Don’t Drift Away: Heed the Message of Christ

Bernard Mukwavi

Hebrews 2:1-4

1We 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.

Introduction

To avoid drifting away in our faith, we must heed the salvation message revealed to us by Christ, who is supreme over all things.

Context of Hebrews:

• Author: Possible authors include Paul, Barnabas, Apollos.
• Recipients: Hebrew Christians converted from Judaism to Christianity.
• Purpose: To warn those contemplating returning to Judaism or blending their faith with old practices. The encouragement is to stay connected to Christ.
• Theme: The supremacy of Christ:
  • Supreme to Angels.
  • Supreme to Moses.
  • Supreme to the Jewish High Priesthood (Jesus as the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek).
  • Supreme to all sacrificial offerings.
• Whatever the recipients might return to would be inferior to Christ and His salvation.

1.The Warning Do Not Drift Away (Hebrews 2:1)

Key Verse: 1“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”

• Drifting:
  • Gradual and often unnoticed.
  • Begins with neglect of spiritual disciplines.
  • Leads to a loss of connection with God.
• Paying The Most Careful Attention:
  • The reason we must be attentive is rooted in the supremacy of Christ as the final and greatest revelation of God.
  • Linked to Hebrews 1:1-4:
    • God spoke through prophets before, but now has spoken through His Son.
    • Christ is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being.
    • Christ sustains all things by His powerful word.
    • Hebrews 1:1-4 1In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs.
• The Danger of Drifting:
  • Consequences for neglecting this message are severe.
  • Hebrews 2:1-4 emphasizes how ignoring such a great salvation results in just punishment.

2. The Certainty of God’s Message (Hebrews 2:2-3)

Key Verses:2-3 “For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?”

Key Concepts: