In my early morning time of meditation, I studied a few paragraphs of Luther's Small Catechism. This morning's question asks: "What does the Bible tell us about the evil angels, or devils?
When I look at the way the catechism is set up I am thankful. Its form is that of a book of questions and answers that is designed to teach the basic doctrines of the Bible. In the discussion of today's question the answers are given in simple and direct style and form.
What can we learn about evil angels?
A. They are spirits who were created holy, but sinned and are forever rejected by God. 2 Peter 2:4 For if God didn't spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus {Tartarus is another name for Hell}, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved to be judged; There are several ideas expressed or implied here that are meaningful for those of us who live in the present time. God exists and is the righteous judge who holds all creatures accountable. The creatures spoken of here are from the invisible realms and they are called angels. Angels really exist, and those who sinned are being held in the pits of darkness.
B. These evil angels are cunning, powerful, and of great number. There are two very clear expressions from the Bible that help in our understanding of why the world is the way it is. Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Their numbers are great: Mark 5:8 For he said to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" 9 He asked him, "What is your name?" He said to him, "My name is Legion, for we are many." In this passage we have described how Jesus performed an exorcism.
Perhaps one of the most deceptive things about the devil and his evil angels is that they are all liars. That simply means that they and those who serve them do not tell things the way they are. They manipulate, change, and deny the truthfulness of God's very own words. They distort reality, and with specific activities are responsible for so many things that are wrong in our world that it would appear that they will gain the upper hand.
The fallen angels are the enemies of God and of man and endeavor to destroy the works of God. Joh 8:43 Why don't you understand my speech? Because you can't hear my word. 44 You are of your Father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn't stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it.
As I look at the world around us, it seems clear to me that within the Biblical world view there are clear explanations of the way things are, why peoeple do the things they do, and why it is that so many who consider themselves learned have a great difficulty with what the Bible says.
There is no better exhortation and encouragement for us as we live from day to day than that which is set down for our learning in 1 Peter 5: 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
God be with you, and I hope to see you in church.
Comments