Hebrews 2:1-4

https://www.biblestudytools.com/hebrews/passage/?q=hebrews+2:1-4

Warning to Pay Attention

1 We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 2 For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, 3 how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Study Notes: These will be added as I am able.

2:1-3 The author called his readers to pay attention to the truth they had heard so that they wouldn't drift away into false teachings. Paying careful attention is hard work. It involves focusing our minds, bodies, and senses. Listening to Christ means not merely hearing, but also obeying (see James 1:22-25). We must listen carefully and be ready to carry out his instructions.

2:2, 3 "The message spoken by angels" refers to the teaching that angels, as messengers for God, had brought the law to Moses (see Galatians 3:19). A central theme of Hebrews is that Christ is infinitely greater than all other proposed ways to God. The author was saying that the faith of his Jewish readers was good, but faith must point to Christ. Just as Christ is greater than the angels, so Christ's message is more important than theirs. No one will escape God's punishment if he or she is indifferent to the salvation offered by Christ.

2:3 Eyewitnesses to Jesus' ministry had handed down his teachings to the readers of this book. These readers were second-generation believers who had not seen Christ in the flesh. They are like us; we have not seen Jesus personally. We base our belief in Jesus on the eyewitness accounts recorded in the Bible. See John 20:29 for Jesus' encouragement to those who believe without ever having seen him.

2:4 "God also testified to it" continues the thought from 2:3. Those who had heard Jesus speak and then had passed on his words also had the truth of their words confirmed by "signs, wonders, and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit." In the book of Acts, miracles and gifts of the Spirit authenticated the gospel wherever it was preached (see Acts 9:31-42; 14:1-20). Paul, who discussed spiritual gifts in Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12--14, and Ephesians 4, taught that their purpose is to build up the church, making it strong and mature. When we see the gifts of the Spirit in an individual or congregation, we know that God is truly present. As we receive God's gifts, we should thank him for them and put them to use in the church.

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It is God's work that is our only hope. Seems we should be more inclined to understand that work and look intensely for it in others, in this world, and everywhere. We miss so many opportunities to testify to God's work. Sometimes we are bumbling idiots in that regard. Still, God knows. Still, God works in and through us. Still, God loves us already forever. And He is our ultimate judge.

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My Lord and Savior, may I always recognize Your presence and Your works. Continue Your work in me. Calm my outbursts, Lord, according to Your will. Let the temperature of my emotions be appropriate. Let me speak Your truth clearly and without hesitation. Work through and in me, Lord. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my list this morning. Forgive me for my conduct yesterday. Refine me further today. With deep, very deep, gratitude I pray, Jesus, in your name. Amen.

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A Song: https://youtu.be/-Wmw9L2jBg8

Bonus Song: https://youtu.be/eCtu9eKgMYM

Have a blessed day.