DON'T DRIFT
Key verse: 3a
NIV
Warning to Pay Attention
2 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.(A) 2 For since the message spoken(B) through angels(C) was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment,(D) 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?(E) This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord,(F) was confirmed to us by those who heard him.(G) 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles,(H) and by gifts of the Holy Spirit(I) distributed according to his will.(J)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway
ESV
Warning Against Neglecting Salvation
2 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since (A)the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and (B)every transgression or disobedience received a just (C)retribution, 3 (D)how shall we escape if we (E)neglect such a great salvation? It was (F)declared at first by the Lord, and it was (G)attested to us (H)by those who heard, 4 (I)while God also bore witness (J)by signs and wonders and various miracles and by (K)gifts of the Holy Spirit (L)distributed according to his will.
Read full chapterCross references
- Hebrews 2:2 : See Acts 7:53
- Hebrews 2:2 : [ch. 10:28; Num. 15:30, 31; Deut. 4:3; 17:2, 5, 12; 27:26]
- Hebrews 2:2 : ch. 10:35; 11:26
- Hebrews 2:3 : [ch. 10:28, 29; 12:25]
- Hebrews 2:3 : Matt. 22:5 (Gk.)
- Hebrews 2:3 : ch. 1:2
- Hebrews 2:3 : Mark 16:20; [Acts 5:32]
- Hebrews 2:3 : [Luke 1:2]
- Hebrews 2:4 : [See ver. 3 above]; Mark 16:20; [Acts 5:32]
- Hebrews 2:4 : Acts 2:22, 43
- Hebrews 2:4 : [1 Cor. 12:4, 11]
- Hebrews 2:4 : [Eph. 1:5]
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. Pay careful attention (1)
There are people who have heard the gospel and know that it is true, but who do not allow it to change their lives. One who says he believes in Jesus, but does not acknowledge him as Lord does not have saving faith, for we express our faith by our obedience. We must hold God's word in our hearts and walk with him in obedience every day, otherwise we will drift away into the world.
2. How shall we escape? (2-4)
The laws and covenants of the Old Testament were given by God through his angels. They were binding on God's people before Christ came and fulfilled them. Now God has provided a great salvation through the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus. It was announced by Jesus himself, confirmed by the apostles, attested to by the Holy Spirit and by signs and wonders. It is God's unique way of opening the door of heaven for us. How can we escape if we neglect the only way of salvation?
Prayer: Lord, I want to walk with you in faith and obedience today and tomorrow and every day so that I may not neglect your great salvation.
One Word: Don't neglect God's salvation
