QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (126)

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   “A good question can open a mind; a great question can change a life.”

 

B.   NOTE:  Regardless of whether a question is good or great, the heart of the person who asks the question is also very important.

1.    A correct answer can be given to a question, but if the heart is evil and combative, the answer will not be received.

2.    Example:

a.    The Jews asked Jesus a question:  “Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead?” (John 8:53).

b.    Jesus provided them with an answer.  “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58).  NOTE:  The answer to the question was true.

c.    The hearts of the Jews were not right. “Then took they up stones to cast at him…” (John 8:59).

 

C.   This is our Q&A Sunday. 

1.    We get many good questions. 

2.    We attempt to answer them correctly from God’s Word. 

3.    Each of us must develop honest and good hearts so we will properly receive the answer and act upon it.

4.    Today, we will examine two questions.

 

I.             QUESTION:  Angels vs. Men

 

A.   Stated:  Following the judgment, will we be like the angels of heaven?

 

B.   Answer:

1.    There are many individuals who believe that when we die we will be like angels.

a.    We will have wings and fly through the heavens.

b.    We might even be playing harps according to some individuals.

c.    This, however, is not what the Bible teaches.

2.    Angels:

a.    Angels are created beings (Col. 1:16).

 

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers:  all things were created by him, and for him.

 

b.    Angels are spirit beings (Heb. 1:14).

 

Are they not all ministering spirits…

 

1.    They do not have physical or spiritual bodies.

2.    As spirits, they are able to manifest themselves in unique forms.  They can even display themselves as men (Ex., the angels at the tomb of Jesus, Mark 16:5).

 

And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted.

 

c.    Angels are a little higher on the creation scale than man is (Ps. 8:5a).

 

For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels…

 

1)    Angels have more strength and power than men do.

2)    Because they exist in the heavenly realm, they have more knowledge of spiritual things than men do.

3.    Men:

a.    After death, men will resemble angels for a period of time in that we will exist as spirit beings.

1)    Ecclesiastes 12:7

 

Then shall the dust return unto the earth as it was:  and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.

 

2)    James 2:26

 

For as the body without the spirit is dead…

 

b.    After death and the resurrection, men will also resemble the angels in that they will no longer be married or given in marriage (Matt. 22:30).

 

For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.

 

c.    In the resurrection, however, we will be given a spiritual body.  This will distinguish us from the angels.

1)    2 Corinthians 5:1

 

For we know that, if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.

 

2)    In 1 Corinthians 15:35-53, Paul teaches about the spiritual body that all Christians will possess.

a)    It will not be composed of flesh and blood (1 Cor. 15:50).

b)    It will be incorruptible, glorious, powerful and spiritual.

4.    Another likeness we will have with the angels is that we will live in the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit forever and ever (Rev.21:23b-24a).

 

…for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.  And the nations of the saved shall walk in the light of it…

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   Men are not angels now.  And, we will not be angels in the hereafter.

 

B.   Churches need to change their cultures.  They need to become extremely evangelistic.

1.    What was Jesus’ mission?  Answer:  Luke 19:10

 

For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

 

2.    What mission did Jesus give His apostles?  Answer:  Mark 16:15

 

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

 

3.    Is the church truly focused on these things today?