The Alternative

Dr. Tony Evans: Don't get frustrated and upset when it doesn't look like God's working. God has an unseen army of angels operating on our behalf. You hold on until your change comes because God is working through His angelic channel.

Guest (Male): This is the Alternative Broadcast, featuring the timeless biblical teachings from the archives of Dr. Tony Evans. God created the angels to watch over us, but their help comes with some conditions. Today, Dr. Evans talks about how angels operate and how to make sure we have their support when we need it. Let's join him.

Dr. Tony Evans: Today I want to look at a few things about the operation of angels, how angels operate. I want to focus in on the fact that angels operate by means of authority. They do so because of a fundamental principle about God. 1 Corinthians 14:33 says, "God is a God of order," that God operates orderly. All things, in order to be claimed to be by God, must operate decently and in order.

Now, one of Satan's major goals is to bring about confusion, disruption, disharmony. He wants to bring chaos and conflict and disunity because he knows something about God that Christians don't take seriously, and that is God will not act in an environment of conflict, chaos, and confusion. He knows that God will step back from confusion because that is against His nature.

Angels are organized by authority. Colossians chapter 1, verse 16: "For by Him, by Christ, all things were created, both in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, dominions, rulers or authorities, all things were created by Him and for Him." Now when you understand this, then you can understand the distinction in the Bible made among many angels.

For example, we saw that Satan, before he fell, was Lucifer, and he was called the archangel, the anointed cherub, which is a nice way of saying he was number one. "Arch" means first. He was the first of the angelic realm. He was the ruler under God of the angelic realm. Satan wasn't the only archangel. Michael is called an archangel. My point is that there was a chain of command in the way God structured the universe to be run by angels.

Angels understand the importance of authority. Look at Jude verse 9. And Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, "The Lord rebuke you." If Michael, who's an archangel, was very careful how he handled the devil, how much more do we have to be very careful about how we are looking at the devil?

Michael knew, evidently in creation, Satan or Lucifer had a higher role than Michael. Both were archangels, but one must have had more authority than Michael. Michael never forgets that and never forgets the position of Satan. So even though they're in a one-on-one conflict and he's the counterpart, Michael never leaves his authority.

Michael understands that the only way he's going to win this battle against the devil is by invoking the authority of the Lord. The Bible says it's not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord. If you are going to defeat the devil in your life, it will have to do with the degree to which you have access to God's authority.

You will be placed in situations where it will take more than the power of positive thinking to get you out of it. You're going to need divine intervention, divine authority, which means you have to be under authority. Angels exercise their authority in history through people. One of the primary ways that angels get their jobs done is through people, evil or good angels.

Let's look for example in 1 Timothy chapter 4. "But the Spirit expressly says that in the latter days, some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons by means of the hypocrisy of liars, seared in their own conscience with a branding iron, men who forbid marriage, advocate abstaining from food which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth."

So what he says here is anybody who ought to know how to eat ought to be Christians. He calls them in verse 1, "doctrines of demons." So demonic teaching. But how does this demonic teaching come? He says by means of liars. Who are these liars? Verse 3, men who forbid marriage, advocate abstaining from food. He says that the demonic doctrine is being taught by men who lie.

In other words, demons are promoting their agenda through the control of men. There are many people who are controlled by demons who don't even know they're controlled by demons. This is why being spiritually in tune is so important. Not only you being in tune, but you being around people in tune because one of the gifts of the Spirit is the gift of discernment.

One of the things that you have to often discern is whether this problem is being demonically promoted. A lot of us may be seeking help from things that only can be solved spiritually because it has a demonic element to it. And a demonic element requires more than just you sitting in front of somebody and letting them give you nice advice.

A demonic element requires a demonic response or response by God to that demonic activity. So these false teachers who were being controlled, that's why the Bible says in 1 John 4, try the spirits. He doesn't mean go around looking for spirits; he means look at what is influencing people to do what they do and say what they say. And the Bible gives you certain tests.

