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Hebrews 2:1-4 · Providence Baptist Church - Sermons

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  Please join me in what I hope is your well-read and treasured copy of God's Word to Hebrews chapter 2.
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  Therefore, we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.
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  For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution,
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  how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?
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  It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,
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  while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, distributed according to His will.
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  There is one exhortation.
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  I almost coughed into my mic. Here we go.
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  There is one exhortation or encouragement in today's text, and it is the ruling or the overarching exhortation of the entire letter to this Hebrew church.
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  Now, as we said a number of weeks ago, we're not very clear on much of the detail of either the author of this book or the audience,
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  but we do know with fair certainty a few things.
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  This is a group of Hellenistic Jewish Christians.
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  We're fairly confident about that.
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  These Greek-speaking Christians because the author uses the Septuagint, which is cited heavily in this book,
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  and that's the Greek version of the Old Testament.
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  It wouldn't have made much sense to do otherwise.
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  He himself, likely being a Hellenistic Jew, writing to Hellenistic Jews.
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  These Christians had not seen Jesus, but had heard the gospel and believed.
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  They're likely living on the outskirts of Rome.
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  They're kind of in the suburbs of Rome, having been pressed out of Rome not too many years prior
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  by a persecution of just Jewish people having to be pushed out of Rome.
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  It's not likely that this is a large fellowship of Christians, but probably a small group, tired, beat down.
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  They had suffered.
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  We get a lot of evidence of that in the book of Hebrews.
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  They had suffered quite a bit for their faith.
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  And so you want to picture this as a group meeting in a home, likely, right?
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  They are beleaguered.
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  They are tired.
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  And they receive this letter from this pastor friend of theirs.
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  This encouragement to them to not give up on the faith.
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  To not forsake faith in Jesus Christ.
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  Because this would have been the easy route.
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  This was the temptation that existed amongst them.
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  Because it was hard to follow Jesus they were finding.
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  And it would have been much more comfortable to not follow him in this hard time.
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  So they would have had within them this inclination towards going back to Judaism.
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  Going back to worshiping God in a different way that wouldn't have been quite so hard.
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  And it's into that setting that the writer of Hebrews writes.
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  Knowing that they've suffered.
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  And knowing that they will most likely suffer more.
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  And he gives to them here at the beginning of chapter 2 this exhortation.
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  So simply this morning our outline is two points.
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  Number one, the exhortation accompanied by a warning.
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  Found in verse 1.
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  And secondly, the argumentation to keep the exhortation.
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  It's the exhortation and the argumentation.
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  Which is found in verses 2 and 4.
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  So we have here this exhortation accompanied by a warning.
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  And the exhortation is this.
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  We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard.
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  We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard.
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  Pay attention.
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  Pay closer attention to what you have heard is the exhortation.
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  But he begins verse 1.
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  Therefore.
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  Therefore.
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  And this therefore refers back to all that the author has said of Jesus Christ in chapter 1.
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  He leads off strong speaking of the supremacy and the finality of Jesus before he ever exhorts them to anything.
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  He speaks in chapter 1 of Jesus' prophetic supremacy as the final word of God.
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  You see this in verses 1 and 2.
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  He speaks of Jesus' cosmic supremacy as the creator and sustainer of all things.
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  You see this in verses 2 and 3.
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  He speaks of Jesus' Levitical supremacy as the final priest seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven in verse 3.
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  And he speaks of his angelic supremacy in that he is superior to angels in name, honor, vocation, existence, and in his reign.
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  And we saw that last week in verses 4 through 14.
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  I thought Clay did a great job showing that to us from the text.
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  So all of this, this person and work of Jesus Christ is what the author of Hebrews is referring back to.
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  The therefore.
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  Because of who Jesus is and because of what he has done on our behalf.
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  This is what we have heard that he is talking about.
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  And we must pay much closer attention to it.
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  Because of his supremacy.
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  And because of his finality.
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  We must pay much closer attention.
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  This thing that they had heard, I believe, is referring to all that Jesus is.
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  And all that Jesus has done.
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  And in verse 3, the author calls this such a great salvation.
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  Such a great salvation.
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  Depart from Christ, we are not and cannot be saved.
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  So we're to pay much closer attention to this great salvation.
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  And the Greek phrase, pay attention, interestingly, it's split up in our English text.
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  But that's a single Greek phrase.
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  It's a present, has a present verb tense.
