A seven-fold outline of the Book of Revelation

Revelation 1:1  "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show to His bond-servants, the things which must soon take place; and He sent and communicated it by His angel to His bond-servant John."

Introduction - ways in which to outline Revelation

In past blogs I have introduced the reader to ways in which we can outline of the Book of Revelation. The most common way of course is to take Revelation 1:19 as one's cue for understanding the Book in terms of it chronological unfolding - i.e a chronological outline:


1. "Therefore write the things which you have seen... (referring to Jesus' initial revelation of Himself in chapter 1)

2. "and the things which are".... (referring to the seven churches of chapters 2-3, as well as possibly 4-5)

3. "and the things which will take place after these things." (possibly chapters 4-5 and most definitely 6-22)

A second way to outline Revelation is through a thematic outline of the Book. Hence an example of a thematic outline that this blogger has used in times past would be as follows:

1. Jesus & His church. Rev 1-3
2. Jesus & His throne. Rev 4-5
3. Jesus & History. Rev 6-19
4. Jesus & His coming reign. Rev 19-20
5. Jesus & His Bride in eternity. Rev 21-22

In today's post I would like to introduce a third possible way - namely through key words and patterns in the text of Revelation itself.

A seven-fold pattern to outlining Revelation

Many commentators, pastors and scholars alike have looked at key words or patterns in the Book of Revelation as a key to understanding the book. In this post I would like to suggest two such patterns: the number "seven" and the idea of John seeing visions "in heaven" followed by an unfolding of events occurring here on earth as a result of something coming out of heaven.

Explaining a little further as to why these patterns are being used as guides for outlining Revelation

The number "seven" dominates the Book of Revelation, being found over fifty times in the Book. We won't take time today to look at where those are found, however the sheer number of the occurrences is what prompts this blogger to suggest utilizing that number in a proposed outline. The Holy Ghost's inspiration of the book included this number in both the contents and structure of the book.The second pattern, as already mentioned, deals with John first seeing something occur "in heaven", followed by a sequence of events occurring here on earth. Such switching back and forth between heaven and earth moves the book forward. As John wrote what he wrote, he would had repeated the particular set of events in order to add detail and depth, as well as to convey what will be the intensity of the events prior to Christ's second coming.

A seven-fold outline of the Book of Revelation

With those thoughts clearly in mind, I propose an outline of the Book featuring those two main patterns:

1. Vision sequence #1 Christ in Heaven, followed by His church here on earth. In this first sequence the question is answered: What is Jesus' doing now in relationship to His church?  Revelation 1:1-20; 2:1-3:22


2. Vision sequence #2 The Father and Son on the throne in heaven, followed by Christ's unfurling of the seals and trumpets here on earth. This second sequence helps us answer the question: How will Jesus defeat the kingdoms of man? Revelation 4-5; 6:1-11:19


3. Vision sequence #3 God's program for Israel set forth in Heaven, with its Old Testament History, Christ's incarnation and remaining history until Christ's return unfurled. This third sequence answers the question of how Jesus will defeat Satan and his man, the Anti-Christ. Revelation 12:1-18; 13:1-14:20


4. Vision sequence #4 God's relationship to creation & judgment on the nations articulated in heaven, followed by the final judgment of the world system Babylon the great.  This fourth sequence answer the question: How Jesus will defeat the evils of man (15:1-4; 15:5-18:24). 

Thus far Revelation is presenting in sequences #2, #3 & #4 the same time frame in repeated fashion, with each vision superimposing details upon the previous vision. We can liken this characteristic of John's Revelation to what happens when multiple sets of transparency overheads are laid atop one another, producing a full and complete picture. 

5. Vision sequence #5 Christ bring to bear God's judgment on the nations as He makes His return (19:1-10).  Because of the prior seven year tribulation period and all the judgments, history and the earth are now ready for the King to come and set up His 1,000 year kingdom.


6. Vision sequence #6 Christ's second coming followed by His Millennial Reign and Great White Throne Judgment of unbelievers. Revelation 19:11-21; 20:1-15


7. Vision sequence #7 The Eternal State, with the New Heavens and New Earth joining together and God and the Lamb being at the center of redeemed believers in eternity. Revelation 21:1-22:21. 

