Angelology
Introducing Angelology:
"In the unseen realms of God's universe, powerful and wonderful beings dwell. They move at the speed of light to carry out their master's will.
They are involved in the political affairs of nations and in the smallest concerns of children. They may stand guard over your life and protect you in countless ways.
They watch what goes on in the church where you worship and they engage in cosmic battles that you aren't even aware of. These fantastic beings are called angels." And this is introduction to Angelology.[1]
Isaiah 6:1-5 (KJV)
1 In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.
2Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.
3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.
4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him that cried, and the house was filled with smoke.
5 Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.
As a very small boy, I once went with my mother to an old fashioned tent revival that was held some distance from our town. All I remember about the event is the tent, the people, and the preacher.
I also remember that when the man reached the climax of his sermon the sky grew very dark, the wind blew under the tent; lightening flashed, thunder boomed.
The man kept preaching and the people kept right on worshipping. My mother took a moment to comfort me because I was frightened.
My lasting memory of the occasion is of the overwhelming glory and power of God.
Angelology Lesson:
1. The word seraph means "burning ones." They are a class of angels and are mentioned nowhere else in the Bible except here in Isaiah 6:2, 6. Why do you think they would be portrayed as burning?
2. Based on Isaiah's description of the appearance, words and actions of the seraphs, what conclusions can you draw about their character?
3. How would you summarize the mission of the seraphs?
4. Imagine yourself in Isaiah's place. What would you tell a friend that you saw, felt, heard and smelled in Isaiah 6:1-4?
4.Why does Isaiah have such a strong reaction to his experience (Isaiah 6:5)?
5. Describe a time when you had a sense of God's close presence and glory. Where were you, and what feelings did you experience?
6. What circumstances and personal struggles might have burdened Isaiah's heart as he came into the temple?
7. How do you think Isaiah felt as he left the temple?
8. How do you think Isaiah's personal worship was affected by this vision?
9.How will Isaiah's vision make a difference in your worship of God? (For example, does the fact that holy angels are worshiping with you give you greater confidence or make you more reluctant?)
10. What are some appropriate ways that we can acknowledge the presence of angels in our corporate worship services?
Angelology - Expanding Your Perspective
11. Read Rev. 5:11-12. In John's vision of heaven, millions of angels surround God's throne. What seem to be their primary functions?
12. You may want to conclude this study with a time of personal or group worship before the Lord.
Click the links below for more Angelology lesson plans.