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  Which means that the author does not have in mind the completion of the task in any given amount of time.
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  It means that this is an activity that should be happening and should continue to happen.
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  This suggests that one can pay attention.
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  But that we must all continue in paying closer attention.
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  We ought to be constantly and continually growing in this aspect of paying attention to the person and work of Jesus Christ.
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  The work of paying much closer attention is not a work that will be completed on this side of glory.
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  And this is the exhortation to us.
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  Pay much closer attention to what you have heard.
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  To the personal work of Christ.
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  To this great salvation, he calls it in verse 3.
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  And it is accompanied by a warning.
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  Pay much closer attention to what you have heard.
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  Lest we drift away from it.
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  Lest we drift away from it.
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  The picture the author is painting here is of a ship safe at harbor.
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  Out of the tumultuous nature of the sea.
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  Pulling into the calm of harbor.
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  But this ship that drifts does not have its anchor properly set.
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  That anchor is not founded firmly in the ground.
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  And therefore, it slowly moves out towards the danger of sea.
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  This idea of drifting is not a quick moving.
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  It's a slow, almost imperceivable motion.
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  The picture he's painting here is of a ship that suddenly finds itself out at sea.
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  And as it has been drifting all along.
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  Many of us probably have a friend or a family member.
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  A previous church member.
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  That have experienced a person who professed faith in Christ.
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  That in any way showed themselves to be a Christian.
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  And then suddenly, one day, renounced the faith.
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  This leaves us very confused.
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  How can someone go from being a Christ follower to not being a Christ follower in an instant?
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  Beloved, it doesn't happen in an instant.
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  All along the way, they were drifting.
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  There's a slowly moving away from the gospel of Jesus Christ if we don't pay much closer attention to it.
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  We must be so careful about this.
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  This letter is addressed to a church that was experiencing a particular temptation.
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  And I think it's a temptation that we experience as well.
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  I think we have to choose each and every day our faithfulness to Christ or the comfort and temporary pleasure of the world.
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  How often do we forget about this great salvation?
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  We cease paying attention to it and we begin to drift.
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  The warning here is that we be careful lest we drift away from it.
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  That we find ourselves outside the harbor of safety and back again in the danger of the sea.
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  Now, the ship was a common early symbol of the church.
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  So he's not pulling this randomly as a metaphor for them to try to wrap their minds around.
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  It would have been very comfortable as an idea for them.
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  Maybe a little more challenging for us.
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  I don't know how many of us are seafaring in our day.
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  But a very common early symbol of the church.
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  And it comes from places like 1 Peter 3.
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  Where Peter makes a connection between Noah and his family being carried safely through the flood in the ark.
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  And the church being in Jesus Christ being carried safely through the judgment of God.
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  The final judgment of God.
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  Other places like Mark chapter 4.
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  We see the apostles huddled in a ship on the Sea of Galilee.
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  And Jesus calms that storm.
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  Often in the early church, the symbol of the cross had to be hidden.
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  It wasn't something that they could boldly place out in the open.
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  And so it was often hidden in an image of a ship in the mast.
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  In the cross beam, I'll call it.
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  I'm not a seafarer either.
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  But that symbol was hidden within the symbol of the ship.
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  So brothers and sisters, this picture of drifting is meant to elicit imagery of this kind of subtle movement away from.
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  A movement away from the safety of Christ and toward danger of the world that's made by degrees and increments at a time.
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  So therefore, we must pay much closer attention.
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  To what we have heard.
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  Lest we drift away from it.
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  Now the author of Hebrews is concerned that people in this Hebrew church who have professed faith in Jesus Christ may not find themselves in Christ.
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  Because hear me clearly, those who are in Christ remain in Christ.
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  We are made from old creations to new creations by the sovereign work of God in our lives.
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  God's saving power is also God's keeping power.
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  So we are not talking about here unsaving ourselves.
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  But the danger of deluding ourselves to think that we're saved and to find that we're not.
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  Now he has this in his mind because he says later in the book of Hebrews chapter 6 verse 19 and then a bit into verse 20.
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  We have this as a sure and steadfast.
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  I just totally screwed up where I am in my notes.
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  Don't worry about it.
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  Ignore me.
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  Hebrews chapter 6 verse 7 through 12.
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  Having just spoken of the apostate.
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  He's just talked about those who claim to be in the faith and then turn their backs on following Jesus Christ.
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  The author of Hebrews uses a different metaphor and he says,
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  For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated receives a blessing from God.
