Angels On Defense Series

Angels: Activating God’s Secret Agents

Angels on Defense

February 14, 2010

Introduction

A Byron Preston

B Every believer can recall some incident, critical danger-miraculously preserved.

1 Near car wrecks, fierce temptation, tractor rolling over, tree stand, kid wandering in the road, etc...the presence of angels could explain why tragedy was averted.

a The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them. Psalms 34:7 (NASB)

b For, I think, God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death; because we have become a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 1 Cor 4:9 (NASB) Paul believed angels were watching him (not paranoia, but a promise).

aa When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.12 For now we see in a mirror dimly , but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known. 1 Cor 13:11-12 (NASB) One day, our eyes will be fully open to the full extent of the ministry angels have given us.

bb Ministering “spirits”

2 I believe God assigns angels (guardian angels) over us, perhaps at the time of infancy.

a See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven continually see the face of My Father who is in heaven. Matt 18:10 (NASB)

b These angels work on our behalf, for our protection (cf. Psalm 91).

3 I believe they always protect the Lord’s investment.

a That’s you! God has a plan, purpose, destiny, number of days.

b Angels are there in your life to keep you safe, sound, protection from demonic forces.

C Today, let’s look at how these angels can be activated by following protocols found in Psalm 91.

1 Not worshiping, praying, mistaking angels with Holy Spirit.

2 We know God uses angels to work the destinies of men/ nations/regions.

a At times God manifests His presence in different ways (dove at baptism).

b At times, He has chosen to manifest His presence through His angels, visible to men.

D I pray we get in on what God is doing in this realm when His secret agents are active.

I Angels protect & deliver us

A I believe Psalm 91 reveals three steps of protocol to unlock the increased angelic protection in our lives.

1 Intimacy-moving to safer ground. He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!"Psalms 91:1-2 (NASB)

a In biblical times, devout Jewish men wore a covering to temple called a tallith (prayer shawl), a private covering.

aa Symbolized they spent private, intimate time alone with God, in a secret place.

bb Abide means to tarry all night; it speaks of the intimacy of husband & wife who tarry all night loving each other.

b When we spend time alone with God, we experience His covering.

aa Want to avoid evil, desire to obey...abide in Him.

bb How? V. 2: “I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge, my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

cc When we audibly confess His Word out of our mouth, we proclaim His power/might/

promise/praise, & He inhabits our praise!

dd Gateway to His presence, secret place, shelter

2 Invincibility-the first line of defense. For it is He who delivers you from the snare of the trapper and from the deadly pestilence.4 He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark.5 You will not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day;6 Of the pestilence that stalks in darkness, or of the destruction that lays waste at noon.7 A thousand may fall at your side and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not approach you.8 You will only look on with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked. Psalms 91:3-8 (NASB) Invincibility means you can escape from the devil’s traps.

a In His shadow/secret place, I am able to be set free, loosed from the traps the devil sets before me (snares in biblical times were baited traps for birds or animals).

aa If I’m in His shadow, I’m not cheating on my wife, sleeping with my boyfriend, drunk, gossiping, withholding my tithe, cursing people.

bb Snares are there, & sometimes we get “hung up”-He delivers us!

cc Deliver means set free, loosens us, takes us out, pulls us along (IL: coon).