Hebrews:The Superiority of

ChristChrist: Too Important

To Drift From

Hebrews 2:1-4 (ESV)

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)

3 instructions to help keep us from drifting away from

Christ

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

Deceptive Currents

The Passing of TIME

FAMILIARITY

BUSYNESS

JUSTIFIED Sin

Self EXULTATION

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