P4 Guest Blogger Deborah Smith - Relational, Emotional and Spiritual Effects of Insecurities in Women

Genesis 1:27 "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Introduction: Guest Blogger Debi Smith
My wonderful wife Debi Smith has been featured in the past as a guest blogger on "Growing Christian Resources". Currently Debi is doing her Bachelors Degree in Christian Counseling at Liberty University. Recently I asked her if she would allow me to post her most recent paper that she did entitled: "Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Insecurity in Women". I believe this topic is very important and that my wife's recent research and writing can provide an invaluable resource to the Body of Christ and readers of this blog. With that said we will be finishing today what Deb wrote, with the goal of concluding this very important series of posts on the issues surrounding women's insecurities. I now present to you once more, our guest blogger Deborah Smith:

Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Insecurity in Women (continued)

Can an Insecure Woman Find Hope and Security in Jesus Christ?

The Bible is the answer book for all men and women who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. If a person has surrendered their life under Jesus Christ’s Lordship, then the answer is a resounding “Yes!” There is most definitely hope. It is not an easy path to overcome insecurities. Healing and changing an unhealthy mindset does not happen overnight, however, Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength” (NIV). What are some steps to overcoming the faulty thinking of insecurity?

Develop God-esteem, Rather than Self EsteemThe Bible has much to say about what a man and a woman’s identity is in Christ. In Dr. Neil T. Anderson’s book, “The Bondage Breaker”, he addresses that after a person comes to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, meaning that they have recognized their need for a Savior and turned their hearts towards Him, every man and woman now can be secure in their “new identity”. In Christ all are accepted (John 1:12; John 15:15; Romans 5:1), all are secure (Romans 8), 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22), all are significant (Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 3:12) (Anderson, 2000). 

Recognize That Only God Can Fill the VoidAll people have the need to be accepted and loved. God created people to be this way on purpose. Everyone has a void that is like a vacuum that cannot be satisfied by any person or thing. Only God Himself can meet this need and fill that empty place within every heart. Only He can give the unfailing love people desperately crave and desire (Moore et al, 2003). Not only does God fill the “love and acceptance” void in the heart of every one of His followers, but He promises that He will never disappoint. “Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow down before you with their faces to the ground; they will lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in me will not be disappointed” (Isaiah 49:23, NIV). He invites everyone to “taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8, NIV).

Allow God to Heal the Past In regards to the past traumas and hurts that women have experienced, God can help move a person past the pain and into a wonderfully healthy relationship with Him. “Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. Let the king be enthralled by your beauty; honor him, for he is your Lord” (Psalm 45:10-11, NIV). Regarding one’s past, He also says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:19, NIV). 

Put God’s Approval above the Approval of ManIn the quest for acceptance, it is imperative that the approval that is sought out is God’s and not a mere human’s. Even the apostle Paul needed to remind himself of Whom He served and sought out to please. “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10, NIV). 

In conclusion, insecurity can originate from the deepest, darkest places inside a woman. Past traumas and hurts can serve as chains to hold one down. An unhealthy self-image and pride can perpetuate insecurities as well. Insecurity destroys relationships and devalues the person who harbors it. Insecurity can keep a person in an endless cycle of relationships that harm. However, through a saving relationship with Jesus Christ, insecurity’s power over a woman’s mind and heart can be broken. Self-esteem can be replaced by God-esteem. He alone can heal the past and enable His daughters to move forward in a new identity. Through God, the insecure can indeed become secure once and for all.

ReferencesAnderson, N. T. (2000). The Bondage Breaker. Eugene, Oregon: Harvest House Publishers.

Anderson, N. T. (2000). Victory Over the Darkness. Ventura, California: Regal books.

Berger-Stassen, K. (2011). The developing Person Through the Life Span 8th Edition. New York, New York: Worth Publishers.

Bleske-Rechek, A., & Lighthall, M. (2010). Attractiveness and Rivalry in Women's Friendships with Women. Hum Nat, 82-97.

Daly, R. (2010). Spotlight Shined on Hollywood's Unrealistic Portrayal of Women. Psychiatric News, 13,30.

Furman, R., Collins, K., Garner, M. D., Montanaro, K. L., & Weber, G. (2009). Using Social Work Theory for the Fascilitation of Friendships. Smith College Studies in Social Work, 17-33.

