BIG IDEA
Today we are talking about something we do not always think about: the spiritual world. In the weekend service, we talked about the fact that there is a world that we can see, taste, and touch, and there is a spiritual world that we cannot see. The Bible makes it clear that angels and demons are very real and very much part of the spiritual world. They are at work all around us, even when we cannot see.
BREAK THE ICE
What comes to mind when you think about angels? Why?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study Questions
1. What does the Bible reveal about angels? How is this different from what we learn in pop culture?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Revelation 5:11-12 and Revelation 22:8-9. What do these verses teach us about the purpose of angels and worship?
Revelation 5:11-12
11 Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders. 12 And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.”
Revelation 22:8-9
I, John, am the one who heard and saw all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. 9 But he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!”
3. Read John 10:10. Compare and contrast the thief, who represents Satan and his demons, and Christ in this verse.
John 10:10
The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
4. Read 1 John 4:4. What hope does this verse give us as we think about angels and demons in the spiritual world?
1 John 4:4
But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.
Application
1. After studying the verses we have read today, why do you think it is important to understand the spiritual world, particularly angels and demons in the spiritual world?
2. When you think about the purpose of angels, how are you inspired to follow their example in the way they spread God’s messages and worship?
3. What are some practical and healthy ways that we can deal with the spiritual realm daily?
MOVING FORWARD
Just like the angels, we are called to be God’s messengers. One of the clearest and easiest ways to do this is through the Bridge Diagram. As a group, spend some time reviewing the Bridge Diagram and practice sharing it in groups of 2 or 3. Commit to looking for opportunities throughout the week to share this diagram with someone this week and act on them when the opportunities come. Let’s follow the angels’ lead and share our hope because of Jesus with the people around us.
Going Deeper
One of the fascinating aspects of studying angels is how they relate to humans, including us. The first and last chapters of the book of Hebrews tell us how angels are involved in the lives of humans and how we are to live in light of this understanding. Over the next few minutes together, we will dive into these chapters of Hebrews and take a deeper look at what Scripture tells us about angels in these passages of Scripture.
Read Hebrews 1:5-12.
1. How are Jesus and angels different, based on these verses?
2. Why is it important to have an appropriate view of Christ and angels?
3. What is the danger of viewing angels too highly?
Read Hebrews 1:13-14.
1. How do these verses describe angels?
2. How do angels relate to people, according to these verses?
3. Do you often think about angels in this way? Why or why not?
Read Hebrews 13:1-2.
Take a look at this note from the NET study Bible:
“This is a vague allusion to people described in scripture… and may include Abraham and Sarah (Gen 18:2–15), Lot (Gen 19:1–14), Gideon (Judg 6:11–18), [and] Manoah (Judg 13:3–22).” [1]
1. How are we called to act based on the knowledge of angels?
2. Is this command in Scripture something you think about often? Why or why not?
3. What do you think it looks like to show hospitality on a regular basis?
4. How does showing up with an opportunity to serve impact us?
When we look for opportunities to show generosity, we not only impact others, we are impacted for the better as well. Think of one thing you can do this week to live a lifestyle of generosity and share it with your group. After everyone has shared, pray together. Ask God to give each one of you hearts of generosity and that you all would be receptive when opportunities for generosity arrive.
MONTHLY MEMORY VERSE (Available for download on Sagebrush App)
Titus 3:5 He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.
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