Introduction:

A. Our context: Hebrews 2:1-4

1. We need to give an earnest [heartfelt, serious] heed [consideration] to those things we learn of the Lord’s word (v.1).
2. What the angels spoke was proven and those who transgressed it were punished (v.2).
3. We cannot escape if we neglect the proven message of Jesus Christ and the Apostles (v.3).

B. What does it mean to neglect something?

1. In the sixth chapter of Acts the Grecian widows were neglected [OVERLOOKED]: Acts 6:1
2. We can forget and overlook what is truly important (lacking in growth is context): II Peter 1:9

C. Understand a little about salvation

1. Salvation is given to us from God through Christ: I Thessalonians 5:9
2. Salvation is known through faith in the Scriptures: II Timothy 3:15
4. Jesus is the author [source] of our salvation making it ours IF we obey: Hebrews 5:9

I. We Must Give a Heartfelt Heed to Those Things We Learn from God’s Word, As Not to Neglect Salvation

A. We have to take the word of the Lord seriously:

1. Hebrews 3:12
2. Take heed to that which has been revealed to us of God so that we do not overlook our salvation: II Peter 1:15-21
3. Consider what James wrote and do not be a forgetful hearer: James 1:21-25

B. Consider what it means if we NEGLECT [overlook; look past] salvation:

1. Neglecting something implies we either do not care, are too busy for, or do not see the value in something.

a. We better care about our salvation: Philippians 2:12
b. We better not allow ourselves to be too busy to be saved: Ephesians 5:15-16
c. We must see the value of salvation: Romans 6:23

2. Neglecting salvation is spiritual suicide: II Thessalonians 1:8-9
3. Without Christ, you are lost: Ephesians 2:12

II. Learn from God’s Wrath on Past Apostates Who Failed to Take God’s Word Seriously

A. Consider some of the nations that God punished for their erring ways:

1. Canaanites: Numbers 21:1-3
2. Those of Ashdod and Ekron: I Samuel 5:1-7; 10-12
3. Amalekites: I Samuel 15:1-9; cf. Deuteronomy 25:17-19
4. Assyria: Isaiah 10:5-7; 10-13; cf. II Kings 19:32-37
5. Babylon [Chaldeans]: Isaiah 13:1; 14:12-22; cf. II Chronicles 36:20-23
6. Egypt: Isaiah 19:1-4; cf. Jeremiah 43:10-13

B. Take the example of God’s own people, whom He punished for their disobedience:

1. Pick up some sticks: Numbers 15:32-36
2. Just touch the Ark of the Covenant: I Chronicles 13:9-10
3. David for numbering the people of Israel: II Samuel 24:10-16
4. God’s people felt His wrath: Isaiah 5:24-25

C. Learn from those who saw the power of God and feared – don’t wait to see for yourself:

1. Joshua 5:1
2. Matthew 27:54

III. The Message Has Been Proven, Thus We Cannot Escape the Wrath of God if We Disobey the Word of the Lord

A. The word of the Lord was confirmed:

1. Through miracles: Mark 16:20
2. Through fulfillment of what was prophesied: Luke 18:31
3. Through witnesses: Acts 2:32

B. What God says is sure

1. Hebrews 6:13-20
2. Titus 1:2

C. Those who disobey will be punished

1. If you obey sin: Romans 6:16
2. What if we continue to sin after coming to know the truth: Hebrews 10:26-27
3. II Peter 2:4-9

A. Hebrews 10:30-31
B. I Peter 4:17-18

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© 2005 May be used if permission by author is granted and proper acknowledgment as to the authorship of this material is made.  In other words, preachers do your own work.  Use this as a tool for your own work if such is helpful! – B.A.Y.