Look at Daniel chapter 10. You have a lot of angelic activity in Daniel. Angels are all over the place in Daniel, like Revelation overrules all of the scripture in terms of one book having angelic activity, but in Daniel, there's a lot of angelic activity. And this scripture is one we approach on a number of occasions and will approach on a number of occasions because it's one of the classic passages of angelic involvement.

Daniel sees this angel that knocks him over in verse 6. Look at his appearance. It's like lightning. Again, this is not your Valentine cherub. His eyes are flaming torches, arms and feet like gleam of polished bronze. What did it do to Daniel? Verse 7. Daniel said, "I alone saw the vision while the men who were with me did not."

What does that say? God lets who He wants to see angels when He wants because you got a group of men in the same room, but only one gets to see the picture. So he sees it, and what happens to Daniel? Does he say, "Oh, cute little pen"? No. Verse 7, it says, "and dread fell on them and they ran away to hide themselves. And I was left alone and saw this great vision, yet no strength was left in me for my natural color turned to a deathly pallor and I retained no strength."

This thing changed Daniel's color. This affected him, and this guy falls to the ground in utter—he's just overwhelmed at the presence of this angelic being. Behold, he touched me and then he starts to speak. "O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you. Stand upright, for I have now been sent to you." And when he had spoken these words to me, I stood up trembling.

Now look at verses 12 and 13. And he said to me, "Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding and on humbling yourself before your God"—so he was talking to God—"your words were heard." So if you folks are here tonight praying for something and it hasn't happened yet, God has heard you. That's not your problem. What's the problem?

"I have come in response to your words." What does that tell us? It tells us God delegates His work through angels. "I have come in response to your words, but what happened?" Now look at verse 13. "But the prince of the kingdom of Persia"—now Persia is an earthly kingdom, but it has behind it a demonic prince that is controlling the events in this human kingdom.

Because he's talking to an angel. Angel says a prince of Persia was withstanding me for 21 days. You have a battle in heaven between an angel and a demon called a prince trying to stop the angel from getting the answer to Daniel's prayer through to Daniel. What's happening here is your answered prayer or non-answered prayer may have everything to do with a battle you don't even see.

Because Satan wants to stop God's answer from getting through. You say, well, why doesn't God just wipe it all out and make the answer come through? Well, God just clean them all out, throw them all to hell, then we don't have to worry about that. Now remember, God has decided not to drop the atomic bomb. No, God decided we're going to win this battle with conventional warfare.

We're going to win this battle by demonstrating that when My creatures are in obedience to Me, they are greater than Satan's creatures in rebellion against Me. So if you're on your knees praying and your change hasn't come yet, then say, "Lord, as my angel is bringing the answer to my prayer, I pray whatever support You need to give him to take care of anything trying to stop him to let him through to me, You will provide."

And what? Daniel was praying for 21 days. He didn't quit because his answer didn't come because there was another activity that was unseen occurring. But if you don't know that, you just think God don't like you. If you don't know that, you think God just being mean. If you don't know that, then what you will do is react unbiblically rather than persevering in prayer.

All right, he says, "but the prince of Persia was withstanding me for 21 days. Then behold Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me." I like this. "For I had been left there with the kings of Persia." So we got a problem. This angel, as frightening as he was because he terrified Daniel, couldn't break through. He could not get the answer to Daniel.

But the principle of authority was invoked. He needed help from a greater angel. Remember who Michael is? Jude 9, he's the archangel. God then sends Michael to join this terrifying angel to get the prayer through. Your praying, answer, non-answer, wait, whatever it is, is tied to an event outside of you, above you, and beyond you you can't see.

So don't get frustrated and upset when it doesn't look like God's working. God has decided to work through His angelic channels. But if that's His normal way of operating, you hold on until your change comes because God is working through my point here is that behind these historical places and these historical nations was angelic activity.

