Let Us Continue Our Study of the Great Salvation (Hebrews 2:1-4)
Introduction:
1. Last Sunday we covered a number of passages that relate to "the great salvation" mentioned in Hebrews 2:3 -- the main point we emphasized is that we must not neglect it. 2. We examined what Christ and the apostles taught concerning: a. the Lord's purpose for coming to earth b. the price that was paid so we could be saved c. the requirements for receiving salvation. 3. As we search the Scriptures today, "let us continue our study of the great salvation." Introduction: I. LET US FIRST EXAMINE THESE VERSES IN THEIR CONTEXT
A. An important warning is given in vs.1 -- we must pay careful attention to the things we have heard and not allow them to slip away. B. A question is asked in vs.2-4 to show how serious this warning is -- is there any escape for those who neglect the great salvation that the Lord made known? C. To fully appreciate this warning and the follow-up question, we need to keep in mind the information presented in ch.1. D. We learn from: 1. 1:1-3 that God has spoken to us through Christ 2. 1:4-14 that Christ is superior to angels who have delivered messages from God on many occasions. E. Let us tie this in with the warning given in 2:1 -- since Jesus is God's spokesman today and since Jesus is superior to angels, we must pay careful attention to the things taught by the Lord and not allow them to slip away. 1. (vs.2) When God used angels to deliver messages, He punished those who disobeyed the angels -- their word was steadfast. 2. This being the case, will there be any escape for those who neglect the great salvation made known by the Lord? 3. Not only did the Lord make known the great salvation -- those who heard Jesus [the apostles] confirmed it. 4. God bore witness to the teachings of the apostles by giving them power to perform signs, wonders, and miracles and the ability to exercise spiritual gifts. 5. We must not neglect the great salvation that was made known by the Lord and confirmed by the apostles. II. THE SCRIPTURES REVEAL HOW THE GREAT SALVATION CAN BE NEGLECTED
A. It can be neglected by failing to obey the Gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9), as illustrated by Felix (Acts 24:24-27). B. It can be neglected by falling away after obeying the Gospel (Hebrews 3:12), as illustrated by Demas (2 Timothy 4:10a). III. THE SCRIPTURES PROVIDE POSITIVE EXAMPLES OF PEOPLE WHO DID NOT NEGLECT THE GREAT SALVATION
A. The eunuch of Ethiopia did not neglect it (Acts 8:26-39). B. Gaius did not neglect it (3 John 1-4). Conclusion:
1. Where do you stand in relation to the great salvation? 2. Jesus invites us to come to Him to receive it (Matthew 11:28-30). 3. According to 2 Corinthians 6:2, now is a good time to receive it -- "behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."
