Superior to the Angels

Hebrews 1:5-2:4

Angels

1. Greek “angelos” meaning “messenger”

2. Can refer to any human messenger (Matthew 11:10).

3. usually refers to a heavenly being created for various kinds of service to God.

4. Angels could express the image of God (Exodus 19:18).

5. Through them Moses was given the Law (Acts 7:53).

6. They had great value in the plans of God—and still might, though their work is unknown to us.

1. Jesus is superior to the angels

   There are 3 points: (Highlighted parts)

   1. Jesus is the Son of God

      1. 1:5

         1. From Psalm 2:7

         2. This was never said of angels, but it was said of a man, the Son of God!

      2. Luke 1:31-35

         1. We are all sons of God who are Christians, through adoption

         2. Jesus was literally the Son of God—according to God's plan.

      3. Angels were told to worship Him at His birth (1:6).

         1. Angels worshiped a HUMAN!

         2. No one is to worship anyone but God.

      4. Jesus is the Son while angels are the servants

         1. Jesus is SUPERIOR to the Angels

   2. Jesus is God, the eternal ruler of all

      1. 1:8-9 (Psalm 45:6-7) Notice, speaking to God he said to Him, “Your God has anointed you...”

      2. He is God; His throne is forever, eternal

      3. He was given a place of honor because he CHOSE righteousness and inherited the throne—He faced temptations and conquered them.

      4. But angels serve, they have never ruled.

   3. Jesus is the all-powerful ruler.

      1. 1:10-12—He created everything

      2. Creation will perish, yet He will remain.

      3. 1:13—angels were never promised a greater inheritance than what they have now, but Jesus, a MAN, was given it.

      4. 1:14—angels are meant to serve; Jesus was meant to rule.

2. Application to us: (2:1-4)

   1. We must give the more earnest heed.

   2. We must keep from drifting.

   3. We must escape punishment.

      1. Word through the angels (Acts 7:52-53—we've already seen this)

      2. OT meted out punishment for EVERY disobedience (either sacrifices or death)

      3. How much more through the word of the SON of GOD?

   4. We have no excuse for not making it!

      1. We have God's word (2:3)

      2. It has been proven to be the Word of God

         1. confirmed by human witness

         2. Confirmed by God through miracles and gifts of the Spirit (2:4)

   5. Point: HOLD ON!