Gospel Conversations: The Heart of God

Matthew 18:10–14


I. THE FATHER’S HEART FOR THE LOST

Don’t despise them.

A journey into the spiritual realm of angels:
The view of the dark side.

  1. Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light.

2 Corinthians 11:13–15  “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no great surprise if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their works.”

  1. We are warned not to believe every spiritual claim.

1 John 4:1  “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see if they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Matthew 4:5–7  “Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.””

  1. We are commanded to test every spiritual claim.

1 John 4:2–3  “This is how you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming; even now it is already in the world.”

  1. The Bible warns against seeking supernatural experiences.

Colossians 2:18  “Let no one condemn you by delighting in ascetic practices and the worship of angels, claiming access to a visionary realm. Such people are inflated by empty notions of their unspiritual mind.”


II. THE VIEW OF THE LIGHT SIDE

  1. Angels are God’s servants, sent to minister to His people.

Hebrews 1:14  “Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve those who are going to inherit salvation?”
Psalm 91:11–12  “For he will give his angels orders concerning you, to protect you in all your ways. They will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”

  1. Does everyone have a guardian angel?

III. THE FATHER PURSUES THE ONE ( Matthew 18:12–13)

Don’t ignore them.


IV. THE FATHER DESIRES TO SAVE THE ONE ( Matthew 18:14)

Don’t give up on them.