Holman, T. B., Galbraith, R. C., Timmons, N. M., Steed, A., & Tobler, S. B. (2009 30:413). Threats to Parental and Romantic Attachment Figures' Availability and Adult Attachment Insecurity. Journal of Family Issues, 413-429.

Moore, B. (2010). So Long Insecurity. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.

Moore, B., Briscoe, J., Wilson, S. D., Hart, K., Hager, D., & Wells, T. L. (2003). A Woman and Her God. Brentwood: American Association of Christian Counselors.

Quigg, S. L., & Want, S. C. (2011). Highlighting Media Modifications: Can a Television Commercial Mitigate the Effects of Music Videos on Female Appearance Satisfaction? Elsevier, 135-142.

Smart, C., Davies, K., Heaphy, B., & Mason, J. (2012). Difficult Friendships and Ontological Insecurity. The Sociological Review, 91-109.

Walker, K. (1994). Men, Women, and Friendship: What They Say, What They Do. Gender and Society, 246-265.

Want, S. C. (2009). Meta-analytic Moderators of Experimental Exposure to Media Portrayals of Women on Female Appearance Satisfaction: Social Comparisons as Automatic Processes. Elsevier, 257-269.

P3 Guest Blogger Deborah Smith - Relational, Emotional and Spiritual Effects of Insecurities in Women

Genesis 1:27 "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Introduction: Guest Blogger Debi Smith
My wonderful wife Debi Smith has been featured in the past as a guest blogger on "Growing Christian Resources". Currently Debi is doing her Bachelors Degree in Christian Counseling at Liberty University. Recently I asked her if she would allow me to post her most recent paper that she did entitled: "Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Insecurity in Women". I believe this topic is very important and that my wife's recent research and writing can provide an invaluable resource to the Body of Christ and readers of this blog. With that said we continue from where we left off yesterday and will focus today on the side effects of insecurity. I now present to you our guest blogger Deborah Smith:

Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Insecurity in Women (continued)

What are the Side Effects of Insecurity?

Ruined Friendships Previously this paper looked at the danger of women comparing themselves to unrealistic images of women through the media. It was mentioned that such comparisons can result in depression and eating disorders. Comparisons made with non-media related women can also have ill effects. Comparisons affect who an insecure woman chooses as a friend. This quote was made after observing a survey of college aged women: “Because men place a premium on physical attractiveness, competition among women to attract men centers heavily on their level of attractiveness; thus women should not want a friend to be much more attractive that they are because then they might look less desirable in competition in comparison to their friend, but at the same time women should not want a friend to be much less attractive that they are because that might inhibit their ability to gain attention or interest from men when together” (Recheck & Lighthall, 2010, p.84). 

Insecure women compare themselves in more areas other than appearance. In the workplace a rivalry with other women often keeps women from forming friendships within their profession. This was especially true in male-dominated workplaces. The other females that worked alongside them were viewed as competition (Walker, 1994). Insecurities also cause women to destroy good friendships - needed friendships – out of jealousy (Moore, 2010). In an example on how insecurity destroys friendships, Beth Moore shares an account of a woman who had had a disagreement with a friend. She wrote an email apology to this friend and when she didn’t hear back, she assumed her friend was angry and proceeded to write another email, followed by another asking her friend to forget the former emails. Insecurity causes people to make fools of themselves out of desperation to protect or fix a relational problem that is perceived (Moore, 2010).

Unhealthy Relationships, Rejection, and ShameInsecurity also throws women into the arms of people that can hurt them and continue the cycle of insecurity. 

“We end up putting ourselves in one messed-up relationship after another trying to find someone who will take care of us. Someone who will not disappoint us. And it never works. For one thing, that kind of motivation draws us to the wrong kind of people” (Moore, 2010, p.66).

When rejection or betrayal occurs, whether in a love relationship or in a friendship relationship, an insecure woman experiences shame and guilt. It is as though she should’ve known better than trusting someone in the first place. This is demonstrated in a personal account from a study done on Ontological Insecurity. The woman interviewed tells of how she friended another woman she met in a class and grew close. After joining this new friend several times at her family’s home, the woman began feeling as though she were the source of an inside joke. Soon after, the relationship was severed and the two no longer communicated. She expressed guilt and shame that she should’ve been able to “read” the persons character better (Smart, Davies, Heaphy, & Mason, 2012).

