2. JESUS NEGLECTED WILL PROVE VERY COSTLY (Hebrews 2:1-4)

2.1. TO DISREGARD IS TO DRIFT AWAY FROM THE TRUTH (Hebrews 2:1, 2)

Hebrews 2:1 "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip. " (KJV)

"Therefore" links with the foregoing argument for the superior revelation in Christ Jesus, to that delivered by servants, Moses and angels. Far from disregarding the truth who is Jesus - as the privileged we must give full attention and adherence to Him.

The warning "lest we drift away" (NKJV) means drifting away from Jesus as to His Person and His work. To disregard who He is and what He has done for us, is to set ourselves perilously adrift.

"We have heard" (KJV) - we must not surrender true anchorage in Jesus for the unstable substitutes for Him - not even a Moses or angels, neither other religions or compromising opinions of men. In Christ Jesus is the substance, not the shadow. In Him alone is safety.

"Earnest heed" (KJV) means cleaving to Jesus in a personal relationship by a living faith received through hearing Him. (Romans 10:17 ).

2.2. TO DISDAIN IS TO DESPISE THE GREATEST REVELATION (Hebrews 2:3)

Hebrews 2:3 "How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; ..." (KJV)

	Great because it is mighty deliverance by a Saviour able to save to the uttermost
	Great because its source is the supreme revelator, Jesus Christ.
	Great because the Lord first spoke it (Mark 1:14; Matthew 4:23 )
	Great because it is a personified revelation in Jesus Immanuel (Matthew 1:23 )
	Great as witnessed by His chosen apostles who heard Him (Hebrews 2:3; Acts 1:21-22 )
	Great in privilege, therefore of surer punishment when turned away from (Hebrews 2:3 )
	Great yet disdained and despised by those who are lost.

2.3. TO DISBELIEVE IS TO DEGRADE WHAT IS ATTESTED BY GOD (Hebrews 2:3, 4)

The message of the gospel as to its authenticity is sealed by signs, wonders and miracles of the Lord and His apostles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit fullness granted to His people today (Acts 1:8; 2:39 ). Reasons for believing:

Hebrews 2:3 "... which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, ..." (KJV)

There could be no higher or more convincing testimony than that of Jesus Christ Himself.

Hebrews 2:3 "... and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;" (KJV)

Their knowledge was that of eyewitness. They heard with the hearing of their own ears - their witness was admissible and reliable.

To believe and continue in apostolic doctrine is to be built upon the Christ foundation that they faithfully laid (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 3:10; Ephesians 2:20 ).

1 Corinthians 3:11 "For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ." (NKJV)

Hebrews 2:4 "God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will?" (NKJV)

The ascended Lord confirmed the truth of the gospel by Holy Spirit supernatural confirmations, and continues to do so (Mark 16:19-20 ), which includes the following:-

	Supernatural deliverances "in My name they will cast out devils."(Mark 16:17 KJV).
	Supernatural utterances "they shall speak with new tongues"(Mark 16:17 KJV).
	Supernatural protection "they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; (Mark 16:18; KJV Acts 28:1-5 ).
	Supernatural healings "they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" (Mark 16:18 KJV).

Mark 16:15 "And He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." (NKJV)

Preach the gospel and be actively believing and there will be accompanying supernatural signs wrought by the Holy Spirit (Mark 16:15,17 ).

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What would you regard as drifting away from the truth (Hebrews 2:1 )?

2. Why is it so great a salvation to you (Hebrews 2:3 )? Why do you think there are those who neglect salvation today?

3. How did God bear witness to great salvation in Christ (Hebrews 2:4 )? Do you expect Holy Spirit visible confirmations of the preaching of the gospel today?

4. Do you expect miracles to teach ethical lessons, or set forth God's purposes for those who witness them?

5. Would you say the Holy Spirit is the great decider as to His manifestations? In which way then, can you prepare yourself to be used by Him ( 1 Corinthians 12:31; 14:1 )?