My Daily Thoughts–Hebrews 2:1-4

Hebrews 2:1-4 (NKJV) 1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 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, 4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?

V1 “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Since Jesus is superior to any being from angel to Moses to prophet, etc., He must be listened to. If believers in the past listened to angels, Moses, etc., then it a a must that we listen to Jesus Christ first and foremost. It is not just listening but listening closely and apply what He said especially His teaching in the New Testament, and yet the Old Testament also has the words of God (Matthew 4:4, 2 Peter 1:19, and Matthew 22:29). If we listen closely and live it, we will not drift away. The Greek word for “drift” is (G3901) παραῤῥυέω pararrhyéō, which to drift pass the place intended, as a ship or boat on a river. Word Study Dictionary: “Figuratively to slip away, suggesting a gradual and almost unnoticed movement past a certain point. Of a person, to move stealthily as a thief. It is used figuratively of persons meaning to glide away, to swerve or deviate from something, such as the truth, law, precepts…” Why do people drift from the faith? There are several reasons: 1) laziness in reading, studying, applying the Scriptures, prayer, and fellowship, 2) diversion into theology, philosophy, experiences, loyalty to teachers/pastors/authors, 3) ignorance, 4) abuse (pastoral, etc.), 5) hirelings who are more interested in nickels and noses than teaching the Scriptures and the Christian faith, etc.

V2 “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward…” The angels gave an accurate message that they had received from God, thus, it was steadfast, it happened, it was true, etc. Every sin is known (Psalm 69:5, 1 Corinthians 14:25, and Luke 12:1-3) and will be held accountable at the judgment (Galatians 6:7). Jesus is the righteous judge (Psalm 7:11, 2 Thessalonians 1:6, and Romans 2:16). The Greek word for “steadfast” (G949) βέβαιος bébaios, which means a stability and resistance to falling over, thus sure, etc. The understanding of this passage then is the angels’ messages were faithful, valid, and fulfilled. If so, then Jesus, God the Son’s message is even more so. Angels are created beings and servants of God. Jesus is the God-man.

V3 “…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…” Salvation from our sins and God’s wrath is known to all people. There is enough in creation to know there is a super intelligence whom has designed everything (Romans 1:18-21). God uses this limited knowledge to convict people and call on Him (John 16:8). The first refers to the creator teaching Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The confirmation is Jesus’s earthly ministry on earth as recorded in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The words was confirmed to us by those who heard Him  show that the writer of Hebrews did not hear Jesus teach personally. Rather, he heard the testimony of those who did hear Him.

V4 “…God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?” Jesus did many authenticating signs proving His identity (Mark 1:23-26, Mark 1:32, Mark 1:41-42, Mark 5:1-15, etc.). The Apostles also had confirming signs with their appointment as Apostles (2 Corinthians 12:12, Romans 15:19, and Acts 4:14).

Finnis Dake (beware):

Eighteen Safeguards For Christians

1. 1. Hearing (Hebrews 2:1)

1. 2. Heeding (Hebrews 3:12)

1. 3. Exhorting (Hebrews 3:13)

1. 4. Fearing (Hebrews 4:1)

1. 5. Laboring (Hebrews 4:11)

1. 6. Coming (Hebrews 4:16; Hebrews 10:19-20)

1. 7. Leaving (Hebrews 6:1)

1. 8. Showing (Hebrews 6:11-12)

1. 9. Drawing (Hebrews 10:22)

1. 10. Holding (Hebrews 3:6; Hebrews 10:23)

1. 11. Laying (Hebrews 12:1)

1. 12. Looking (Hebrews 12:2; Hebrews 15)

1. 13. Considering (Hebrews 12:3)

1. 14. Lifting (Hebrews 12:12)

1. 15. Making (Hebrews 12:13)

1. 16. Following (Hebrews 12:14)

1. 17. Going (Hebrews 13:13)

1. 18. Obeying (Hebrews 13:17)