Insecurity Leads to Self-Defeat and Distorted View of IdentityIn healthy friendships in children, “there is greater involvement in school, a sense of acceptance by peers, and positive self-esteem” (Furman, Collins, Garner, Montanaro, & Weber, 2009, p.19) The opposite of this is “isolation and alienation which leads to social dislocation and depression in individuals” (Furman, Collins, Garner, Montanaro, & Weber, 2009, p.19). When insecurity wiggles its way into a relationship it can manifest through self-defeating thoughts and messages. For example, “Nobody wants to hear from me” or “No one cares about me” (Furman, Collins, Garner, Montanaro, & Weber, 2009, p. 28). 

More tomorrow........

P2 Guest Blogger Deborah Smith - Relational, Emotional and Spiritual Effects of Insecurities in Women

Genesis 1:27 "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Introduction: Guest Blogger Debi Smith
My wonderful wife Debi Smith has been featured in the past as a guest blogger on "Growing Christian Resources". Currently Debi is doing her Bachelors Degree in Christian Counseling at Liberty University. Recently I asked her if she would allow me to post her most recent paper that she did entitled: "Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Insecurity in Women". I believe this topic is very important and that my wife's recent research and writing can provide an invaluable resource to the Body of Christ and readers of this blog. With that said we continue from where we left off yesterday.  I now present to you our guest blogger Deborah Smith:

Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Insecurity in Women (continued)

Where Do Insecurities Come From? 
By no means does this paper look to supply an exhaustive list of all the causes and reasons behind female insecurities. However, the following possible causes surfaced more frequently in the research of this paper. Some of the prevalent causes of insecurity in women are family struggles and/or trauma experienced during their childhood, rejection in relationships, unhealthy self-image, and the basic sinful nature all humans are born with. 

Past Traumas Everyone has a past. Some have more turbulent pasts than others, but to say that one’s past does not affect their present state of mind is not always accurate. Dr. Neil T. Anderson says, “Some Christians assert that the past doesn’t have any effect on them because they are new creations in Christ…Either they are extremely fortunate to have a conflict free past or they are living in denial. Those who have had major traumas and have learned to resolve them in Christ know how devastating past experiences can be” (Anderson, 2000, p.187). Various studies have shown that the first five years of development is instrumental in a person’s mental health and self-concept. Within the first 18 months of life the emotions of contentment, laughter, curiosity, anger, fears, self-awareness, pride, shame, embarrassment and security emerge (Berger, 2011). It is in the first two years of life that a child develops stranger wariness and separation anxiety. Also, within the first two years a child develops attachments to their caregivers and/or parents. Psychoanalyst Erik Erikson referred to this time frame in a child’s development as a crisis of life called the “Trust vs. Mistrust” stage. This is “when infants learn whether the world can be trusted to satisfy basic needs” (Berger, 2011, p.187). “If social interaction inspires trust and security, the child (and later the adult) confidently explores the social world” (Berger, 2011, p.187). Therefore, the role of caregivers and parents are crucial in developing the security in a child. How secure a child feels in his or her developing years will play a huge part in how secure the individual is as an adult. 

To decide whether insecurity issues derived from one’s childhood, it is reasonable to evaluate the relationship or lack thereof between an individual and their caregivers and/or parents. Theorist John Bowlby developed the attachment theory (Holman, Galbraith, Timmons, Steed, Tobler, 2009). This theory defines attachment as “a feeling of confidence, safety, and security in the knowledge that an attachment figure will be available when desired or needed” (Holman, Galbraith, Timmons, Steed, Tobler, 2009, p. 413). The idea of the word “availability” means that the one an individual attaches to will be “both accessible and responsive” (Holman, Galbraith, Timmons, Steed, Tobler, 2009, p. 414). If a child grows up in a home where there is turmoil, conflict, the absence of a parent, or lack of ongoing communication, there is a high risk that insecurity will be evident in the life of that child as an adult (Holman, Galbraith, Timmons, Steed, Tobler, 2009). This often can be evidenced in homes marked by instability ranging from divorce, abuse, mental illnesses, financial burdens, physical illnesses, fear, and a myriad of other things that can be both “avoidable and unavoidable” (Moore, 2010, p. 64-65).

