Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. 2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? (Hebrews 2:1-4)
The first thing we want to take note of this morning is the word “Therefore.” All of (ch:1) is spent showing us that though angels have a special place of ministry, Jesus Christ is much better than the angels. So the “Therefore” is referring us back to the supremacy of Christ, (v.1)….Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. It is our responsibility to pay close attention (to listen) to what God’s word says (Colossians 2:8)….Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. We must take God’s word seriously (there is a word of caution added here)…lest we drift away. The verse has a nautical theme, tying or anchoring to something so you don’t drift away. So, if we don’t care for the word of God (which proclaims our glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ) you have nothing to anchor on to.
We need to be careful not to pass by the only harbor of salvation that is provided for us – Jesus (Acts 4:12). It is important that we hear the message of salvation that God has provided for us
(Rom. 10:16-17)….But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD who has believed our report?” So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Once we have heard about God’s salvation it is dangerous not to act on what we have heard. All we have to do is nothing in order to reject God’s salvation We can hear the Lord speak through His messenger then choose not to listen to the message. We can read a passage of scripture and choose not to apply it to our lives. Make sure you don’t drift passed your opportunity to come to Christ
But someone might say, “Pastor Dan I’m already a Christian, this isn’t for me.” Then it is your responsibility to not suffer shipwreck in the faith (1 Timothy 1:18-19).
(2 Pet. 3:14-18)….Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation-as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever.”Drifting away from the opportunities God has given.