

Babylon became the seat of Satanic influence. At another critical period in the church's history Satan's throne was in Pergamos, Revelation 2:13.

8.

Unseen forces are presently active as the rulers of the darkness of this world.

C.

There are spiritual forces at work that are far in excess of what men who disregard divine revelation would suppose.

1.

They struggle behind the struggles that are written on the pages of history.

2.

They explain the Satanic evil that often comes to light under the things that appear on the surface.

3.

Since a particular prince of the kingdom of Persia is mentioned, it seems valid to conclude that every godless, cruel, tyrannical nation is dominated by some such prince.

4.

Whether each evil angel may have but one nation as his domain, or whether there may be broader spheres of activity in which the more powerful among them are active, we cannot decide on the limited information available in Scripture.

5.

Evil angels had held the controlling position at the Persian court. They did not hold it, however, without the consent of the governed. That is, when men become so willing opposed to the truth, when they have no love for the truth, but rather take pleasure in unrighteousness, God will send them a strong delusion that they may believe a lie (cf. Romans 1:18 ff). God gives them up to their own ungodly passions. It must have been the desire of the heart of Cyrus, and perhaps others of his kingdom, to turn from their wickedness and the powerful influences Hell had over them.. SO GOD SENT HIS ANGEL MICHAEL TO OVERTHROW THE RULE OF THE EVIL ANGELS AND CYRUS-' HEART WAS STIRRED TO LET THE ISRAELITES RETURN TO THEIR PROMISED LAND!

6.

It is distressing to think of these mighty potentates of evil being the invisible rulers of this world. YET HOW COMFORTING TO KNOW THAT NO EXISTING POWER, SEEN OR UNSEEN, CAN TEAR THE BELIEVER FROM THE LOVE AND POWER OF GOD

CONCLUSION

I.

CHRIST CONQUERED THE FORCES OF HELL IN HIS REDEMPTIVE WORK

A.

When Christ came He destroyed Satan's power for all who will believe and trust Jesus Christ.

1.

Christ bound the strong man by entering his abode and plundering his goods (Matthew 12:29-30).

2.

Christ destroyed the power of the devil, the fear of death, by dying and rising from the dead (Hebrews 2:14-16).

3.

Christ judged the ruler of this world and cast him down (John 12:31; John 16:11).

4.

Christ took captivity captive (Ephesians 4:8).

5.

Christ disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them, (Colossians 2:15).

6.

Any one born of God is kept by God and the evil one does not touch him, 1 John 5:18).

7.

Although the whole world is in the power of the evil one (1 John 5:19), our faith is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4-5), FOR HE WHO IS IN YOU IS GREATER THAN HE WHO IS IN THE WORLD.

8.

If the word of God abides in us we will overcome the evil one (1 John 2:12-17).

9.

WOULD SAY THIS, ANY MAN WHO REFUSES THE LIGHT OF GOD'S TRUTH. WHO REFUSES WHAT HE KNOWS TO BE PURE, TRUE AND RIGHTEOUS, AND EXCHANGES TRUTH FOR LIE, DELIBERATELY, IS DEFINITELY IN DANGER OF HAVING HIS MIND AND SOUL INHABITED, DIRECTED AND EXPLOITED BY A MESSENGER OF HELL.

II.

THE SCRIPTURES SHED SOME LIGHT ON ANGELIC FORCES FROM THE THRONE OF GOD SENT TO DO SERVICE FOR THOSE WHO SHALL INHERIT SALVATION

A.

Our present text in Daniel is a good starting place.

1.

It is interesting to note the harmonious cooperation between God's angels (Michael and Gabriel) in carrying out His work.

2.

One helps the other where help is needed. AN EXAMPLE OF HOW GOD'S WILL IS DONE IN HEAVEN.

3.

And the fact that certain of these angels of God are great and mighty does not cause any rivalry or opposition among them! WHAT A BLESSING IT WOULD BE IF GOD'S WILL WERE DONE ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN!

