Hebrews 2:1-4

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The First of Five Warnings to the Hebrews

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. It is possible to drift away from a present profession of accepting the gospel.

  2. It is impossible to escape the future judgment for neglecting the gospel.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. How much more evidence do you want?

QUESTIONS

  1. Why are the warning passages given in this epistle?

  2. Read Hebrews 5:1 What is the author’s concern here?

  3. Are the warning passages applicable today?

  4. Is this passage saying that you can lose your salvation?

  5. How is the term “drift away” used?

ANSWERS

  1. The author wondered if the Hebrews of his audience were all truly Christians. They had come out of Judaism and had all at least professed Christ as Messiah. But had they all accepted Him as personal Savior? He was concerned about the reality of their faith. The warnings were given “lest there be in any a heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12)

  2. He was concerned that these believers were not growing as Christians, and that they were in danger of turning back to Judaism.

  3. Yes, in any evangelical church, there is always a mixture of people. Many are committed Christians, but some may be only professing Christians, while others may be baby Christians who need to be challenged to grow. The last two groups need to be warned that they are in danger. They need to prove the reality of their faith in Christ by moving on and maturing in the faith.

  4. No. It is saying that it is possible to be a professing Christian and not really be saved at all.

  5. It is used in the sense of a ship drifting away from a safe harbor into the winds of a storm, ignoring the warnings given to stay in the protection of the harbor.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. Re-read Hebrews 2: The Hebrews were in danger of drifting away from the gospel of Jesus Christ, turning from Christianity to Judaism. The author is warning his audience to believe what they have heard. What had they heard? That Christ is superior to prophets and angels. That Christ has purged their sins. That the work of redemption is finished, and Christ is now seated at the right hand of the Majesty on High. He is warning them that it is possible to drift away if they've only heard and not believed. We, too, can be in danger of drifting away from the gospel of Jesus Christ. Read James 1:2 Give earnest heed to what you’ve heard and make sure that you are a believer, moving on in the faith.

  2. Re-read Hebrews 2:2- What is the answer to the question? We cannot escape if we neglect so great a salvation. Refer to Hebrews 10:39. Perdition is not loss of reward, as some would argue; it is loss of the soul.

CHALLENGE

  1. Re-read Hebrews 2:3- Three things make this message, “so great a salvation”: a. it was given by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself b. it was confirmed by those who had heard Him and known Him c. it was accompanied by signs and wonders and miracles and gifts The evidence for the credibility of the Christian faith is overwhelming. Compare Romans 1:20. How much more evidence do you want to back up the gospel?

KEY VERSES

  • “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” Hebrews 2:1

  • “How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation…?” Hebrews 2:3



Talks, New Testament, HebrewsDeb HarmsHebrews 2:1-4