Festival of Saint Michael and All Angels

 Sermon Text: Luke 10:17-20

 Other Readings: Daniel 10:10-14; 12:1-3 and Revelation 12:7-12


 

  1. The seventy-two used the name of Jesus to drive out demons. What does this tell us about the power of God’s Word?
     
  2. What does our second reading from Revelation 12:7-12 tell us about the power of angels?
     
  3. Which option probably best explains what Jesus meant when he said, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (v. 18)? Confer Ephesians 6:12.
    1. Soon after creation, when Satan and his angels were expelled from heaven
    2. Earlier in Jesus’ ministry, when he had bested Satan’s temptations in the wilderness
    3. During the seventy-two’s mission, as they proclaimed the gospel drove out demons
       
  4. In verse 19, Jesus told the seventy-two, “Nothing will harm you.” Yet, we know that unless Jesus returns first, we will die. What assurance do we believers have based on Luke 10:20, Daniel 12:1, and Psalm 91:11?

 

  1. It tells us that God’s Word is powerful. We see that at creation when everything was made simply by God’s Word. We see that here, when even the name of Jesus on the lips of sinners can drive out demons. Trust in the power of God’s Word, that it will accomplish what it says it will!
     
  2. The holy angels are stronger than the evil angels. So, not only do we have God’s power in the Word; God also uses his powerful angels to thwart the plans of Satan.
     
  3. Option C is best because it best fits the context. Jesus’ words indicate he is talking about something very recent, and Ephesians 6:20 teaches that Satan and his forces do work in the heavens (i.e., skies) above us.
     
  4. The harm that does come our way does not happen without God’s knowledge and approval. He commands his angels to defend us according to his good and gracious will. And even if we’re harmed to the point of death, God still has our names written in the book of life in heaven and will send his angels to take us to be with him in paradise.