CHRIST SUPERIOR TO ANGELS

(Message by Tanny Keng)

0. Introduction

a) The writer of Hebrews quotes from the Old Testament repeatedly in demonstrating Christ's greatness in comparison to the angels. This audience of first-century Jewish Christians had developed an imbalanced belief in angels and their role. Christ's lordship is affirmed without disrespect to God's valued angelic messengers.

b) Let's look at how Christ is superior to angels.

1. Christ is called "Son of God", a title never given to an angel.

a) Hebrews 1:5-6

i) ⁵ For to which of the angels did He ever say: “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”? And again: “I will be to Him a Father, And He shall be to Me a Son”? ⁶ But when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says: “Let all the angels of God worship Him.” (Hebrews 1:5-6 NKJV)

b) Psalms 2:7

i) ⁷ “I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You." (Psalms 2:7 NKJV)

2. Angels are important, but are still only servants under God.

a) Hebrews 1:7, 14

i) ⁷ And of the angels He says: “Who makes His angels spirits, And His ministers a flame of fire.” (Hebrews 1:7 NKJV)

ii) ¹⁴ Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14 NKJV)

b) Psalms 104:4

i) ⁴ Who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flame of fire. (Psalms 104:4 NKJV)

3. Christ's kingdom is forever.

a) Hebrews 1:8-9

i) ⁸ But to the Son He says: “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. ⁹ You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You, With the oil of gladness more than Your companions.” (Hebrews 1:8-9 NKJV)

b) Psalms 45:6

i)  ⁶ Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. (Psalms 45:6 NKJV)

4. Christ is the Creator of the world.

a) Hebrews 1:10

i) ¹⁰ And: “You, Lord, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. (Hebrews 1:10 NKJV)

b) Psalms 102:25

i) ²⁵ Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. (Psalms 102:25 NKJV

5. Christ is given unique honor by God.

a) Hebrews 1:13

i) ¹³ But to which of the angels has He ever said: “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool'? (Hebrews 1:13 NKJV)

b) Psalms 110:1

i) The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.” (Psalms 110:1 NKJV)

The End ...