The One Year Bible Club with Teaching
Commentary by Nick Boork
Commentary by Nick Boork
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October 31 – Hebrews 2
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? 5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels.
6 But one testified in a certain place, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? 7 You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor and set him over the works of Your hands.8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” 13 And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” and again “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
OKAY, HERE’S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
DON’T LOSE YOUR GRIP!
When I ask people how they’re doing and they say “Just hanging in there” many times I reply by saying; “Don’t let go!” That always gets their attention and gets them thinking. This is what we’re going to be talking about today, not letting the truth slip away from you neglecting your salvation. Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Amplified Bible (AMP) – 2 Since all this is true, we ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths that we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away.
Notice that it doesn’t say that God will drift away from us but it’s we that are prone to wander. Jesus talked about how important it is that we apply ourselves to the truth that we hear: He said in Mark 4:24…”Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.”
Remember Jesus teaching on the parable of the sower who planted seeds in the field? He described four kinds of hearers. Each group of people represents different kinds of soil reflecting the spiritual condition of their hearts… Multitudes hear the truth but they immediately let it slip away because they listen to the lies the devil tells them and refuse to believe the Gospel and be saved. The seed that fell on the rocky ground represents people that hear the truth and they absolutely receive it with joy but when trials, temptations and persecutions come against them they cave in and allow the truth to slip away from them letting go of their faith. The seed that fell among the thorns represents Christians that hear the word of God and they receive its truth and begin to grow in faith but all kinds of other things enter into their lives like the pleasures of this world, the cares of life and pursuing riches so they let the truth slip away in the sense that they no longer give it first place in their lives and that is why Jesus says they do not bring any fruit to perfection because the word of God is choked out of their lives as other priorities cause it to slip away. It happens just like a healthy plant is overcome by all kinds of weeds. To produce a harvest you have to get rid of the weeds.
However some people hear the word of God and receive it in a good and noble heart and they keep it and follow the Lord and the truth of his word patiently bringing forth much fruit that glorifies God. These are believers that take a hold of the word of God and the truth that they hear and give it first place in their lives. They do not allow it to slip away by listening to the lies of the devil, they keep hold of the word of God tightly through trials and persecutions and they refuse to allow other people, priorities and pleasures of this life to choke the truth of the word of God out of their lives. They are committed to not allow themselves to slip away from God and his word no matter what comes their way.
DON’T NEGLECT YOUR SALVATION
Another very important word that we find in chapter 2 is the word NEGLECT. The Bible asks how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? To neglect our salvation is to become careless and not serious about being saved. We neglect our salvation when we take it for granted thinking, well I’m already saved so I guess I can live however I want. We know that salvation is a free gift given to us by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ but even the Lord Jesus himself taught us that we must strive to enter the narrow gate. Luke 13:23-24 “Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” It’s interesting how Jesus answered this man’s question. He didn’t give him a direct answer of yes many will be saved or no there are only a few that will be saved but he got personal and spoke directly to his heart by saying “strive to enter the narrow gate.” In other words, what’s important is not if many or few will be saved but what’s important is that you’re saved! This is the idea here as well when the Scripture declares; “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation.”
The opposite of neglect is to take care of something. However, when it comes to our salvation, it’s not a thing but rather it’s a person we need to take care of. That persons name is Jesus Christ! I say that Christianity is all about a relationship not a religionship! The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is in a person and if you have him you’re saved but if you don’t you’re not. 1 John 5:12 says “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” So, to not neglect our salvation means not to neglect your relationship with God through his Son Jesus Christ.
You really have to guard your heart. Keep it set on the Lord, loving and worshipping him alone. Let his word fill your soul. Read it daily and meditate on it’s promises and thank God for hearing and answering your prayers. The best antidote to spiritually neglecting our salvation is to spend quality time with God as Jesus did. Luke 5:37 says “So he himself often withdrew into the wilderness to pray.” If you can’t spend time with God in prayer and worship you’re just to busy and are on the road to neglecting your salvation. Don’t neglect your salvation. Make a decision to seek God with a fresh determination and you will not be disappointed because he promises “Draw near to God and God will draw near to you.” James 4:8
The good news is that even though we all stumble and have our ups and downs, the Lord has compassion on us and is a merciful High Priest. Jesus was 100% God and 100% man at the same time and as God he knows what it’s like to be tempted to sin. The Bible reveals to us that Jesus was tempted in every way as we are yet he did not sin. This is why he has such compassion and mercy on us because he is one of us as a human being, God with skin on manifesting his love and purposes through Jesus Christ the Son. When we go to him in our time of temptation the Bible assures us that Jesus himself will reach out to us and help us to overcome everything the devil tempts us with and give us the grace by the Holy Spirit to put to death the sinful desires of our flesh as well. What an awesome Savior we have in Jesus!
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
1) Take a firm hold of the truth of God’s word and don’t let it slip away from you.
2) Don’t neglect your salvation, spend time daily in God’s word and presence.
3) Jesus endured every temptation imaginable so he knows what we go through.
4) God promises that Jesus will give aid or help to us when we’re tempted.
5) Jesus is our High Priest and will cleanse us from all our sin when we repent.
PRAYER TO APPLY THE WORD OF GOD TO OUR LIVES
ORDINATION
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association. Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute. Enroll free today! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll
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? 5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to angels.
6 But one testified in a certain place, saying: “What is man that You are mindful of him, Or the son of man that You take care of him? 7 You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor and set him over the works of Your hands.8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But now we do not yet see all things put under him. 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.
10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren, 12 saying: “I will declare Your name to My brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will sing praise to You.” 13 And again: “I will put My trust in Him.” and again “Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.”
