PAY ATTENTION September 13/14 2014 Lesson Passage: Hebrews 2:1-4 Charles Lyons, Ph.D. HEBREWS 2:1-4 KJV 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. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; 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; 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? THE INTRODUCTION Perhaps the best way to understand this passage is by first rereading Hebrews one. In that chapter we are reminded that God s people have been taught by God through prophets in the past. Striving to have God s people know Himself with greater clarity and passion He communicated to us directly through His Son, Jesus Christ. God continued in Hebrews chapter one to emphasize how much greater the Son of God was than the angels. The greatest example of this being that they are messengers of God and He is the Son. Finally we are reminded that Jesus laid the very foundation of the earth. Then God reminds us that ultimately the heavens and earth shall fade away but Jesus will remain the same. Support for this we shall see clearly later in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. The angels are never in the same league as Jesus. To the Son is given special position and power by God the Father. Bearing all of this in mind we arrive at today s passage in Hebrews 2:1-4. We begin with the understanding that chapter one was foundational for our comprehending that we are to Pay Attention to what God says and offers in salvation to us. Understanding here is critical to the text. This is not a passage about the necessity to get saved, which is certainly essential eternally speaking. However, this passage is important for us to recognize the depth of opportunities we as believers have in Christ. Consider the children of Israel as they wandered in the desert. Were they saved? God offered them the Promised Land and met their needs. He provided manna, led them by a cloud in the day and a pillar of fire at night. God dwelt in the Holy of Holies in the form of the Shekinah Glory to dwell with His people. Yet these same people lacked the confidence in God s promises and as a result remained in the wilderness and were not allowed to enter the Promised Land. They did not miss salvation, they missed all the potential blessings that God had for them, when they did not Pay Attention to God.
1. PAY ATTENTION TO SPIRITUAL HISTORY 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. Hebrews 2:1 KJV Most of us can recall being in High School history classes. Some may have enjoyed it, others endured it. Yet few have experienced a genuine Bible history class. So consider that all of us who have come to know the Lord have a Spiritual History. The Therefore that we begin with in Hebrews 2:1 connects the Spiritual History that we encountered in Hebrews chapter one to the teaching we are about to receive in chapter two. We have already touched on this history in our introduction. However, the significance of Hebrews 2:1 is that because of our history we need to be attentive. As we review the history contained in the Old, the New Testament and our recent history we should be compelled to maintain action. If we pay attention to our spiritual history we cannot remain silent when We have an opportunity to witness and share the Gospel We see other Christians who are hurting and need our touch We feel led by God to serve in some fashion. 2. PAY ATTENTION TO ANGELIC HISTORY For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; Hebrews 2:2 KJV In this statement, in the previous chapter and other places in Scripture we are reminded how the angels have served God and yet are less than the Son of God. The angels worship the Son and serve all the God Head. Yet we would be humbled in our flesh in the presence of an angel. Consider how Daniel received a vision of things to come by an angel, in his presence he fell to the ground on his face (Daniel 8:17) Consider how John received a vision on the Isle of Patmos, when hearing the prophecies and in the presence of an angel in Revelation 19:9-10 John fell at his feet to worship. It is very important to note that when this happened he was admonished by the angel to stand up as he too was a servant of God. However, angelic history would remind us that Lucifer, Satan the devil, revolted against God and a portion of the angels followed him in a power struggle against God. Their history says they were brought down and their future indicates that they will encounter judgment. September 13/14 Page 2
And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. - Revelation 12:9 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: - Matthew 25:41 3. PAY ATTENTION TO JEWISH HISTORY How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; Hebrews 2:3a KJV Recall the children of Israel who gave up their right to experience the Promised Land due to their lack of faith. They neglected trust in God and did not gain the full benefit of their rights as children of God. Consider the prophet Elijah who was victorious over the prophets of Baal. God moved in a mighty and powerful way and responded to the prayers of Elijah and fire came down in testimony of God s approval. Yet in 1 Kings 19:4-14 we find this same Elijah has taken his eyes off God s promises, ran from Jezebel s threat and is now in the depths of despair and