July 6, 2022
Take Heed
Hebrews 2
Creighton Uphues
Central Truth
While our salvation is secure in Christ, those who have trusted in Him are called to fully pursue Him. When we do so, we can avoid the threat of drifting away, we can progress in our spiritual maturity, and we can live a more fulfilled Christian life.
Key Verse | Hebrews 2:1
Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
Hebrews 2
Warning Against Neglecting Salvation
1 Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. 2 For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4 while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.
The Founder of Salvation
5 For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6 It has been testified somewhere,
“What is man, that you are mindful of him,
or the son of man, that you care for him?
7
You made him for a little while lower than the angels;
you have crowned him with glory and honor,
1
2:7
Some manuscripts insert and set him over the works of your hands
8
putting everything in subjection under his feet.”
Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9 But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. 2 2:11 Greek all are of one That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 3 2:11 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 12 12 saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Footnotes
[1] 2:7 Some manuscripts insert and set him over the works of your hands[2] 2:11 Greek all are of one
[3] 2:11 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 12
Listen to the Podcast
Listen NowDive Deeper | Hebrews 2
In Hebrews 1, the writer affirmed the superiority of Christ to angels. In Hebrews 2:1-4, he begins by declaring that, as a result, we need to pay closer attention to what we have heard to avoid drifting away from the salvation offered in Christ.
I don't know about you, but the warning not to drift certainly hit home for me. I know that through faith I am saved, but I also know I am called to grow and mature in my walk. True growth and progress take a real focus on Christ and His Word, and an obedience to what His Word requires. Unfortunately, I am not always as focused on those things as I should be, but I take heart in knowing I am not alone in this struggle. I have His Word, His Spirit, and a loving group of believers around me to help!
Following this warning, the writer restates the case for Christ's superiority in Hebrews 2:5-18. God sent His Son to earth to fulfill His purpose (Hebrews 2:5-9): to "taste death for everyone," in "bringing many sons to glory," to "destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil," to set free "all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery," to "become a merciful and faithful high priest," to "make propitiation for the sins of the people," and to "help those who are being tempted." (Hebrews 2:9-18)
Drifting away is a real threat to those who have trusted Christ, but we are called to mature in our walk. To help guard against drifting, we need to remember that we have a merciful and gracious High Priest in Jesus, who was sinless but tasted death to atone for our sins. He is truly superior and worthy of all praise!
Discussion Questions
1. What are the warning signs that you may be drifting away from the salvation offered in Jesus?
2. What can you do to better guard against drifting away or to correct your course if it occurs?
3. Do you have people in your life who can help you know when you are drifting away? If so, how can they best help you? If not, have you considered what it would look like to pursue a life of faithfulness to Christ alongside others?