Hebrews 1:4-14 Being made so much better than the angels, as he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.… I. WHAT MAY RE LEARNED OF THIS SUBJECT FROM SCRIPTURE. 1. To minister for our good, is a part of the ordinary employment to which they are appointed. 2. This is not the work of one angel only, but " they are all sent forth to minister" (Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:14). 3. They have had distinct employments assigned them on different occasions, as the honour of God and necessities of His Church required (Luke 1:13; Acts 10:3, 7; Acts 12:7-11; Daniel 3:28). 4. In this office they are servants of Jesus Christ, as the great Head of the Chinch. 5. Much of their work is to oppose the malice of evil spirits, who seek our hurt: and to defend us from their rage and subtlety (Revelation 12:7, 9; Matthew 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 2:18). 6. God by them suggests good motions to the minds of His saints. If it be asked, how these good motions from angels may be distinguished from the motions of the Holy Ghost, and His influence on the minds of believers? it is answered — (1) Angelic motions are from without, but the Spirit of our Father dwelleth in us. (2) They consist in occasional impressions; and are made by advantages taken from outward objects, and the present dispositions of the soul; whereas the Holy Spirit, by His operations, engages all the faculties of the soul, really and immediately citing them to generous actions, according to their nature and qualities. (3) Angels in their suggestions communicate no strength to perform good actions; they only stir us up to use the strength we have already in possession; but the Holy Ghost strengthens us with all might by His glorious power in our inner man, and effectually works every good work in us. (4) Angelcal impressions are transient; but the gracious influences of the Holy Ghost are continual (John 4:13, 14). 7. They are appointed in their ministry to be witnesses of our obedience, sufferings, &c. (1 Corinthians 4:9; 1 Timothy 5:21; 1 Corinthians 11:10). 8. They will attend Christ at His coming to judgment, to deliver His friends from every danger, and to execute the vengeance written upon all His obstinate enemies (1 Thessalonians 4:16; Matthew 13:30, 41, 49). II. WHY GOD USES THE MINISTRATION OF ANGELS IN BRINGING HOME THE HEIRS OF SALVATION! Doubtless the principal reason is, "Father, for so it seemed good in Thy sight"; yet the Scriptures assign several others, such as — 1. It employs and manifests the obedience of the angels, that in them the Church militant may have a fair example. 2. Hereby a blessed intercourse and fellowship is maintained between the several parts of the family of God; consisting of saints on earth and angels in heaven (Hebrews 11:22). 3. To reproach, awe, and restrain the devil. It is inconceivable what mischief might be done by this arch enemy, were it not for the constant vigilance of these holy watchers (Revelation 2:10). 4. That the saints may see the greatness and glory of redemption, which even the angels desire to look into.Inferences: 1. We should be very careful to use great sobriety in all our meditations on the subject, and never pretend "to be wise above what is written." 2. Danger should not deter us from duty. We have the sacred word for our guide; let us abide by that, and we are safe; whether we treat of angels, who are still reserved holy and happy, or of such as have dreadfully fallen into sin and misery. 3. There is no sufficient reason to believe that every Christian has a particular guardian angel appointed to take care of him. It cannot increase our consolation, but has a dangerous tendency to superstition. 4. Such is the love and care of God towards His saints in their present state of trial, that He sends the glorious attendants on His throne to minister to them; He who gave His only Son to die for them, will certainly send His holy angels to bring them safe home to the purchased possession. 5. Let us always remember, that in all our approaches to God as humble worshippers, we join with the holy angels, and bear our part in the heavenly concert. (J. Hannam.) Parallel Verses KJV: Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. |
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