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Messengers and Ministers: Lesson Two

The Ministry of Angels
Text: Hebrews 1:14

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Last week we began a new series on Messengers and Ministers: A Study of Angels. We discussed their great power and ability, how they carry out God’s will in heaven and on earth, and how—even though they are unseen—they can work visibly in our world. We mentioned in passing that they minister to us, but tonight we will focus on that ministry of angels.

Hebrews 1:14 calls them “ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation.” That verse answers, at least in part, the question of “guardian angels.” For the heirs of salvation, God has indeed appointed ministering spirits to care for us.

I. Angels Protect God’s People

The Bible teaches that angels are dispatched for protection.

  • Psalm 91:11–12 – “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways…”

  • Psalm 34:7 – “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.”

  • Daniel 6:22 – Daniel testifies, “My God hath sent his angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths…”

  • Acts 12:7 – Peter is freed from prison when “the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison…”

Corrie ten Boom’s story:
Corrie smuggled a Bible into a WWII concentration camp under her dress. At every checkpoint the guards searched other women thoroughly, but when they came to her, it was as if they couldn’t even see the Bible. She later wrote: “I felt the angels around me. They must’ve been standing there, shielding me with their wings so the guards’ eyes could not see.”

What a reminder that the unseen hand of God works through His angels to protect His children.

II. Angels Deliver God’s Messages

Throughout Scripture, angels were the messengers of God:

  • Gabriel to Mary (Luke 1:26–38).

  • The angels to the shepherds (Luke 2:8–14).

  • The angel at the empty tomb (Matthew 28:5–7).

  • The angels at Jesus’ ascension (Acts 1:10–11).

God still speaks to us today—through His Word, His Spirit, His people, and yes, at times through His angels. It is a learned voice, a still small voice, a desired voice. The question is: are we listening?

III. Angels Assist in Our Ministry and Mission

Hebrews 1:14 emphasizes that their ministry is “to the heirs of salvation.” That means their focus is on believers. If that is the case, then I believe they help us in our work for God.

  • Philip in Acts 8:26 was guided by an angel to the Ethiopian eunuch. That one man was important to God, and angels were dispatched to arrange the meeting.

  • Jesus in Matthew 4:11 was ministered to by angels after His temptation in the wilderness.

If our Savior received the help of angels in His mission, surely we will too.

I believe when we serve God faithfully, we will not serve alone. God will send His ministering spirits to encourage and help us.

Conclusion

I’m reminded of the choir song:

“I’m trusting to the unseen hand
That guides me through this weary land;
And some sweet day I’ll reach that strand,
Still guided by the unseen hand.”

While the song speaks of the Savior’s hand, I can’t help but think of the many times we’ve been protected, guided, and encouraged by the unseen hand of God’s angels.

Take courage: you are not in this alone. God has His messengers and ministers at work for His people.

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