Hebrews 2: Warning Signs
"Warning!" A black-and-white lettered sign that I encounter on the Fox River in St. Charles, Illinois, warns me of a dam ahead. In that placid stream it would be easy to drive over the dam. Cigarette packs, cans of weed killer, fences around nuclear power plants—they all carry impressive warnings, designed to steer us from life-threatening perils. In Hebrews 2, the writer erects the first of six prominent warning signs in the letter. The first, in effect, alerts us to the danger of drifting off the course of our faith-race. It tells us to concentrate on staying in the race.
Warming Up to God
What might cause you to "drive away" from Christ, or to let "such a great salvation" slip away like a loose ring that falls off your finger?
Read Hebrews 2. »
Discovering the Word
- In verse 1 we read, "pay more careful attention . . . to," and in verse 3 we are told not to "ignore." What is it that we are to focus our lives on?
- What logic does the writer use in verses 2-3 to further focus our attention on the peril of drifting away?
- How does the writer strengthen the warning that God's salvation in Christ is well worth our most intense obedience (vv. 3-4)?
- To prove that Jesus is too great and too valuable to neglect, the writer tells us more about him (vv. 5-9). What major facts does he cite here?
- Why did Jesus have "to be made like his brothers (you and me) in every way" (vv. 16-18)?
Applying the Word
- How does Jesus help you when you are tempted?
- What helps you to maintain a warm, life-changing relationship with Jesus?
- "Be sure your seatbelts are securely fastened," the aircraft's captain warns you because of approaching turbulence. How can you help other believers to be "securely fastened" into Jesus?
Responding in Prayer
Ask God to keep you securely fastened to Jesus.
For Further Study
Hebrews: Race to Glory (LifeGuide Bible Study) by James Reapsome