DO NOT NEGLECT SALVATION
Hebrews 2:1–4 | Knowing Jesus, Finishing Well
Welcome back to our Bible Study through the Book of Hebrews.
In Chapter 1, we learned that Jesus Christ is greater than the angels because He is the eternal Son of God.
Now, in Chapter 2, the writer gives us a serious warning. Knowing who Jesus is should change how we listen to Him and how we live.
Today, we'll examine four verses and several important words that help us understand God's message.
#1. GIVE EARNEST HEED — VERSE 1
"Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip."
The words earnest heed mean to pay careful attention, to hold firmly to what we have heard.
The phrase let them slip describes the danger of drifting away.
Think of a boat that is not securely anchored. It doesn't have to deliberately sail away. The current can slowly carry it downstream.
The same danger exists in our spiritual lives. Neglecting prayer, Scripture, obedience, and fellowship can gradually weaken our attention to God's Word.
The lesson? We must deliberately remain anchored in Jesus Christ.
#2. TRANSGRESSION AND DISOBEDIENCE — VERSE 2
"For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward;"
Angels were involved in the giving of God's law, as Scripture also teaches in Acts 7:53 and Galatians 3:19.
Transgression means crossing a boundary God has established.
Disobedience means failing or refusing to respond to what God has commanded.
Under the law, disobedience carried consequences.
The writer's point is that if God's earlier revelation demanded obedience, how much more seriously should we receive His revelation through Jesus Christ?
#3. HOW SHALL WE ESCAPE? — VERSE 3
"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;"
Notice the word neglect.
The warning is not merely about openly rejecting Christ. It also warns against treating God's great salvation as something unimportant.
Salvation was first proclaimed by Jesus Himself and then confirmed by those who personally heard Him.
This is not a message invented by men. It is God's revelation through His Son.
The question is personal: Am I giving Jesus Christ first place in my life, or am I allowing other things to crowd Him out?
#4. SIGNS, WONDERS, MIRACLES, AND GIFTS — VERSE 4
"God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?"
God confirmed the message of salvation through supernatural works.
Signs pointed to God's authority.
Wonders produced amazement at His power.
Miracles demonstrated His supernatural intervention.
And gifts of the Holy Spirit were distributed according to God's own will.
Notice that last phrase: according to His own will.
God is sovereign. The Holy Spirit works according to God's purposes, not man's demands.
The purpose of these works was to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel and glorify Jesus Christ.
PERSONAL APPLICATION — FINISHING WELL
Hebrews Chapter 2 reminds us that spiritual drifting can happen gradually and almost unnoticed.
We cannot afford to become casual about our relationship with Jesus Christ.
He has provided so great a salvation. Our response should be faith, gratitude, obedience, and a daily commitment to abide in Him.
Remember the words of Jesus in John 15:4:
"Abide in me, and I in you."
Finishing well begins with abiding in Him today.
CLOSING PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the great salvation You have provided through Jesus Christ. Help us give earnest attention to Your Word. Keep our hearts from drifting, strengthen our faith, and teach us to walk in obedience to Your will. In Jesus' name, Amen.
I'm Well Done — Knowing Jesus, Finishing Well
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