Better Than Angels

Better Than Angels
HEBREWS 1:1–14

Background
The book of Hebrews is shrouded in mystery, and
scholars have debated its authorship, date, and
audience. Was it written by Paul? Luke? Apollos?
Barnabas? Timothy? Or even by Priscilla?

Background
Was it written before or after the destruction of the
temple in AD 70? Does the traditional title “Hebrews”
suggest the first readers to have been Jewish
Christians primarily or even exclusively?

Background
Not in doubt, however, is the fact that the author of
Hebrews wishes to show Christ’s superiority.
Who the prophets, the angels, etc., were and what
they revealed about God pale in comparison with who
Christ is and what he in himself has disclosed about
God.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
1. In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the
prophets at many times and in various ways,

HEBREWS 1:1–3
God has spoken with words in the Bible in a variety of
ways through a variety of people over hundreds of
years without any of the writers contradicting one
another.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
The author begins the discussion of Christ’s
superiority by sketching a background of divine
communication to theses ancestors.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
These were the ancients who lived in the time of great
prophets such as Moses, Isaiah, Elijah, and Jeremiah.
God’s communication through such prophets took
various forms as he spoke in multiple circumstances.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
All of the writings in the Bible “are able to instruct you
for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy
3:15-17).
The prophets pointed to the coming of the Messiah
and what He would achieve for the benefit of all God’s
people.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
By the time of Jesus’ birth, Jews widely acknowledged
that no new prophet had arisen for almost four
centuries, since the time of Malachi.
No prophet had brought God’s complete message, and
the death of a prophet would require God to find new
spokespersons periodically. This state of affairs took a
dramatic turn with the arrival of Christ.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
2. … but in these last days he has spoken to us by his
Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and
through whom also he made the universe.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
The “last days” began with the birth of Jesus Christ in
Bethlehem. God speaks to us in the Bible, which is
translated into many languages from the original
Hebrew and Greek languages

HEBREWS 1:1–3
The “Son” is the Word that God spoke when Jesus
Christ came to earth and ministered to us. God created
all things through the Son (John 1:3).
All things, all of created existence, belong to the Son.
As the Son of God the Father, all that the Father has
and will ever have belongs to Jesus Christ as an heir.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
The author proceeds to highlight the difference
between the prophets and Jesus by noting two unique
aspects of Christ’s identity.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
First, Jesus is naturally the heavenly Father’s heir
because Jesus is God’s Son. Jesus doesn’t have to
divide the inheritance with anyone.
No prophet could make such a claim, and certainly no
prophet knew the heavenly Father in the way that his
own Son does.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
Second, God created the physical realm through Christ
(Colossians 1:16). Many readers of the New Testament
are familiar with John 1:1–5, which speaks of Christ as
“the Word” regarding his role in creation.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
First-century Jews believe that God engages and
influences the world through his divine Word, which
essentially signifies his personal will and creative
power.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
As the eternal Word who “was with God,” and “was
God” (John 1:1), Christ is the one through whom the
Father made everything; thus Jesus was actively
involved in our world from the very beginning, not just
when he came to earth.
Obviously, no prophet could have made such a claim.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
Pause2Talk
With Christ coming through Jewish lines, why do
you think so many Christians forgo studying the Old
Testament which Jesus studied?

HEBREWS 1:1–3
3 He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact
imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things
by his powerful word. When he had made purification
for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty
on high,

HEBREWS 1:1–3
This verse makes statements that affirm Jesus is set
apart from every other figure in religious history. God’s
glorious nature is made known to us through Christ as
the exact representation of God’s invisible being.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
When anyone looks at and listens to Jesus Christ, they
see God in His glory exactly as our loving God acts and
speaks to us.
They see a perfect reflection of God’s holy character in
everything Jesus said and did.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
Moreover, Jesus is the perfect God and the perfect
representation of God as the Son of God. Jesus
proclaimed, “If you know me, you will know my Father
also” and “whoever has seen me has seen the Father”
(John 14:7, 9).

HEBREWS 1:1–3
Everything we are, have, ever will have, and ever will
be depends completely on Jesus forever.
After he had provided purification for sins, he sat
down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven

HEBREWS 1:1–3
The Greek word translated representation gives us the
English word character; the very essence of His being.
We can know about the unseen God by knowing
Christ.
Jesus is not simply another great religious teacher or
prophet. Those prophets spoke for God; Christ was
God speaking.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
That power was seen in His ability to create and
sustain the universe also has the power to purge sin.
This refers to Jesus’ death, to his self-sacrifice.
This theme is developed in greater detail later in this
book (Hebrews 9:11–10:18); what we have here is only
an introduction to this topic.