depression. He failed to pay attention to God s faithfulness and was only looking at his earthly situation. He missed out on the blessings that were available to him in that moment. Jewish history tells us that God is forgiving, gracious and a God of blessing. However, this history also shows us that when God s people take their eyes off God they sacrifice the blessings of God for the fears of this world. Illustration: Watchman Nee, a church leader and teacher who worked in China in the 1920 s, tells about a new convert who came in deep distress to see him. "No matter how much I pray, no matter how hard I try, I simply cannot seem to be faithful to my Lord. I think I'm losing my salvation." Nee said, "Do you see this dog here? He is my dog. He is house-trained; he never makes a mess; he is obedient; he is a pure delight to me. Out in the kitchen I have a son, a baby son. He makes a mess, he throws his food around, he fouls his clothes, he is a total mess. But who is going to inherit my kingdom? Not my dog; my son is my heir. You are Jesus Christ's heir because it is for you that He died." We are Christ's heirs, not through our perfection but by means of His grace. 4. Pay Attention To God s History which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Hebrews 2:3b KJV We certainly have examples in the Old Testament of God dealing on a national level with His people. However it is also good to realize that He deals with individuals. When we see this, we can easily see how God is ready to protect, bless and elevate His individual saints. We can easily recall those who stumble in the flesh. Why not take a moment to reflect and Pay Attention to God s History through individuals. These who did not neglect Him were honored by Him in what we refer to as the great hall of faith in Hebrews chapter 11. September 13/14 Page 3
Note to teachers: It would be beneficial here to simply take one or two examples from Chapter 11 of Hebrews. However, don t dwell here too long as it may be covered in a later lesson of this study of the book of Hebrews. 5. Pay Attention To Church History 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? Hebrews 2:4 KJV God has also given us examples of His blessings and counsel throughout the New Testament both at the time of the early church and through today in His local churches. The Jews and Gentiles of Jesus time saw healings, the dead raised and miracles of feeding over 5,000 people with loaves and fishes. Note to teachers: we can share examples of God s miracles and gifts that communicated His blessing and sharing opportunities to know Him better from the life of Jesus on earth. Any that are special to you would most likely communicate this message. In addition to church history during the time of Christ and post resurrection covered in the Bible, recall that we have God s people both receiving and neglecting God s blessings in post Biblical times. God s people were faithful in spreading the Word of God. The whole Christian Bible was available in Greek by about 100 AD. The Bible was translated into various languages in late antiquity between approximately 235 to the 7 th century. By the time of Martin Luther the Catholic Church was limiting access to the Bible by limiting the translation to Latin and that only from limited manuscripts. Martin Luther s great contribution was to begin bringing the Bible back into the language of the people. The dark ages was a time when many missed out on the blessings, so great salvation, because of a lack of faithfully communicating God s Word. CONCLUSION Consider the following suggestion: If the angels are accountable, if there is no escape, if the Lord said it, if others confirmed it, if God testified of it than perhaps we should Pay Attention to the blessings of God to those who know the Salvation of God in Christ. There is a great history of God s people who have neglected their blessings. Yet, thankfully, there are a great host of people who have been faithful in their witness of their faith. If that were not true how would we have our church here at Second Baptist and how would we know the faith we have in Christ? Although we can find a great host of examples of those who have been faithful in paying attention by looking at the history of contemporary missionaries, pastors and martyrs we can also look around at our earthly families as well as our church family. September 13/14 Page 4
Note to teachers: Consider examples from our church such as Jane Elder, Dr. Jim DeLoach and other staff. Also consider Texas heroes such as the life change of Sam Houston who after salvation supported half of the operating cost of his local church. Independence Baptist Church in Independence, Texas was organized in 1839 and not only was a springboard for both Texas and international missions, it also hosts the Texas State Baptist Museum. Be certain to consider missionaries who have spread the Gospel through Texas and the hundreds of SBC members who make missionary trips through our missions programs. All these reinforce the message of the lesson to Pay Attention to what has been, continues to be done and that we each can be a part of. Through such on-going witnesses of our faith we can see ways to benefit by our trust in God and these are very relatable to our Bible Study class members. September 13/14 Page 5