Even if a childhood was relatively free of stress, a traumatic occurrence experienced as an adult can mar that person with insecurity. Victimization, loss, or any other type of grief a woman may experience in her lifetime can leave her with “an ongoing sense of being unprotected” and “can obliterate personal boundaries until …emotions are black and blue” (Moore, 2010, p.66)

Rejection in Relationships “Friendships are essential to human development… and contribute to a sense of depth and wholeness for individuals as they move through the life cycle” (Furman, Collins, Garner, Montanaro, & Weber, 2009, p.17). Friendships also can play a huge part in the self-identity of an individual (Smart, Davies, Heaphy, & Mason, 2012). Women, especially, view their friendships as highly important. While men view their relationships with their friends by activities, women focus on shared feelings (Walker, 1994). One of the reasons why friendship might be linked with an individual’s happiness and self-esteem is because “unlike family members, friends are earned; they choose us” (Berger, 2011, p. 525). 

For women, friendships are characterized by being more intimate. “They share secrets and engage in self-disclosing talk, including difficulties with their health, romances, and relatives. Women reveal their weaknesses and problems and receive an attentive and sympathetic ear, a shoulder to cry on, or a reassuring hug” (Berger, 2011, p. 527). When a relationship, whether it is platonic or romantic, is broken by rejection, it is no wonder why the end result can lead to insecurity. A breakdown in these vital relationships can lead to a woman feeling scarred (Smart, Davies, Heaphy, & Mason, 2012).

Unhealthy Self-Image Ironically, often one’s self-image is characterized by how other’s see or interpret an individual. As stated previously, a woman gathers much of her self-identity through her friendships and relationships. This process of a wavering self-image starts young. “Self-criticism and self-consciousness rise from ages 6 to 11, and by middle childhood this earlier overestimate of their ability or judgment decreases while self-esteem falls” (Berger, 2011, p.352). It’s at this age, girls are most vulnerable to the opinions of others and makes the self-esteem more fragile (Berger, 2011). 

If peer related tensions were not enough to bring down a self-image, the media and culture can affect a woman’s self-concept in a very harmful way. Many studies have been conducted over the last several years to show the effect of unrealistic portrayals of women in the media. All humans have the tendency to compare themselves to others. This is called “social comparison” and it is “the tendency to assess one’s abilities, achievements, social status, and other attributes by measuring them against those of other people, especially one’s peers” (Berger, 2011, p. 351). Women will subject themselves to comparisons and “standards of appearance presented in the mass media” (Want, 2009, p.257). When comparing themselves to the women on the television “are likely to fall short of that standard” (Want, 2009, p.257). While the body weight of fashion models decreased over the last 40 years, the everyday average woman’s weight has increased (Quigg & Want, 2009). Also, studies show that only 5% of women are able to become as thin as the fashion models they see in advertising (Quigg & Want, 2009).

Recently, efforts have been made to change “unhealthy” images of women in the media, images showing girls as “hyper sexualized, physically perfect, and superficial” (Daly, 2010, p.13). One such effort was a 75 second long commercial put out by Dove soap showing the process the media takes a picture through before showing it in ads. The Girl Scout Research Institute discovered that 88% of girls interviewed claim media pressures them to be thin (Daly, 2010). This pressure to be thin and comparing themselves to the unrealistic images they see has been shown to lead college aged women to develop mental illnesses such as eating disorders and depression (Daly, 2010).

Human Sin Nature As Beth Moore points out accurately in her book “So Long Insecurity”, most sources of insecurity are circumstances beyond an individual’s control, but the issue of pride and the human sin nature is an area a person can guard against (Moore, 2010). 

“We’re not the only women in our men’s lives….We’re not the most gifted people alive… We’re not the first choice every time…We’re not someone’s favorite…We can’t do everything ourselves…We’re not somebody else’s top priority…We don’t feel special… We don’t get the promotion… We don’t win the fight… We’re not paid what we’re worth… We’re not paid at all… and that really hurts our pride” (Moore, 2010, p.101).

Insecurity may look as though a person is contrite and humble, but if pride is the root of the insecurity it’s not a low self-esteem issue at all. It’s an esteem of oneself that is inflated. Proverbs 11:2 says, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom” (NIV).

More tomorrow.....

P1 Guest Blogger Deborah Smith - Relational, Emotional and Spiritual Effects of Insecurities in Women

Genesis 1:27 "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."