4.

Leupold summarizes the teaching of this important passage thus: The sum of the matter is this: There are powerful forces of evil at work in and through the nations and their rulers to defeat and to overthrow the people of God. This may alarm and cause terror when one considers how powerful these demon potentates are. On the other hand, there are still more powerful agents of good at work who, by harmonious cooperation, will prevail over their wicked opponents. So the cause of the kingdom is in good hands, and its success is assured.

B.

Angels are present when the church gathers for worship, 1 Corinthians 11:10.

C.

Angels watch over the affairs of the church, 1 Corinthians 4:9; Hebrews 12:22; 1 Timothy 5:21.

D.

Angels present the church's worship before God, Revelation 8:3-5; 1 Peter 1:12; 1 Corinthians 4:9; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3.

E.

God does not have any further revelation to make to man through angels, Galatians 1:8-12; Acts 9:5.

F.

Angels are employed to guard and preserve the saints, Matthew 4:11; Luke 22:43; John 5:4; Acts 27:21-35; Psalms 91:11; Hebrews 1:14; Acts 12:7; Acts 27:23; Acts 5:19.

G.

Angels care for the young in faith, Matthew 18:10; Matthew 18:1-6; Psalms 34:7; Psalms 91:11; Luke 1:19.

H.

Angels assist in answering the prayers of saints, Revelation 8:3; Revelation 5:8; Daniel 10:12-15.

I.

Angels afford evidence of God's love and care for saints, Genesis 28:12-13; John 1:51.

J.

Angels convey to heaven the souls of saints, Luke 16:22; Mark 13:27; Hebrews 12:22-23.

K.

Angels minister to the resurrection of the saints, 1 Thessalonians 4; Matthew 24.

III.

FROM FIRST TO LAST THE ANGELS OF GOD ARE MINISTERING SPIRITS.

A.

Worship and ministry are their twofold functionpriests in the heavenly temple; messengers on God's errands of love and justice.

B.

Angelic activity covers all history, ancient and modern, national and personal.

C.

THE WORLD IS IN CLOSER TOUCH WITH HEAVENLY FORCES THAN IT DREAMS (and with Hellish forces, we might add).

THANK GOD FOR ANGELS. DO NOT NEGLECT TO SHOW HOSPITALITY TO STRANGERS, FOR SOME HAVE ENTERTAINED ANGELS UNAWARES, BUT DO NOT WORSHIP THEM. WORSHIP CHRIST.

EXAMINATION TEN

REFUTATIONS
(Answer the following by giving the argument which will correct the statement)

1.

The latter days explained to Daniel in chapter 10 are the latter days before the close of the Christian age. Refute!

2.

The angelic appearance to Daniel was so common to him at this point it had little effect upon him. Refute!

ASSOCIATIONS

(Associate the persons or events of column one with the correct person or event of column two)

1

2

Belteshazzar

king of Babylon

Cyrus

demon power in ruler of Greece

Hiddekel

archangel

Nisan

Abed-nego

prince of Persia

Daniel

Michael

demon power in ruler of Persia

prince of Greece

king of Persia

Tigris river

first month

Feast of the Jews

MEMORIZATIONS
(Fill in the blanks:)

Fear not, _________; for from the first day that thou didst set thy heart to _________, and to __________ thyself before thy God, thy words were _________: and I am come for thy words-' sake. But the _________ of the kingdom of _________ withstood me one and twenty days; but, lo, _________ one of the chief _________, came to help me: and I remained there with the kings of Persia.

EXPLANATIONS

1.

Explain the relationship of chapter 10 to Chapter s 9, 11 and 12.

2.

Explain the struggle between Michael and the prince of Persia and the prince of Greece.

3.

Explain the meaning of the great warfare in Daniel 10:1

4.

Explain what implications chapter 10 and the angelic fighting has for Christians today.