Angels: Praise, Protection And Proclamation Series

Angels: Praise, Protection and Proclamation

(Series on the Birth of Christ – Part 2)

Pastor Wilson Spencer

Liberty Baptist Church

December 11th, 2011

Luke 2:8-14 “8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. ”

Introduction: Angels play a prominent role in the Christmas narrative. When our Savior left the splendor of His heavenly home to humble Himself by becoming a man, He didn’t leave angels out of the equation. They were given a series of very important tasks. They were given orders, and as always, they performed their duties perfectly, with great joy and with the express purpose of glorifying God.

Three of the most common responsibilities angels are charged with in Scripture are found in the Christmas Narrative:

Praise, Protection and Proclamation. Let’s look at them this morning.

. Praise: (Vs. 13-14)

Angels praise God in Heaven - Rev. 7:11 “11. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12. Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”

Their number is innumerable - Rev. 5:11 “And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands” Heb. 12:22 “But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels”

. Protection: An angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt. Matthew 2:13

An angel protected Daniel in the lions’ den.

A multitude of angels on horses and chariots of fire delivered Elisha. (2 Kings 6:15-17)

An angel protected Adam & Eve from eating of the Tree of Life. (Gen. 3:24)

Angels saved Lot and his family in Sodom, and it was an angel that restrained Abraham from sacrificing Isaac.

. Proclamation: (Vs. 10-12)

Angels proclaimed His birth; Angels proclaimed His resurrection; Angels proclaimed His coming again!

Conclusion: Do angels still make visits to us today? (Invitation)