Introduction: Guest Blogger Debi Smith

My wonderful wife Debi Smith has been featured in the past as a guest blogger on "Growing Christian Resources". Currently Debi is doing her Bachelors Degree in Christian Counseling at Liberty University. Recently I asked her if she would allow me to post her most recent paper that she did entitled: "Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Insecurity in Women". I believe this topic is very important and that my wife's recent research and writing can provide an invaluable resource to the Body of Christ and readers of this blog. With that said I want to begin presenting what Deb wrote, with the goal over the next couple of days in presenting the entire paper in portions. I now present to you our guest blogger Deborah Smith:

Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Insecurity in Women 

Deborah Smith 

Liberty University

Abstract 
This paper will address insecurity in women and the effects that insecurity has on their personal relationships with others, their emotional well being, and their spiritual health as it pertains to their relationship or lack of relationship with God. Insecurities within a woman can cause strain and damage to relationships. This paper will explore the effects insecurity has on relationships. This paper will also examine the possible causes of insecurity, including past experiences as well as unhealthy ongoing comparisons and how it affects a woman emotionally and her perception of whom she is. Finally, this paper will also look at how insecurity can be healed through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and replace insecurity with a healthy, Godly self-concept.

Relational, Emotional, and Spiritual Effects of Insecurity in Women

What is insecurity? In her book, “So Long Insecurity”, Beth Moore gives a thought provoking and stirring definition:

“Insecurity refers to a profound sense of self-doubt – a deep feeling of uncertainty about our basic worth and our place in this world. Insecurity is associated with chronic self-consciousness, along with a chronic lack of confidence in ourselves and anxiety about our relationships. The insecure man or woman lives in constant fear or rejection and a deep uncertainty about whether his or her own feelings and desires are legitimate.” (Moore, 2010, p.17)

Even though insecurity can afflict men and women, this paper will focus solely on how insecurity can harm and manifest itself in the life of a woman. How do insecurities arise? What are the side effects of insecurity? Is it possible for a woman with insecurities to develop a healthy self-concept that is Godly? This paper’s intent is to answer these questions and to show that with a right relationship with Jesus Christ an insecure being can be made secure once again.

Where Do Insecurities Come From? 
By no means does this paper look to supply an exhaustive list of all the causes and reasons behind female insecurities. However, the following possible causes surfaced more frequently in the research of this paper. Some of the prevalent causes of insecurity in women are family struggles and/or trauma experienced during their childhood, rejection in relationships, unhealthy self-image, and the basic sinful nature all humans are born with.

More tomorrow from our guest blogger, Debi Smith, on the sources of insecurities.....

Specific areas God uses angelic assistance in the life of the Christian

Genesis 18:1-3 "Now the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, while he was sitting at the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 When he lifted up his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth, 3 and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by."

Review

In yesterday's post we considered what the Bible taught on the subject of angelic assistance in the life of the Christian. We saw ample proof of the teaching and its general place and purpose in the life of God's people.  We noted by way of illustration that angels can function like settings to hold in place precious truths and emphases of God's word so as to encourage greater faithfulness and receptivity by the saints.  Today we look into the life of Abraham in Genesis 18 in order to see specific areas where God uses angels to assist His people.  Abraham's life is a great example where we see the intersection between the realm of angels and the realm of men.  Abraham's kind act of hospitality to the mysterious 3 men in Genesis 18 gives a historical example for explaining passages such as Hebrews 13:2 - "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."  The actions of Abraham and the conversation that would ensue between he and they illustrates how angels directly or indirectly are used by God to positively motivate believers to pursue harder after God. 

The angels in Genesis 18 function as "settings" or assistance to Abraham to enable him to grasp fully what God was already working in and through His heart. God's delivery of the promise of a descendant to Abraham was nothing necessarily new - except in the fact that a specific timetable was revealed for its fulfillment.  Though God most certainly did not need these angels, Abraham did.  As we will see in today's post, angels function to assist as settings to reinforce the following areas or "jewels" of the believer's faithwalk:

1. Angels can assist in obedience.  18:1-8
When you read through Genesis 18:1-8, the appearance of these three "men" (two of them being angels in disguise, the middle one most likely being the Angel of the Lord, a Christophany) results in Abraham hurrying and scurrying to serve them.  Undoubtedly Abraham's actions can be explained as part of the Oriental culture of hospitality, however the tone of his actions suggests something far deeper and richer.  The immediacy of obedience which he exhibited in the circumcision of his entire household in Genesis 17:23,26 is carried over into Genesis 18.  Immediate obedience is a sign of growing maturity in the faith. Abraham is described as "running" in 18:2, hurrying in 18:7 and telling his wife to do the same in 18:6-7 with regards to their serving of the Divine Angel of the Lord and his two created angelic companions. Just the mere presence of angels resulted in an increased urgency to obey and serve the Lord. Thus angels are used by God to attend to obedience, but notice a second area, namely...

