Sermon Tone Analysis

!! Hebrews 2:1-4

As mentioned previously, the writer will pause throughout his exposition to address his readers in a series of five urgent warnings.[1]

This is the first of such warnings and is the briefest and most restrained of them all.

It is nonetheless *solemn*.

!!!! Implications of Previous Teaching

The word */therefore /*connects this admonition to the previous discussion.

Because of the Son’s greatness and destiny of victory [over all of His enemies], the readers [which includes us] should give the most */utmost attention/*/ /to what they have heard – and beware of */drifting away/* [from these truths].[2]

He reminds his readers of the Old [Mosaic] Covenant - which was instituted through angelic administration[3]- that there were severe penalties for infractions.[4]

Thus, under the New Covenant[5] it should NOT be surprising that retribution will be forthcoming - if we */disregard/*/ *so great a salvation [deliverance]*/.[6]

Of course, Jesus, while on earth, spoke much about His future kingdom and the participation of His /faithful/ followers in that kingdom.[7]

But this /salvation /[/deliverance/]/ /experience had also received */confirmation/* through the various */miracles/* and */manifestations/* of the Holy Spirit given to His followers right after His ascension.[8]

The writer regarded these as /powers/ of the /world to come/.[9]

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[1] The others are found in Chaps 3-4, 5:11-6:20; 10:19-39; and chap 12.

[2] Verse 1.

The language is very powerful in the original.

The readers were characterized by immaturity and spiritual sluggishness (Cf.

Heb.

5:11-12) and thus could easily /“drift away/” from these truths.

See Proverbs 3:21 where this same Greek word is used.

It reads [in the Septuagint] “/My son, do not drift away, but keep my counsel and intent [way of thinking]/”.

[3] See Gal 3:19.

[4] Verse 2.

[5] Which is mentioned prominently in this epistle [Cf.

Heb.

8:8, 8:13, 9:15, 12:24 etc.]

[6]  Verse 3a.

This, of course, is the /salvation = deliverance /mentioned in Heb.

1:14 concerning the King’s triumph over His enemies.

This victory would also be crucial for those /sharing /this victory [His /companions /(Heb.

1:9)] who will /inherit /this deliverance.

Note that the author [by using the word /we/] includes himself.

[7] Verse 3b.

Also note Luke 12:31-32; 22:29-30; 19:11ff, Matt.

24:45-50,;25:14-30 etc.

[8] Verses 3c-4.

These /signs, wonders, /and /miracles /were characteristic of the Apostles in the book of Acts [Cf.

Acts 2:43; 4:30; 5:12; 6:8 etc.].

They regarded these miracles as expressions of the sovereignty of the One who had gone to sit at God’s right hand [Cf.

Acts 2:33; 5:31; 7:55 and Mark 16:19-20 and, of course Heb.

1:3].

[9] See Heb.

2:5; 6:5.