HEBREWS 1:1–3
Jesus’ subsequent ascension to the highest position of
honor in Heaven is noted frequently in the New
Testament (Mark 16:19; Acts 2:33–36; Ephesians 1:20;
etc.).

HEBREWS 1:1–3
This happened after Christ had voluntarily suspended
his divine power and privileges to die for our
redemption (Philippians 2:6–9) and rise again.
The same cannot be said of any other being, prophet
or otherwise.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
4. So he became as much superior to the angels as the
name he has inherited is superior to theirs.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Jesus is not only superior to those in the Bible who
wrote about Him; Jesus is also superior to angels.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The word angel means “messenger” in everyday usage
of ancient Greek.
Throughout the Old Testament, angels are portrayed
as messengers of God who enjoy direct access to his
divine presence and have special knowledge of his
hidden affairs (Genesis 19:1–21; 2 Samuel 14:20;
Judges 13; Zechariah 1:14–17).

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The Law of Moses was itself delivered by angels (Acts
7:38; Galatians 3:19). Since no sinful human can stand
in God’s holy presence, the angels communicated the
terms of God’s covenant to Moses, who in turn passed
that law on to the Israelites.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Despite their exalted position, angels still cannot tell
us as much about God as Christ has. While angels have
direct access to God (Luke 1:19), they are not one with
God as Christ is.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
God said or revealed many truths about Jesus that He
never said about any angel or any other person.
God declared these truths about the Son of God as the
prophets, the psalmists, and others spoke about Jesus
and His coming in the Old Testament Scriptures.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
After He completed His saving work, He ascended into
heaven where He officially inherited the name
“Savior.”

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Regarding Christ’s nature, it is important to stress that
his authority is not simply a result of his good works—
he did not earn a high place with God by dying on a
cross.
That honor was already Christ’s by his very nature, as
the author of Hebrews proceeds to stress.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Christ’s authority is a function of his eternal
birthright—he is greater than the angels not only
because he did a greater work than they could do but
also because he has inherited a superior name from
his Father

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Pause2Talk
Which description or title of Jesus found in
scripture is your favorite?

HEBREWS 1:4–9
5. For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are my Son;
today I have become your Father”?
. Or again,
“I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son”?

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The quotation we see here is from Psalm 2:7. This
verse appears in a coronation psalm—a song to be
sung during worship ceremonies at the crowning of a
new king in Israel.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The psalmist stresses that God will prosper the new
king in his reign, despite attacks from enemies (Psalm
2:2–4).
Israel’s king will be like a son to God, enjoying God’s
full protection and guidance while being exalted over
other earthly rulers; this happens because of the
heavenly Father’s divine blessing.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The second quotation is from 2 Samuel 7:14 (1
Chronicles 17:13). This originally referred to God’s
promise to David that his throne would be secure after
that man’s death.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The author of Hebrews applies this concept to sketch
Christ’s relationship with God as the Father’s true Son.
As such, Christ’s “name” (Hebrews 1:4, above) and
status in Heaven are far superior to that of angels.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Pause2Talk
Why is it that while Jesus is God in the flesh, many
Christians seldom pray directly to Him?

HEBREWS 1:4–9
6. And again, when God brings his firstborn into the
world, he says,
“Let all God’s angels worship him.”

HEBREWS 1:4–9
In the Old Testament, God commanded the worship of
God only and forbade the worship of idols (Exodus
20:1-5).

HEBREWS 1:4–9
However, God the Father commanded all of His angels
to worship Jesus, His Son. When Jesus was born the
angels announced His coming and worshiped Him
(Luke 2:9-14).
In heaven, the angels are subject to Jesus (1 Peter
3:22). And in heaven the angels worship Jesus and
declare He is a worthy of their worship (Revelation
5:9-12).

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Since Christ is of one nature and glory with God and
shares in his Father’s eternal reign, then Christ should
be worshipped not only by angels but also by humans.
This especially applies to those who have been
purified of sins by his death (Hebrews 1:3).

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Pause2Talk
Since Christ is God, why would the writer think it
necessary to state that Christ is superior to angels?

HEBREWS 1:4–9
7. In speaking of the angels he says,
“He makes his angels spirits,
and his servants flames of fire.”

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The author now cites Psalm 104:4 to stress further
Christ’s superiority to angels.
The angels, like humans and the elements of nature,
have been created by God, who makes everything to
serve his purposes. Christ, by contrast, is uncreated
and eternal.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
God prefers that the vast majority of angelic activity
remain hidden.
Later in Hebrews, the writer reminds his readers, “Do
not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so
doing some people have shown hospitality to angels
without knowing it” (13:2).

