In the previous devotional we discussed how God has constructed reality. I highlighted four categories of beings. (If you missed it, scroll back a day.)

Category 2 is heavenly begins. This includes angels and demons (more commonly called ‘unclean spirits’ in the New Testament).

But what do they do?

First, the good news. Angels are messengers from God. The word ‘angel’ literally means messenger. They also serve and help Christians in a general sense. We learn this in Hebrews 1:14: “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

Second, the bad news. Demons tempt God’s people. A famous example is found in Matthew 4:1. They also deceive and try to lead us away from God’s truth. In John 8:44 Jesus calls Satan the “father of lies.” They also try to attack and devour Christians (see 1 Peter 5:8).

These two sides—if we can indeed call them “sides”—are not equal. God is greatest, Christ is triumphant, and his Spirit dwells within us! The playing field is not level. There is more to help us than hurt us.

Even still, we need to be wise and discerning. The end result is not in doubt—God’s promises are always true and we will dwell with him forever because of Christ!—but we are nevertheless engaged in a battle while here on earth. 

Know your side, be prepared, follow Jesus, shun darkness, embrace light.

As Matthew Henry has said: “Wherever we encamp under the banner of Christ, the angels of God will encamp round about us, and pitch their tents where we pitch ours.”*

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Notes: 

–*Matthew Henry, A Church in the House (Peterborough: H & E Publishing, 2018), 36.
–Bible quotes are from the NIV.