hebrews: the superiority of christ christ: too important to drift from hebrews 2:1-4 (esv)
TRANSCRIPT
Hebrews 2:1-4 (ESV)1Therefore we must pay
much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we
drift away from it. 2For since the message declared by angels proved
to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just
retribution, 3how 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, 4while God also bore witness
by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed
according to his will.
Hebrews 2:1-4 (ESV)
1) Remember the DANGER of drifting from the message of
Christ (vs 1)“Therefore we must pay much
closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away
from it.”
1) Remember the DANGER of drifting from the message of
Christ (vs 1)“Therefore we must pay much
closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away
from it.”
1) Remember the DANGER of drifting from the message of
Christ (vs 1)pay much closer attention –
prosecho - to turn the mind to, to be attentive
CEV – “We must give our full attention”
1) Remember the DANGER of drifting from the message of
Christ (vs 1)drift away – pararrhueo - to flow
by, carelessly pass
ring slipping from a finger, a ship slipping from its anchor, ship
veering slightly off course and missing its port
Deceptive Currents
The Passing of TIMEI fear the Dark Spectre may come too
soon — or do I mean, too late?That I should end before I finish or finish,
but not well.That I should stain your honor, shame your name, grieve your loving heart.
Few, they tell me, finish well…Lord, let me get home before dark
Robertson McQuilkin
Deceptive Currents
The Passing of TIME
FAMILIARITY
Though familiarity may not breed contempt, it takes off
the edge of admiration. - William Hazlitt
Deceptive Currents
The Passing of TIME
FAMILIARITY
BUSYNESSA snowflake is a tiny thing, but when the air is full of them, they can bury us. Even so, the thousand cares of each day can
insulate us from the stupendous excellencies of Christ, causing us to begin
a deadly drift.– Kent Hughes
Deceptive Currents
The Passing of TIME
FAMILIARITY
BUSYNESS
JUSTIFIED Sin
“To sin is a human business, to justify sins is a devilish business.”
Tolstoy
The drive for autonomous living – to control my own life and destiny – runs
counter to Christian commitment. For the autonomous self the premier question is
not “What do I owe to God or this community?” but “What can this God and community do to help me in my pursuit of self actualization?” In other words, as long as God and the community are useful in
helping me “get and keep things together,” I will participate. When that ceases to happen or my autonomy is threated by
these relationships, I will drift elsewhere.George Guthrie – NIVAC - Hebrews
Sure AnchorsCHALLENGING yourself
spiritually
Personal and External EXAMINATION
FRUITFUL study of the Word of God
Intentional Christian FELLOWSHIP
An ENERGIZING prayer life
2) Remember the SERIOUSNESS of the message of Christ (vs
2-3a)2For since the message declared by
angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience
received a just retribution, 3how shall we escape if we neglect such a great
salvation?
2) Remember the SERIOUSNESS of the message of Christ (vs
2-3a)2For since the message declared by
angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience
received a just retribution, 3how shall we escape if we neglect such a great
salvation?
2) Remember the SERIOUSNESS of the message of Christ (vs
2-3a)Reliable → Binding
Salvation → the whole of the Christian life
“We”
2) Remember the SERIOUSNESS of the message of Christ (vs
2-3a)Truth
God’s Love is Greater than the LAW
Light Demands Greater Responsibility than DARKNESS
Consequences (possible)Divine CHASTISEMENT
Loss of PRIVILEDGE
Loss of JOY
Loss of FELLOWSHIP
Loss of WITNESS
Loss of MINISTRY
Loss of LIFE
3) Remember the PROCLAMATION of
the message of Christ (vs 3b-4)
It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who
heard, 4while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various
miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
4 Comforting Thoughts
We have Christ’s own WORDS
We have first hand accounts of Christ’s REDEMPTIVE workWe have God
CONFIRMING Christ’s workWe have the witness of divine
MIRACLES authenticating the faith