HEBREWS 1:4–9
As we praise God for the work of his angels on our
behalf, we also remember Paul’s caution: “Do not let
anyone who delights in false humility and the worship
of angels disqualify you” (Colossians 2:18).

HEBREWS 1:4–9
8, 9. But about the Son he says,
“Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever;
a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your
kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated
wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your
companions
by anointing you with the oil of joy.”

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The Holy Spirit inspired Psalms 45:6-7 and inspired the
writer of the Book of Hebrews to apply these words to
Jesus the Messiah and Son of God. God the Father
declared of God the Son “Your throne, O God, is
forever.”

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The author cites Psalm 45:6, 7 to contrast the angels
with Christ even further. While the angels are created
beings who act only on God’s instructions, Christ, as
God’s Son and heir, has been granted an eternal
throne and reign.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
In its original context, Psalm 45 was a royal wedding
song, performed at wedding ceremonies for Israel’s
kings.
Following the theme that the king enjoys special
protection as God’s “son,” the psalmist compares him
with God himself: Israel’s kings were to reign forever
under God’s protection, enforcing justice and calling
people to obey God’s law.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
When Jesus came to earth, He did so because He
loved the world, wanted to make purification for sins,
and wanted to establish the righteous rule of God in
the hearts of all who would follow Him as Lord and
Savior.
Jesus perfectly achieved all that God the Father
intended; therefore, Jesus rejoiced in the Lord beyond
His disciples and other followers.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
One final detail in this quotation is not to be missed:
when God the Father anoints God the Son, the Father
literally makes the Son to be Christ since the Greek
word Christ means “anointed one,” as does its Hebrew
equivalent Messiah.
Jesus was not self-anointed for his mission. Rather, he
was anointed by the Father for that mission—the most
important mission in history! (Luke 4:18.)
.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
10 And, “You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in
the beginning, and the heavens are the work of your
hands;.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The Holy Spirit through the writer emphasized once
again that Jesus as Lord founded the heavens and the
earth. They are His handiwork (Psalm 19:1 and Psalm
102:25).
The Gospel of John stressed the same truth (John 1:1-
4).

HEBREWS 1:4–9
11 they will perish, but you remain; they will all wear
out like a garment,

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Created things will change and many things will perish
according to the will of their Creator, Jesus the Son of
God who rules from God’s throne.
God the Creator designed created things to wear out,
especially after mankind fell into sin.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
As Redeemer and Savior, Jesus gives new and eternal
life to all who trust in Him as Lord and Savior ( John
3:16).

HEBREWS 1:4–9
12 like a robe you will roll them up, like a garment
they will be changed. But you are the same, and your
years will have no end.”

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Jesus Christ will never change. He will never decay or
wear out. He can be totally trusted because He will
always love righteousness and hate wickedness.
He will always reign in righteousness, and He has
promised a new and better world is coming for those
who love and follow Him.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
The writer of the Book of Hebrews will show
throughout his book (or Letter) why everyone should
place their faith firmly in Jesus Christ.
Created beings and things cannot be relied upon for
they will not remain unchanging; only God the Father,
the Son of God, and the Holy Spirit are worthy of our
total trust.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
13 And to which of the angels has he ever said, “Sit at
my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool
for your feet”?

HEBREWS 1:4–9
He ascended bodily into heaven and sits bodily at the
right hand of God the Father on His throne. By His
Spirit, He lives in the hearts of all of His followers.
Christ will completely defeat wicked spirits and evil
people someday; currently, believers still battle with
His help their enemies and His.

HEBREWS 1:4–9
14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve
for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

HEBREWS 1:4–9
Jesus Christ has commanded the angels to serve His
followers. When we “inherit salvation,” because we
are adopted children of God, justified, and sanctified
through faith in Jesus Christ, we will be glorified by
Him.
We will be raised from the dead and receive glorified
human bodies similar to His resurrected body. We will
reign with Him in His kingdom forever.

Conclusion
Western culture shows a curious fascination with
angels. Charms, pendants, bumper stickers, decorative
figurines, and Christmas ornaments bearing images of
angels are readily available.

Conclusion
While the Bible does teach that angels are real and
active, it is important to stress that they should not be
viewed as objects of devotion or attraction.
(Revelation 19:10; 22:9).

Conclusion
The fact that Christ receives their worship in Heaven
underlines his unique status: he relates to God and
reveals God in ways like no other. As the very image of
God himself, and as the one who is exalted in Heaven
because he died for our sins, Christ and no angel
deserves our worshipful praise

Better Than Angels

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