Topical Bible: Obedience to God: Angels Engaged In

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In the biblical narrative, angels are frequently depicted as celestial beings who serve as messengers and servants of God, executing His will with unwavering obedience. Their actions and roles provide a profound example of obedience to God, reflecting His divine order and authority.

Nature and Role of Angels

Angels are created beings, distinct from humans, who inhabit the spiritual realm. They are often described as mighty and powerful, yet their primary function is to serve God and carry out His commands. The psalmist declares, "Bless the LORD, all His angels mighty in strength who carry out His word, who hearken to the voice of His command" (Psalm 103:20). This verse underscores the angels' strength and their readiness to obey God's word.

Angelic Obedience in Scripture

Throughout Scripture, angels are depicted as obedient servants who fulfill God's directives without hesitation. In the book of Genesis, angels are sent to execute God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, demonstrating their role in carrying out divine justice (Genesis 19:1-29). Similarly, in the New Testament, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, instructing him to take Mary as his wife and later to flee to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus (Matthew 1:20-21; 2:13). These instances highlight the angels' commitment to God's plan and their role in pivotal moments of biblical history.

Angels in Worship and Service

Angels are also depicted as worshipers of God, continually praising Him and acknowledging His holiness. In the book of Revelation, John describes a vision of angels around the throne of God, proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!" (Revelation 4:8). This scene illustrates the angels' reverence and their eternal dedication to worshiping God.

Moreover, angels serve as ministers to those who inherit salvation. The author of Hebrews writes, "Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). This passage indicates that angels are engaged in God's redemptive work, assisting and protecting believers as part of their obedient service to God.

Angelic Obedience as a Model

The obedience of angels serves as a model for believers, illustrating the importance of submitting to God's will and commands. Their example encourages Christians to live lives of faithful obedience, trusting in God's sovereignty and purpose. As beings who exist to glorify God and execute His will, angels exemplify the ultimate expression of obedience, reminding believers of their own call to serve and honor God in all things.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 103:20
Bless the LORD, you his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening to the voice of his word.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Wonderful ChapterHeld by St Francis at St Mary of the ...
... plain round St Mary of the Angels, in groups ... the brethren, encouraging them to holy
obedience, to reverence ... to charity among themselves, to pray God for all ...
/.../the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter xviii of the wonderful.htm

Messiah the Son of God
... of the Scripture, and a course of simple obedience to His ... a refuge; and on this we
rest, that God hath given ... Son; who is so much better than the angels, as He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xxvii messiah the son.htm

Submit Yourselves Therefore to God. James 4:7.
... speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have ... the happiness of the universe
or the favor of God. ... you is, that since you cannot render obedience for the ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/submit yourselves therefore to god.htm

Instructions to Converts.
... perfect and to purpose entire, perpetual and universal obedience to God ... That is not
the way God has appointed ... is one reason why he has not employed angels in the ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xx instructions to converts.htm

Immanuel
... it could have been the un-sinning obedience of all ... have been proposed to the universe,
to angels and men ... to vindicate the righteousness and truth of God in the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/sermon v immanuel.htm

Natural Evil, or Suffering, and Especially the Suffering of ...
... with mere animals, than to rank them with the devil and his angels. ... says he, "concerning
the active principle of virtue and obedience to God's commands are ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii natural evil or.htm

The Call of Elisha
... training in habits of simplicity and of obedience to his ... be in the active service
of God while engaged in the ... the tomb, but the ascent with God's angels to the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

The Christian Honoring God by his Dying Behavior.
... of the last extremity are fixed, not upon your own merits and obedience, but on ... O
God! ... do I appear that I should be taken to dwell with thy angels and taints ...
/.../chapter xxx the christian honoring.htm

Of the Prophecies of the Birth and Achievements of Christ.
... when He was announced as about to come to earth in obedience to God ... it a novel practice
to the Holy Spirit to call those "angels" whom God has appointed ...
/.../tertullian/an answer to the jews/chapter ix of the prophecies of.htm

Two Coverings and Two Consequences
... Majesty of that thrice holy God, before whom even perfect angels veil their ... of God,
and his obedience stands, instead of our obedience; and God accepts him ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/two coverings and two consequences.htm