God's Great Son - Hebrews 1:1-14

by David Woods

Several years ago, angels became a very popular item. Christian bookstores began to offer many "angel" products. It was not uncommon to see a car with bumper sticker that stated that vehicle's owner had a guardian angel protecting him or her. The "angel" fad may not be in as much force today, however, many seem entranced with the idea that they have a guardian angel protecting them.

Discussion: Why do people put angel bumper stickers on their vehicles?

(I think some people are simply trying to be "cute". Or maybe they are simply being swept up in a church fad. Others may prefer a gentler image of God. I think others may be dissatisfied with a religion that doesn't seem to "work", and so hope this extra-special insight into spiritual things will get them what they want. Some may view this as their way to "witness" to the world.)

Scripture does state that angels protect Christians. For example, Psalm 34:7 states, "The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them." However, the Bible also makes clear that angels are simply the servants of God and that our protection truly comes from God Himself. Zephaniah 3:17 states, "The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."

Discussion: Why does the idea of a guardian angel seem more comforting to many people than having a risen Saviour and Lord? (Answers might include the following.)

1. Some are not willing to submit to Christ's lordship, but desire to be "spiritual" and receive spiritual blessings.

2. Some might be disillusioned by prayers that seem to go unanswered.

Discussion: How can the fascination with angels today be destructive to one's faith in God? (Answers might include the following.)

1. A focus on an angel means we are looking to the wrong place for help in our lives.

2. We cannot receive blessings promised by God if we are seeking help from angels.

Discussion: Let's suppose the reason why someone has an angel bumper sticker or any other number of such stickers on his/her vehicle is an attempt to witness to the world. What does the message, "This vehicle is protected by a guardian angel" convey to the unbeliever"?
(Does such a sticker tell the unbeliever this person is a) superstitious, b) expects his/her help to come from an angel, or c) trusts in Christ for deliverance? Is Christ glorified or is He marginalized?)

Discussion: When does a fascination with angels become idolatry?

(Consider Israel's idolatry of the golden calf in Exodus 32. When Moses had been in the mountain for a long time, the people decided he was dead and told Aaron to "make us gods who shall go before us" (ESV, Exo. 32:1). Aaron molded a golden calf and presented it to the people who said, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!" (ESV, Exo. 32:4) It has been my opinion - but maybe I give the Israelites too much credit - that in constructing the golden calf they were using this to "represent" the LORD God, rather than simply rejecting God. This would not make their sin any less wicked, but may emphasize the truth that God refuses to share His glory with anyone or anything. We need to carefully consider our fascination with angels, WWJD, and other "Jesus" junk. Are these things becoming substitutes for Christ?)

The point of our text is:

Big Idea: The Son of God is far superior to any servant of God.

Discussion: I would like us to list what our text says Jesus has done or who He is.

1. Jesus has delivered God the Father's word to us, v. 2.

2. Jesus has been appointed heir of all things by God the Father, v. 2.

3. Jesus created the world, v. 2.

4. Jesus "perfectly reflects the majesty of God" , v. 3.

5. Jesus is the exact representation of who God is, v. 3.

6. Jesus preserves the universe by the "word of his power," v. 3.

7. Jesus died in our place so that we might receive forgiveness and cleansing from all sin, v. 3.

8. Jesus sits at the right hand of God the Father, v. 3.

9. Jesus has a much greater name than any angel, v. 4.

10. Jesus' reign will be eternal, v. 8.

11. Jesus is a righteous Judge, v. 8.

Discussion: How do you think Jesus, the Son of God, feels when we appeal to His creation for help instead of asking Him for assistance?

Some people look to angels for security in life. Others look to spiritual people for guidance. Some look to themselves. While we should appreciate the service angels perform for God and the wisdom other Christians have distilled from God and while self-confidence is an admirable trait, Christ is our Lord and Saviour. Instead of looking to other sources, we should first seek His guidance and then follow His will.

Reflection: In your life decisions, on a scale of 1 to 5, would you say you are seeking guidance from God or from the servants of God?