The Spiritual World

The Spiritual World - Eschatology Week 05

I. Introduction

Main theme: Exploring the reality, structure, and function of the unseen spiritual realm

Foundational Scripture:

Ephesians 6:10–18 – The spiritual battle and the armor of God

II. God and the Spiritual Realm

A. God is Spirit

John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth”

John 1:18 – Jesus reveals the unseen God

B. Understanding “Elohim”

Hebrew term אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) used widely in the OT (2250 times)

Can refer to:

God

gods (plural)

spiritual beings

spirits of the dead

supernatural forces

III. The Divine Council

Key Text: Psalm 82:1 – God presides in the assembly of the “gods”

1 Kings 22:19–21 – Micaiah’s vision of God’s throne and the spirits

Other supporting texts: Job 1:6, Deut. 32:8–9, Psalm 89:5–7, Daniel 4:7, Isaiah 6

Scholarly comparison: Michael Heiser’s “Divine Council” worldview

God engages a council of spiritual beings in decision-making

IV. Angels & Cherubim

Types of Spirit Beings

Angelic interventions throughout the Bible

Genesis 19:13 – Angels destroy Sodom & Gomorrah

Judges 6 – Angel calls Gideon

Isaiah 37:36 – Angel strikes down 185,000

Daniel 10 – Michael, the archangel, battles for nations

Guardian angels implied:

Matthew 18:10, Hebrews 1:14

Call to action: “Are you helping your angel help you?”

V. Satan & Demons

A. Satan in the Old Testament

Hebrew term “Satan” often used with the definite article (“the satan”)

Described as a role or title, not a proper name

Job 1–2, Zechariah 3:1–2 – Satan as accuser in God’s court

Only later developed into a proper name for the devil

B. Demons

Associated with pagan worship and idolatry

Deut. 32:17, Psalm 106:37

New Testament teachings

Matt. 25:41 – Eternal fire for the devil and his angels

1 Tim. 4:1 – Deceptive spirits and doctrines of demons

C. Victory Over Satan

1 John 4:4 – Greater is He who is in you

James 4:7, 1 Cor. 10:13 – Resist and overcome temptation

Luke 4:13 – The devil waits for opportune moments

VI. Human Beings in the Spiritual World

Christians have a high spiritual status:

1 Cor. 6:1–3 – We will judge the world and angels

2 Tim. 2:11–12 – Reign with Christ

Saved humans will:

Receive eternal life

Be incorruptible

Reign and judge with Christ

VII. Life Application: Living Aware of the Battle

A. Awareness and Vigilance

Recognize we are in a spiritual war

2 Cor. 2:11, 1 Peter 5:8–9

Know the enemy’s strategies:

Sin traps

Unrighteous relationships

Greed and materialism

Disillusionment with people

Spiritual apathy and discontent

B. Call to Action

Put on the full armor of God – Ephesians 6:10–18

Live spiritually sharp, strong, and prepared

Col. 3:1–4 – Set your heart on things above

C. What’s at Stake

Eternal life

The souls of others

The glory of God