Small Group Teaching Plan

Session 73: Angels

Key Question: Who exactly are angels?
Biblical Truth: Angels are created beings who serve as God’s messengers and servants.

(Note: Questions or activities that are more appropriate for younger youth or for older youth are marked by “YY” or
“OY” respectively.)

Preparation: Preview the video for this session. (See clip on this CD.) Read Psalms 34:7; 91:9-11; Hebrews 1:5–2:2;
Revelation 1:1; and “Background for the Bible Passages, Session 73.”

After the Video:

1. Ask: Why are Boz and Anne so interested in angels? Is their information accurate? Distribute the “Session 73
Outline” and review with students. Say: In reviewing this outline, you will learn who angels are and God’s purpose
for creating them. Encourage youth to listen carefully to God’s Word to fully understand what God does not say
about angels and what humankind has added about these created beings.
2. Call on a volunteer to read aloud Hebrews 1:5-13. Ask:
 What does God say in this passage about angels? (Created, all must worship the Father and His Son Jesus, they
are to serve and minister for God)
 What is significant about verse 13? (Angels were not created to be worshiped but to worship and serve God.)
 In our world today, have you observed any reversal of the truth of verse 13? (For example, some people
worship and reverence angels more than God.)
 Is there evidence in your life that you worship something or someone more than you worship God? If yes,
what steps can you take to get back on track to worshiping God?
3. Call on a volunteer to read aloud Hebrews 2:1-2 and Revelation 1:1. Ask:
 What awesome second task were angels given in these verses? (To relay God’s message to humankind and
through Jesus’ disciple John in Revelation)
 What message is made clear to you in these verses? (OY)
 What is the message that God wants you to share with others?
Guide the youth to complete the “Message Acrostic” handout to describe God’s message or how God wants His
message delivered. (YY) After students have completed the acrostic, allow them to share their responses. Clarify
anything not biblical from the Bible background study.
4. Call on one or more volunteers to read aloud Psalm 34:7 and Psalm 91:9-11. Ask:
 What third task did God give angels in this passage?
 Is the term “guardian angel” found in the Bible? (No, but allow youth to look in their concordance for the
actual words.)
 Is the concept of guardian angels in the Bible? (Yes) Which of the verses just read point to that concept? (All
of them)
 Whom are angels to serve and protect? (Those who have put all their allegiance in God)
5. Call on a volunteer to read aloud Hebrews 1:14. Ask:
 What does it mean to all of you who have accepted Jesus as your Savior and Lord that you will inherit
salvation? Do others recognize that you feel that way? Why or why not?
 How does the reality of ministering servants, such as angels serving God by helping you, give you hope and
comfort?
 Now that we have learned about the three major tasks of angels, what misconceptions of the world around
you have you thought about during this study? (No halos, no harps, not boring, not to be worshiped)

Options
1. Distribute copies of “Messenger Truths or Lies” and allow students to answer true or false to each of the statements.
(Answers: 1-True; 2-False: Angels are created beings; 3-True: Cherubim and seraphim; 4-True; 5-False: Angel
means “messenger.”) Lead students to discuss which is the most comforting truth about angels.

Continue
Hand out copies of “Exploring the Bible Daily 73.” Encourage students to read the passages for today’s session. Direct
students as they read to write questions or insights.

© 2007 LifeWay Press®. Fuel2: Owning Your Faith, Volume 7. Permission granted to reproduce this item for church use only. Published in the United States of America.