DO NOT NEGLECT THE TRUTH YOU HAVE HEARD.
Hebrews 2:1-4 KJV
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. [2] For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; [3] How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; [4] God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?
A. The sixfold encouraging exhortations….
“We ought to give heed to the things we have heard. “
1. “we must pay close attention to what we have been taught.”
2. We need to be diligent in applying what we’ve learned
3. We should take to heart the lessons we’ve received.
4. It’s imperative that we carefully consider what has been shared with us.
5. We must not neglect the truths we have heard
6. We must pay careful attention to the message we have received
B. The six-fold gentle warning… ” Hebrews 2:1 KJV – lest at any time we should let them slip.
1. so that we do not drift away.”
2. The idea of “letting them slip” is about losing our grasp on something, which is a perfect metaphor for “drifting away” from the truth or the teachings we have received.
3. so that we do not neglect them.
4. in order that we might not lose our hold on them
5. so we won’t be careless and stray from them.
6. lest we should lose our grasp of them.
C. The lessons and applications.
In the context of Hebrews 2:1, “drift away” means to slowly and unintentionally move away from or neglect the Christian faith and the truths taught in the Gospel.
It’s a powerful metaphor for spiritual apathy. A boat doesn’t need to be actively pushed out to sea; if it’s not anchored, it will naturally drift away with the current. Similarly, a person doesn’t have to actively rebel against their faith; if they don’t actively hold on to the teachings, they can gradually lose their spiritual footing.
This idea of “drifting away” implies:
A gradual process: It isn’t a sudden, conscious choice to abandon faith. Instead, it’s a slow, almost imperceptible loss of connection.
A passive state: The danger isn’t active opposition but passive neglect. It’s about not “giving earnest heed” to the things one has heard.
Loss of grounding: The metaphor suggests a loss of one’s spiritual anchor, resulting in a lack of stability and direction
To avoid “drifting away” from your faith, it’s essential to be proactive and intentional. The analogy of a boat is helpful: an anchored boat stays put, while an unanchored one is at the mercy of the currents.
Here are some practical ways to stay “anchored” in your faith:
1. Anchor Yourself in God’s Word
Read the Bible regularly: Make it a daily habit to read Scripture, not just for information but for transformation. This is the primary way God speaks to us and guides us.
Meditate on it: Don’t just read the words; think deeply about them. How do they apply to your life? How do they reveal God’s character?
Memorize key verses: Having God’s truth hidden in your heart provides a ready anchor in times of doubt, temptation, or anxiety.
2. Maintain a Consistent Prayer Life
Make prayer a conversation: Talk to God about everything—your joys, your fears, your struggles, and your thanksgivings.
Pray without ceasing: This doesn’t mean you’re always on your knees, but that you maintain a constant awareness of God’s presence throughout your day.
Pray for a deeper relationship with God: Ask Him to reveal more of Himself to you and to increase your faith.
3. Connect with a Faith Community
Join a local church: Regular attendance at a church that preaches the Bible is crucial. It provides corporate worship, teaching, and a sense of belonging.
Find a small group or accountability partner: Being in close community with other believers provides encouragement, support, and accountability. It’s much harder to drift away when someone else is rowing alongside you.
Serve others: Actively participating in the church and serving your community can help you stay focused on God’s mission rather than your own anxieties.
4. Guard Your Mind and Heart
Be selective about your influences: Be mindful of what you watch, listen to, and read. The world’s values can subtly pull you away from God’s truth.
Identify and address compromise: Be honest with yourself about areas where you might be making small concessions in your beliefs or actions. One small compromise can lead to another, and soon you’ve drifted far from your original course.
Actively resist temptation: The moment you feel the “drift” starting, make a conscious effort to correct your course. This could be by reading Scripture, praying, or talking to a trusted friend.
5. Remember and Recount God’s Faithfulness
Reflect on your spiritual journey: Think back to times when God has been faithful in your life. This strengthens your trust in Him for the future.
Keep a gratitude journal: Writing down the blessings in your life, both big and small, keeps your focus on God’s provision and goodness.
Share your testimony: Telling others about how God has worked in your life reinforces your own faith and encourages those around you.