2. Angels can assist in God's promises. 

18:9-13
More specifically, God uses angels to aid in the administering of God's promises and revealed Word to His people.  Just as nurses aid in administering medicine or instructing patients on how to take a doctor's prescription, angels do the same.  It is the prescription and doctor's instructions that will bring the ultimate cure, with the nurse's facilitating and encouraging the uninformed patient to adhere to the doctor.  Likewise angels function to urge and encourage in the taking in of God's Word and adherence to the voice of the Great Physician, Who lone can save, deliver, heal the soul and Whose word alone affects change.  

God's promise to Abraham and Sarah of a promised son - Isaac, is the main point of Genesis 18, with the angels functioning to point out to the reader the importance of that truth.Scripture tell us that both the Gospel and the later revealed law of God in Exodus 19 was accompanied with angels. We know from passages such as Psalm 68:18 that many thousands of angels were present around the slopes of Mount Sinai to reinforce the fact of God's majesty and severity of the Law. Just as "flashing lights" atop a police cruiser make more plain to criminals and law abiding citizens alike the presence of justice, angels do the same. 

With regards to the the Gospel, we know that God stationed Cherubim at the entry to the Garden of Eden to dissuade Adam and Eve from attempting access to the Tree of Life, so that they would rely upon God's Covenant of grace through the shedding of innocent blood.  In Luke 2 we see the Shepherds guarding their flocks by night and be heralded by angelic hosts of the Savior's birth in Bethlehem.  Much like highlighters can do in make words in a Bible more plain to a reader, angels are God's highlighters for underscoring the already glorious and brilliant Gospel. 

3. Angels can assist in appreciation 

of God's Sovereignty. 18:14-21
Though the Angels never say a word to Abraham following Genesis 18:9, their presence alerts and influences Abraham to engage in discussion with the central figure - The Angel of the Lord. After delivering the Divine promise once again to Abraham, Abraham inquires as to how such a promise will come about, being that he and his wife Sarah are past child bearing years.  The Lord, speaking as the Angel of the Lord, replies in Genesis 18:14 "Is anything too difficult for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” In Genesis 21:1-3 we read the fulfillment - "Then the Lord took note of Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had promised. 2 So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac."

The Angels signal to Abraham and to us the reader that the One Whom we a reading about is not just any angel, but The Angel of the Lord - God the Son in disguise. Just as a monarch's court function to point all the attention to the majesty and authority of the King to carry out his decree, so it is with the angelic realm.  Does the monarch need his royal court and stately robes to be the king? No. However to those who do not know him, such trappings communicate to the seeing eye and senses what is already a fact - royalty, majesty and authority.  To an even greater extent, angels can in their invisible workings influence us to see and appreciate the Sovereignty of God.  Why else in the prophecies of Christ's return do we see angels attending His coming? To highlight what is already fact: His Royalty, Majesty and Authority.

4. Angels can assist in prayer.  18:22-33   
The remainder of Genesis 18 depicts the two "men" or angels leaving to do the Lord's bidding in the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah.  At this point in the narrative, the Lord (The Angel of the Lord) and Abraham are left alone.  Abraham begins to plea for Sodom, with the classic text on His prayer for mercy in the event that such-and-such a number of righteous people are left in the cities. How do the angels leaving Abraham and the Lord demonstrate their assistance in prayer? Abraham is now able to focus entirely on the One who remains behind. In many other passages, such as Daniel 10 and Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane in Luke 22, we see angels assisting the saints of God to pray.   At times when we are physically and mentally too weak to utter another word, angelic assistance to provide among other things the understanding that God's purposes in Heaven are ready to be deployed on earth. 

