Monday, October 15, 2012

“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:1-4).

IDEA: This passage is about the danger of not taking the gospel seriously.

PURPOSE: To help listeners understand the seriousness of what the gospel says.

A similar question came in about Hebrews 2:3.

I. Hebrews 2:1-4: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard him, God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will?”

We have received a message greater than any message given in the Old Testament.

The people in the Old Testament were held accountable to obey the law that was given by angels (Deuteronomy 33:2).

II. The message we have been given is even greater. If that law spoken by angels was that important, how should we escape if we ignore such a great salvation!?

This salvation was announced by the Lord, not just be angels.

It was confirmed by those (the apostles) who heard Him.

God also testified to it by signs, wonders, miracles, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion:

Thus this word is even more important than the law. The writer is talking about the danger of not taking the gospel very seriously.