Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?
The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. Wheaton : Standard Bible Society, 2001, S. Heb 2:1-3
Two weeks on this particular passage and I must confess that it felt like we could have spent another two weeks in it! This small group is really a joy for me to be a part of. If you don't have a small group to belong to come to ours. If you just want to check us out or if you want to dig right in you are most welcome. But be warned - we talk alot about Jesus. We talk alot about the Bible and what Jesus says in it and how every part of it points to him. If you don't want to be challenged, if you don't want to confronted about the false sense of security that apathy is breeding in your life then you might not want to come. But if you are tired with your status-quo, if you feel like there is more to your life with Jesus than just going to church and pretending to be fine, then this is the place for you.
Ignore. It's interesting how Hebrews uses this word to describe the possibility of people's reaction to the gospel. Ignore. Merriam-Webster says that to ignore is to -
refuse to take notice of, to reject (a bill of indictment) as ungrounded
The usage also indicates that there would be some apathy mixed into the ignoring of the gospel. "Who cares about the gospel?, Who cares about Jesus and what he said, I want to live my own life my own way. The Bible isn't really a source of truth - its a collection of stories meant to inspire and it doesn't do that very well"
If you mix this type of apathy with the action of ignoring - the Bible says you are in real danger of slipping away.
One person said, "Some people care so little about salvation that it is neglected to the point of no return. Salvation is neglected to the point where there is no escape from justice."
Someone else said that we must never maximize the grace of God to the neglect of the holiness of God and God's desire for the holiness of His people.
Mk 1:14-15 - Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” The Holy Bible : English Standard Version. Wheaton : Standard Bible Society, 2001, S.
How will we escape? The Bible says that if we do not pay close attention - we will not escape. After all the gospel message is a message about salvation - a rescue - an escape.
Our homework for next week is to read through Hebrews 2:5-18. Think about how the phase, "I will put my trust in him" will change your whole life.
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