Conclusion:
We have explored today how angels are used by God in specific areas of the Christian life: obedience, apprehending God's Word, appreciation of God's Sovereignty and prayer. I want to close with a quote from the late pastor and scholar James Montgomery Boice on the practical importance of angelic assistance in the Christian life: "From a practical standpoint, if Christian people thought more of angelic protection, they would be less fearful of circumstances and enemies. At the same time our forgetfulness is understandable, for generally angels are not visible to us."1

Endnotes:
1. James Montgomery Boice. The Sovereign God - Foundations of the Christian Faith: Volume 1. Intervarsity Press. 1978. Page 221

The Bible's Overall Teaching on Angelic Assistance

Hebrews 1:14 "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?" 

Introduction: Angels as God's settings for His precious jewels
Years ago my wife had to get her ring repaired at the Jeweler. Without those settings, the gemstone would have no means of remaining central to the piece of jewelry. Angels in the Bible function as settings for the gemstones and precious metal of truth revealed by God's character through His words to His people. As you and I as Christians walk out the Christian walk, we require God's grace to endure and even obey the commands he gives us. To one degree we may wonder about the purpose and place of angelic assistance, yet God is so pleased to use these fellow-servants (Revelation 19:10) to demonstrate to us the value of His salvation and of us to Himself. After-all, the church and its individual members are God's chosen bride being prepared for the day when her bridegroom comes to take her out of the earth to be with Him. (John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-16; Revelation 19).

   

What does the Bible teach about angelic assistance in the believer's life

Angelic Assistance in the Old Testament 

Is it scriptural to say that angels are used and deployed by God to aid Christians in grasping and striving in the precious areas of the faith walk? Indeed so. Consider Psalm 91:11 "For He will give His angels charge concerning you,
To guard you in all your ways." Abraham's life is an extended illustration of this truth, with later scripture providing the explanation. Other Old Testament saints exhibited the aid of angels in their faith walks. David for example speaks of this as a general principle in Psalm 37:4 "The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, And rescues them." Daniel for instance was praying, and in Daniel 10:11 we read: "He said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling."

Angelic Assistance in the New Testament

Jesus certainly illustrated the point of angelic assistant in the believer's life by how angels aided Him in His humanity.  Matthew 4:11 "Then the devil left Him; and behold, angels came and began to minister to Him." Or how about Matthew 26:53 "Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" As Jesus was praying in Gethsemane we read in Luke 22:43 "Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him."

In the life of the Apostles we see evidence of intersections between the angelic realm and their own. The Apostle Peter, when incarcerated, was set free by an angel as the early church prayed for his release in Acts 12:6-8. Or how about in the life of the Apostle Paul as he was on a ship in the middle of a two-week long storm? Acts 27:23-24 "For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you."

Angelic Assistance for Christians today
Perhaps upon reading such verses you may be tempted to think: "Abraham was the father of faith and was special. David, Daniel, Paul and Peter were Prophets and Apostles. Furthermore, Jesus was God in human flesh so it would only make sense that He have His own angelic secret service." However we must remember these words from Hebrews 1:14 

"Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?" 

Theologians of past and present day aid us greatly in seeing the importance of angelic assistance in the lives of Christians. Many able minds could be cited, but for our purposes two will suffice. First John Wesley notes: "They may assist us in our search after truth, remove many doubts and difficulties, throw light on what was before dark and obscure, and confirm us in the truth that is after godliness. They may warn us of evil in disguise; and place what is good, in a clear, strong light. They may gently move our will to embrace what is good, and fly from that which is evil. They may, many times, quicken our dull affections, increase our holy hope or filial fear, and assist us more ardently to love Him who has first loved us."1


More recently Michael Horton notes about the angels, that they are: "ministers of God's saving purposes for the heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14)"...."(t)hey watch over believers (Pss 34:7; 91:11), learn the truths of God's unfolding mystery in Christ (Eph. 3:10; 1 Pet 1:12), and are said to bring believer's to Abraham's side (Lk 16:22)."2

Conclusions:
In today's post we have noted what the Bible has to teach about angelic assistance in the life of the believer. We have surveyed the Old and New Testaments and some observations from a couple of keen theological minds. My prayer is that this post has helped you in your Christian walk. May the Lord richly bless you.

Endnotes:
 1. See more at: http://www.umcmission.org/Find-Resources/John-Wesley-Sermons/Sermon-71-Of-Good-Angels#sthash.bXmpdbHU.dpuf

2. Michael Horton. The Christian Faith - A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way. Zondervan. 2011. Page 406