There is much written about the spiritual realm. Many books and movies depict interaction with angels and demons. As disciples of Jesus, we want to build our understanding about the spiritual realm from what scripture teaches, not how novels depict it. The Bible teaches that God created angels to be ministering spirits to serve and worship Him. Angels are powerful and work in unseen places. The Bible also teaches that some angels are fallen and evil, using their power for influence against God and His kingdom.
Read Hebrews 1:6-7 & Hebrews 2:6-7
Discuss: How are angels described?
Angels are created beings
Angels are a part of creation. Although they have beauty and power higher than humans, they are not to be worshipped. Because angels are created by God and not equal with God, they do not provide truth that contradicts what God has said in scripture. (Col. 1:16, Ps. 103:20)
Discuss: How do we acknowledge that angels are powerful and have some glory without worshiping them as ultimate and divine?
Angels are supernatural
Even though angels are created beings, we must not think they are like us. They live and move in the spiritual realm, usually unseen by the human eye, with some exceptions. They can powerfully affect the human realm both for good and evil. (Hebrews 1:14) (Hebrews 13:2)
Read Eph. 6:12
Discuss: How does the spiritual realm differ from the physical realm?
Some angels are fallen
Satan is a created angel who rebelled against God, his creator, and was cast out of heaven to the earth. He introduced sin into the human race. He is now the prince of the fallen world and leads an army of fallen angels as enemies of God and His people. These fallen angels are also referred to as demons. (Isa. 14:12-17) (Ez. 28:11-19) (Matt 25:41)
Read Luke 11:24-26, Luke 17:14-18
Discuss: What are the realities of evil spirits dwelling among people?
We should respect the power of fallen angels but believe that God has ultimate power over them.
Personal application
Consider how you would answer someone who told you they had a “new truth” revealed to them by an angel?
How does the power of created angels point to the ultimate power of God the creator?