Guest (Male): Dr. Evans will return in a moment to talk more about what puts angels into action as he continues this lesson from his two-volume series *Angels: Good, Bad, and Ugly*. Due to time limits, we were only able to bring you portions of these messages on the broadcast. But right now, we'd like to send you all 12 full-length lessons in this powerful collection as our thank you gift when you help support Tony's ministry.

And as an added thank you, we'll also include Tony's popular companion book, *Warfare: Winning the Spiritual Battle*. In it, Dr. Evans explains why many of the struggles we face actually begin in the spiritual realm and how God has given us the resources and authority we need to stand firm and experience victory. Whether you're dealing with fear, temptation, discouragement, relational conflict, or other strongholds, this resource package is designed to help you move forward with confidence and hope.

This special offer will only be available for a short time, so visit tonyevans.org today to make the arrangements, or call our 24-hour resource center at 1-800-800-3222. I'll repeat that contact information for you after part two of today's lesson. And this.

Guest (Female): Picture yourself surrounded by crystal clear waters, warm Caribbean breezes, and the kind of quiet that allows you to hear from God in a fresh way. This February 28th through March 7th, you're invited to join Dr. Tony Evans and friends for a seven-day Caribbean cruise, a journey of rest and renewal. You'll visit beautiful ports of call like Nassau in the Bahamas, the pristine shores of Grand Turk, and Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic, even stopping in a private island designed for pure relaxation.

And in between, you'll enjoy peaceful days at sea, perfect for reflection, fellowship, and rest. Along the way, you'll experience powerful Bible teaching from Dr. Evans and other speakers, uplifting worship, and meaningful connection with a community that feels like family. If your soul needs refreshing and your spirit needs renewal, this is your invitation. Find out more and make your reservation today at tonyevans.org. That's tonyevans.org.

Guest (Male): Well, let's rejoin Dr. Evans now, currently in the book of Daniel.

Dr. Tony Evans: Look at chapter 12, verse 1 of same book. Now at this time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of your people. The angels are very involved in the activities of the saints. In order for the angels to do what they're supposed to do, the people for whom they are doing it must be doing what they are supposed to do.

When men rebel against the authority of Christ over their lives, then you remove your protective covering or protective angelic hedge from around you because that's what angels do. They are ministering spirits set to those who are saints. Hebrews 1:14. And finally, angels are under God's sovereign authority. Strongholds are battles of the mind or we would call it in psychology, addictions.

But they are mind control. They're things that control your body because of how you're thinking in your mind. They're called strongholds. The reason why you can win is because angels are under God's sovereign authority. In fact, there's a danger here. The danger here on this series on angels is that if you begin now to recognize angelic activity in your life, you may want to worship the angel. That's the danger.

Because whenever angels show up in force, the temptation is to worship them. So let me make that correction before we get started by Revelation chapter 19 because I suspect some of you will begin to see some angelic activity in your life and miraculous intervention. Revelation 19:10 says, "And I fell at his feet, at the angel's feet, to worship him. And he said to me, 'Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and your brethren who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.'"

Look at chapter 22, verse 8. "And I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed me these things." After all, he came from God. Verse 9, "And he said to me, 'Do not do that. I am a fellow servant of yours and of your brethren the prophets and of those who heed the word of this book.'" What does he say? "Worship God." So don't go angel hunting; go God hunting.

If He gives you an angel, fine, thank God for the angel, but it's God who gets the glory. God never created an angel to get the glory that should come from Him who created the angels, okay? Now Job chapter 1. Let's bring it on home. Job chapter 1. This is really interesting because it fits right center into this angelic conflict. Verse 6: "Now there was a day when the sons of God, the angels, came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them."

Now this is deep. Now this is after man has been created. This is after sin is in the world. The angels have been called for a conference in heaven. The sons of God, the angels, have come to present themselves before the Lord. All right, so there's this grand meeting up in heaven and God allows Satan into the meeting. Why would God allow Satan into the meeting?