14 Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For indeed He does not give aid to angels, but He does give aid to the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore, in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.
OKAY, HERE’S MY TEACHING COMMENTARY
DON’T LOSE YOUR GRIP!
When I ask people how they’re doing and they say “Just hanging in there” many times I reply by saying; “Don’t let go!” That always gets their attention and gets them thinking. This is what we’re going to be talking about today, not letting the truth slip away from you neglecting your salvation. Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. Amplified Bible (AMP) – 2 Since all this is true, we ought to pay much closer attention than ever to the truths that we have heard, lest in any way we drift past [them] and slip away.
Notice that it doesn’t say that God will drift away from us but it’s we that are prone to wander. Jesus talked about how important it is that we apply ourselves to the truth that we hear: He said in Mark 4:24…”Be careful what you are hearing. The measure [of thought and study] you give [to the truth you hear] will be the measure [of virtue and knowledge] that comes back to you and more [besides] will be given to you who hear.”
Remember Jesus teaching on the parable of the sower who planted seeds in the field? He described four kinds of hearers. Each group of people represents different kinds of soil reflecting the spiritual condition of their hearts… Multitudes hear the truth but they immediately let it slip away because they listen to the lies the devil tells them and refuse to believe the Gospel and be saved. The seed that fell on the rocky ground represents people that hear the truth and they absolutely receive it with joy but when trials, temptations and persecutions come against them they cave in and allow the truth to slip away from them letting go of their faith. The seed that fell among the thorns represents Christians that hear the word of God and they receive its truth and begin to grow in faith but all kinds of other things enter into their lives like the pleasures of this world, the cares of life and pursuing riches so they let the truth slip away in the sense that they no longer give it first place in their lives and that is why Jesus says they do not bring any fruit to perfection because the word of God is choked out of their lives as other priorities cause it to slip away. It happens just like a healthy plant is overcome by all kinds of weeds. To produce a harvest you have to get rid of the weeds.
However some people hear the word of God and receive it in a good and noble heart and they keep it and follow the Lord and the truth of his word patiently bringing forth much fruit that glorifies God. These are believers that take a hold of the word of God and the truth that they hear and give it first place in their lives. They do not allow it to slip away by listening to the lies of the devil, they keep hold of the word of God tightly through trials and persecutions and they refuse to allow other people, priorities and pleasures of this life to choke the truth of the word of God out of their lives. They are committed to not allow themselves to slip away from God and his word no matter what comes their way.
DON’T NEGLECT YOUR SALVATION
Another very important word that we find in chapter 2 is the word NEGLECT. The Bible asks how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? To neglect our salvation is to become careless and not serious about being saved. We neglect our salvation when we take it for granted thinking, well I’m already saved so I guess I can live however I want. We know that salvation is a free gift given to us by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ but even the Lord Jesus himself taught us that we must strive to enter the narrow gate. Luke 13:23-24 “Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” It’s interesting how Jesus answered this man’s question. He didn’t give him a direct answer of yes many will be saved or no there are only a few that will be saved but he got personal and spoke directly to his heart by saying “strive to enter the narrow gate.” In other words, what’s important is not if many or few will be saved but what’s important is that you’re saved! This is the idea here as well when the Scripture declares; “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation.”
The opposite of neglect is to take care of something. However, when it comes to our salvation, it’s not a thing but rather it’s a person we need to take care of. That persons name is Jesus Christ! I say that Christianity is all about a relationship not a religionship! The Bible clearly teaches that salvation is in a person and if you have him you’re saved but if you don’t you’re not. 1 John 5:12 says “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” So, to not neglect our salvation means not to neglect your relationship with God through his Son Jesus Christ.
You really have to guard your heart. Keep it set on the Lord, loving and worshipping him alone. Let his word fill your soul. Read it daily and meditate on it’s promises and thank God for hearing and answering your prayers. The best antidote to spiritually neglecting our salvation is to spend quality time with God as Jesus did. Luke 5:37 says “So he himself often withdrew into the wilderness to pray.” If you can’t spend time with God in prayer and worship you’re just to busy and are on the road to neglecting your salvation. Don’t neglect your salvation. Make a decision to seek God with a fresh determination and you will not be disappointed because he promises “Draw near to God and God will draw near to you.” James 4:8
The good news is that even though we all stumble and have our ups and downs, the Lord has compassion on us and is a merciful High Priest. Jesus was 100% God and 100% man at the same time and as God he knows what it’s like to be tempted to sin. The Bible reveals to us that Jesus was tempted in every way as we are yet he did not sin. This is why he has such compassion and mercy on us because he is one of us as a human being, God with skin on manifesting his love and purposes through Jesus Christ the Son. When we go to him in our time of temptation the Bible assures us that Jesus himself will reach out to us and help us to overcome everything the devil tempts us with and give us the grace by the Holy Spirit to put to death the sinful desires of our flesh as well. What an awesome Savior we have in Jesus!
WHAT’S THE BOTTOM LINE?
1) Take a firm hold of the truth of God’s word and don’t let it slip away from you.
2) Don’t neglect your salvation, spend time daily in God’s word and presence.
3) Jesus endured every temptation imaginable so he knows what we go through.
4) God promises that Jesus will give aid or help to us when we’re tempted.
5) Jesus is our High Priest and will cleanse us from all our sin when we repent.
PRAYER TO APPLY THE WORD OF GOD TO OUR LIVES
ORDINATION
We provide Ministry Credentials and Ordination through Diamond Ministerial Association. Click to learn more and apply! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/ordination
ONLINE COURSES
For Bible courses and ministry resources see our online school Diamond Institute. Enroll free today! http://www.diamondinstitute.org/enroll