Hebrews 2:3
The text we read is a warning. A warning against neglecting salvation. I borrowed that phrase warning against salvation from the heading of the chapter.
If you are using ESV you will see that the chapter is headed Warning Against Neglecting Salvation. And that thought is taken from the verse we read: “How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation.” In this warning and in the text, at least we can see three clear things that forms the basis of the warning: The Superiority of Salvation (vv.1-2), The Severity of Neglecting This Salvation (v.3) and The Surety of This Salvation (v.3b-4).
These three will form the basis of our sermon under the title “Don’t Neglect Your Salvation.”
Now before I continue, let me ask you this question. Are you saved? The reason for asking this question is that you cannot be warned against neglecting something you don’t have. So it makes sense that this warning is indeed addressed to Christians. The recepient of this letter it is believed were Jewish Christians who were going through various persecutions and were tempted to give up their beliefs in the Christian faith and perharps go back to their temple worship. So in Hebrews we see a number of calls to persevere (v.2, 10:28;38-40).
Subject to suffering and shame for their confession of Jesus, stripped of the familiar and visible institutions of organised Jewish religion, and confused by the hidden character of Jesus’ glory (veiled in suffering when he was on earth and now hidden), the original readers were tempted to turn away from the faith, to fall into unbelief, and thus to give up their pilgrimage toward’s God’s city (Reformation Study)
In their suffering, they were tempted to give up. The warning therefore was to preserve them. This is important for us to consider. The warnings of Scripture are the means by which God preserves his people.
Don’t Neglect Your Salvation
What does it mean to neglect your salvation? We will get the meaning from attending to the word neglect. A dictionary meaning says: “to pay no attention or too little attention to; disregard or slight”. New Testament usage:
The verb ἀμελέω (ameleó) conveys the idea of neglecting or being indifferent towards something or someone. It implies a lack of concern or attention that is due. In the New Testament, it is often used in contexts where there is a failure to fulfill responsibilities or to heed important matters. (Cultural-Historical Background) In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of care and responsibility was significant in both personal and communal life. Neglecting one’s duties, whether in family, civic, or religious contexts, was often viewed negatively. The New Testament writers, drawing from this cultural understanding, used ἀμελέω to admonish believers to be diligent in their faith and responsibilities (Bible hub.com).
In this sense then, we see the Hebrew writer calling his recepients to pay attention to their salvation or what they have heard (v.1). In many places in Scripture, the Bible calls us to pay attention or take care ( 2Peter 1:5– Make Every Effort to supplement your faith, Philippians 2:12, Work our your own salvation, Take heed how you hear, Jesus, Mark 4:23-25)
Why are they called to pay attention or warned?
The Superiority Of Salvation (vv.1-2)
The Severity of Neglecting Salvation (vv.2-3)
The Surety Of Salvation ( vv. 3b-4)
Facebook Comments