Superior to the Angels
Jeremy Bell
Hebrews 1:4-14
January 21, 2024
Sermon Audio
Sermon Recap PDF
I. What are angels and what do they do?
In his book R. Kent Hughes lists out the various employments and opportunities that angels have. I walk to talk about those.
- Angels are given to the praise of God
- Angels minister to believers
- Angels announce God’s messages to man
- Angels will be God’s agents in earthly judgment
- Angels are employed in the protection of God’s people
II. The Superiority of Christ
- A Superior Name (verse 4)
- A Superior Position (verse 6)
11 Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14 And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped.– Revelation 5:11-14
- A Superior Reign (verses 8-9)
- A Superior Existence (verses 10-12)
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
Questions for Discussion/Application:
- Consider taking time to read Hebrews 1:4:4-14 out loud. What initial insights or observations of the text do you have?
From the ESV Study Bible
Heb. 1:4 The main theme of chs. 1 and 2 is announced: Jesus is superior to angels. Angels were objects of much speculation in first-century Judaism. Certainly they were known to appear in human form, to minister before the very throne of God, to guide and protect humans, and to have revealed the Mosaic law (see 1:7; 2:2; 12:22; 13:2). Yet Jesus is deemed superior to them, in part because his name (i.e., his essence) is “Son” (1:5), which points to a more intimate relationship and which speaks of a better family inheritance (all that belongs to the Father belongs to his unique Son).
- What wrong ideas of angels can people sometimes have? What are some of the biblical things we know to be true about angels (see point #1)?
- Of the five subpoints mentioned under point #1, which aspect of the ministry of angels most stands out to you?
- The original readers were tempted to abandon the Christian faith. How could considering Christ’s superiority, even over angels help them to not do that?
- Have someone in the group read out loud the entirety of point #2 in the Sermon Recap. How does it affect you knowing that Christ, who is superior over angels and indeed superior over all, invites you to draw near to him (Matt. 11:28)?
- Consider taking time to pray, asking God to help see Jesus as the all glorious Savior that He is and to faithfully draw near to him at all times, and especially in times of trial and difficulty.