Hebrews 2:1-4 † Paying Closer Attention

Hebrews 2:1–4 ESV

1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 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, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

SERMON IN A SENTENCE

Because of the eternal weight of Jesus’ identity and actions, Christians should pay close attention to obeying his word.

INTRODUCTION

On paying attention: movies/phone/husband.

8.25 Seconds?

“Pay much closer” - “be alert, carefully consider”

What is worth “paying” attention to?

THE OBJECT OF OUR ATTENTION

Hebrews 2:1 ESV

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

The message we have heard: SUCH A GREAT SALVATION (The gospel.)

Hebrews continually points us to: Jesus’ identity & activity as the focus point of our salvation.

What you choose to pay attention to will become the way that you view yourself and the world.

THE ENEMY OF OUR ATTENTION

Hebrews 2:1 ESV

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

Hebrews 2:3 ESV

3 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,

“Passive Disobedience” - Do we miss out on the power of the gospel not by willful disobedience but by a passive neglect?

Illustrate

What is stealing our attention? (Busyness, entertainment, fulfillment, etc.)

THE KEY TO OUR ATTENTION

Hebrews 2:1 ESV

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

The key to increased focus is nearness.

How do we walk closer?

Focus on the Messenger & His Plan (3-4)

Focus on the Weight of the Message (3)

We are called to embrace the God who has come near to us in the gospel—what is more important to focus on?

“The world is in trouble, and we have listened to men, we have listened to philosophers, we have listened to politicians and statesmen and poets and all the people who claim to be experts, but they do not help us, they do not understand. They do not even know themselves. They are failures in their own personal lives, and none of them can solve the problem of death and the grave; none of them can teach us how to live. Listen instead to the voice of the holy mount: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 17:5). We do not gather as Christ’s church to put forward our own theories and ideas or to propound some new morality or whatever. We gather to say that God has spoken, and spoken finally, in his Son.”

Martin Llyod-Jones

PASTORAL PRAYER

Lord, we want to pay attention to you. We ask for forgiveness in the areas of our lives where we have neglected to pay close attention to your good news. We pray this morning for renewed focus and energy to pay attention. We pray against the enemies distractions and traps. We ask that you would come near to us and teach us how to draw even nearer to you. Go with us this week. Amen.

NOTES