Hebrews: The Superiority of Christ Christ: Too Important To Drift From Hebrews 2:1-4 (ESV)

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. 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 TIME I 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 BUSYNESS A 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 Anchors CHALLENGING 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) 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?

2) Remember the SERIOUSNESS of the message of Christ (vs 2-3a) 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?

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, 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.

4 Comforting Thoughts We have Christ’s own WORDS We have first hand accounts of Christ’s REDEMPTIVE work We have God CONFIRMING Christ’s work We have the witness of divine MIRACLES authenticating the faith