The Character of a Messenger of God

The Character of a Messenger of God - Luke 1

Gabriel shows the character of a servant of God

Gabriel vs. Satan

Gabriel

“Man of God”

“Strength of God”

Relationship with God (Ezekiel 28:14-19; Isaiah 14:12-15; Matthew 4:1-9)

“I stand in the presence of God.”

Satan

Adversary

Relationship with God

Stands against God – adversary

Gabriel

Approach to the Gospel

“I have been sent to bring you this good news”

Satan

Approach to the Gospel

Opposes the Gospel (e.g. Matt 13:18-23; 2 Cor. 4:1-6)

“And even if our Gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ,…” vv. 3-4

Gabriel

Relationship to people

“Do not be afraid”

Speaks truthfully, often with a sign of truth

God loves you and you have found His favor 

Points you to Jesus

Satan

Relationship to people

A murderer – Jn 8:44; Jn 10:10

Father of Lies – Jn 8:44 “he is a liar and the father of lies”

Hinders Christians – 1 Thess 2:17-20

To KEEP you FROM Jesus - 2 Cor 4:1-6

Question:

If God (Hebrews 2:14-18)

•         does not give aid to angels

•         made Jesus take on humanity, be tempted as us, and die to conquer death

•         and Gabriel serves God,

THEN what character should we aspire to develop?