But when you let the enemies into your huddle and you tell him your play, you must have a lot of confidence in your team's ability to score, right? Satan presents himself. Now why? Satan's presenting himself because remember, Satan is challenging God and God is giving them the privilege of the challenge. God says, "Satan, where you coming from?" Verse 7.

Satan answers the Lord and said, "From roaming about on the earth, walking around on it." Now where is he hanging out? On the earth. All right, he just looking for you. And the Lord said, "Since you've been hanging, verse 8, have you considered My servant Job?" Now I'm thinking shouldn't Job have something to say about this? This is not Satan looking for Job.

Satan saying, "I'm just going around looking for, you know, roaring lion, seeking whom I may devour." God says, "Why don't you check Job out? Why don't you try Job, see if he can handle you." "No, I haven't tried Job." "But let's talk about Job here." Have you considered My servant Job? For there is none like him on earth, blameless, upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil. My kind of guy.

Satan says, "Well, he not doing that for nothing." Verse 9. "Cause You put a hedge around him. You give a man everything he wants. You take care of the guy. You bless him, You've blessed his socks off." Satan says it. "Touch all he has, he will surely curse You to Your face." What we have is a challenge, right? Cause we're in a guess what? An angelic conflict.

I challenge you! This man is not as great as you think he is. If you took your protection away from him cause You God, You can protect him. Take Your protection and let me at him. Challenge you! The angelic conflict. Remember the point of the conflict? The lesser that's committed to God can do more than the greater that is in rebellion to God.

So what did God say? The Lord said to Satan, verse 12, "Behold, all that is within your power, you can do. Only I will not let you take his life." Satan said, "You got it. It's a deal." Poor little Job is like poor little you and me. He sitting down there minding his own—going to work, you know, getting out of bed, going to work, minding his own business, having devotions with his kids.

Job not bothering anybody. Job is a wonderful Christian man. All of a sudden his cattle's gone. All of a sudden his servants are gone. All of a sudden his kids are gone. All of a sudden his health is gone. His wife said, "Curse God and die." The Lord giveth, the Lord taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Job understood he was part of something bigger. He didn't understand all the ramifications. All he knew was God's glory was at stake and he wasn't going to be a casualty. "Though You slay me, yet will I trust You. I don't know why You're doing it." And he never found out. God never told him this had to do with a battle between Him and Satan. All he knew was that God was to be glorified.

I believe there's somebody here in that situation. I know there's got to be somebody here who's in something you don't understand, you can't make sense of it, and it's not fair. Because like Job you're upright. Like Job you're obedient. And God is not going to bother to explain. He's going to simply say, "Do you trust Me? If you do, demonstrate to the greater that when the lesser is committed to Me, the lesser becomes greater."

Guest (Male): Dr. Tony Evans, wrapping up a message on "The Operation of Angels." Now, if you'd like to hear the complete full-length version of today's lesson, including material we didn't have time to present on the air, check with us for details. Or better yet, request it as a part of Tony's current two-volume series, *Angels: Good, Bad, and Ugly*. As I mentioned earlier, when you make a donation to help support Tony's ministry, we'll send you the complete 12-message collection along with the powerful companion book, *Warfare: Winning the Spiritual Battle*.

Together, these resources offer practical biblical insight into the unseen spiritual conflict taking place around us and show how we can stand strong in God's power. This special double offer won't be available for long, so contact us today at tonyevans.org or call our resource center at 1-800-800-3222 where team members are available around the clock to assist you. That's 1-800-800-3222.

Now if you find Dr. Evans' teaching helpful, you'll enjoy listening to him engage in thoughtful conversations with spirit-filled guests on the *Unbound* podcast. You can listen or watch on his YouTube channel or wherever you stream your favorite podcast. Because we have free will, we can demand our own way. But tomorrow, Dr. Evans points out that if we want more help from the heavenly host, self-interest isn't in our best interest. Be sure to tune in.