The Peril of Drifting

Hebrews 2:1–4 ESV

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Pay Close Attention

Hebrews 2:1 ESV

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Not an issue for the lost but for the saved

drift away from it

What we have heard - The Gospel, salvation, the commands of Christ, The promises of Scripture

It is the saved who must pay attention

Why must the saved Pay attention?

Lest we Drift

Hebrews 2:1 ESV

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

drift - float aimlessly

People without a purpose

Without constantly hearing and applying the word of God by paying close attention to it learning from it changing our lives to align with it we are drift away

Its not a conscious choice but rather one of neglect. We fail to feed our souls so they wither and die.

We fail to attach ourselves to God so we drift away.

Lest we receive Retribution

Hebrews 2:2–3 ESV

For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,

The message of the angels was reliable

By inference if Christ is superior to the angels

if He has greater access to the Father and a more intimate relationship as the son the we can trust his message even more than the angels

And we know their message was reliable as shown in the old Testament.

Therefore let us trust his message the Gospel the revelation of the father his commands to us and the teachings of what God desires of us.

Let us not forget also that every time an angel brought new commands or revelation from God it also came with a warning against disobedience for when the people disobeyed they were punished for it and how much more will we be punished than they for disobeying the son.

Is this not what we see all around us if you disobey the manager you may get disciplined but if you disobey the owner you will receive much worse.

Let not those who know of his salvation neglect it by failing to show obedience to the Lord. Let us mold our lives after Christ, our supreme example and our master.

Due to the Great Testament

Hebrews 2:3–4 ESV

how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

It was declared by the Lord

Jesus the Son of God Spoke it

we have four gospels recording the words of Jesus where he often declares himself the son the savior of the world God himself in the flesh the lover of our souls and the redeemer who would buy us out of our sin

It was attested to by those who heard

The Apostles claimed it was truth

The apostles and other disciples who had seen Christ shared the good news of Jesus with all who would listen.

Even when threatened with loss of limb safety, wealth and even life itself they continued to proclaim the glorious salvation of Jesus Christ. These are not the actions of those who are pushing an agenda but rather the actions of someone who’s life is radically changed by the loving hand of God.

God bore witness by signs wonders and miracles

Jesus message and that of the apostles was validated by God through the miracles he caused them to perform

Healing of the sick

command over nature

command over demons and the forces of evil

even power over death itself

The Holy Spirit bears witness through the bestowing on of gifts

People who could not speak become preachers

People who have never played instruments become musicians in the church band

People who were content to follow others become leaders in the church community

Over and again God pours out his gifts on the church through the Holy Spirit.