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  But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed and its end is to be burned.
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  Now after that, he speaks of Christ.
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  Goes back to the metaphor of the ship.
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  And here we are.
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  Chapter 6 verse 19 and 20a.
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  We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul.
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  A hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf.
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  So, be warned that you're not apostate.
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  That you don't drift away from the faith in a way that's not salvific.
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  That it shows that you're not in fact in Christ.
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  Christ is the anchor of our soul.
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  He keeps us in the safety of the harbor and out of the danger of the world.
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  Paul speaks of the same concern in his first letter to Timothy.
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  In Timothy chapter 1 verse 19 and 20.
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  Paul makes mention of Hymenaeus and Alexander who made shipwreck of their faith by rejecting faith and a good conscience.
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  And then later in 1 Timothy chapter 6 verse 20 and 21.
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  Paul writes,
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  Oh Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you.
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  Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called, quote unquote, knowledge.
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  For by professing it, some have swerved from the faith.
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  Grace be with you.
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  Guard the deposit entrusted to you.
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  Pay much closer attention to what you have heard.
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  He's communicating the same thing that the author of Hebrews is here communicating.
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  Avoid being drawn away.
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  Drifting away from by irreverent babble and contradictions.
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  What is falsely called knowledge.
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  Because by it, some have swerved from the faith.
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  They have made shipwreck like Hymenaeus and Alexander.
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  They have drifted away.
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  The writer of Hebrews goes on in Hebrews chapter 6.
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  Verse 9 to say this.
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  Though we speak in this way.
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  Speaking back to those who are worthless and near to being cursed.
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  Those apostate he refers to.
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  He says,
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  Yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things.
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  Things that belong to salvation.
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  For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name and serving the saints as you still do.
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  And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness.
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  To have the full assurance of hope until the end.
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  So that you may not be sluggish but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
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  So he's speaking to a people that he has the kind of confidence he can have are in the faith.
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  And he's saying show this to be true to the end.
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  By what?
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  By continuing.
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  To be careful.
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  To pay attention.
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  To the things that we have heard.
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  And the author of Hebrews here is warning.
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  Something similar to a warning given by Jesus in Matthew chapter 13.
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  I'd ask you to join me there.
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  Matthew chapter 13.
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  This is the parable of the sower.
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  What we're meant to learn in Matthew chapter 13.
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  And here in Hebrews chapter 2.
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  Is that there will be people who profess faith in Jesus Christ.
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  Who say yeah I believe in Jesus.
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  Yeah I follow Jesus.
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  And are not in fact in the faith.
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  The scripture speaks much to this.
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  It doesn't tell us to make a decision.
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  And have confidence in the decision made.
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  It tells us to repent and believe.
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  It tells us to turn from our sin.
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  And turn to Christ.
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  And there is certainly a regenerative work.
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  That is done by the Holy Spirit in our lives.
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  And then it's evidence.
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  It shows out of us.
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  By the way that we live.
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  Right.
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  We are saved.
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  So we work.
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  Not we work so that we're saved.
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  Right.
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  But if we are in Christ.
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  We will evidence that salvation.
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  The scripture is full of warnings.
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  Concerning this.
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  Beginning of 2nd Peter.
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  2nd Peter chapter 1.
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  John.
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  The whole book of 1st John.
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  Is about this.
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  Making sure.
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  That you're in.
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  The faith.
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  Jesus says it here.
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  Matthew chapter 13.
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  Beginning in verse 1.
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  That same day.
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  Jesus went out of the house.
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  And sat beside the sea.
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  And great crowds gathered around him.
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  So that he got into a boat.
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  And sat down.
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  And I just like that he's in a boat.
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  I think that's great.
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  And fitting.
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  And the whole crowd stood on the beach.
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  And he told them many things in parables.
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  Saying.
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  A sower went out to sow.
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  And as he sowed.
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  Some seeds fell along the path.
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  And the birds came.
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  And devoured them.
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  Other seeds fell on rocky ground.
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  When they did not have much soil.
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  And immediately they sprang up.
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  Since they had no depth of soil.
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  But when the sun rose.
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  They were scorched.
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  And since they had no root.
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  They withered away.
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  Other seeds fell among thorns.
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  And the thorns grew up.
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  And choked them.
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  Other seeds fell on good soil.
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  And produced grain.
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  Some a hundredfold.
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  Some sixty.
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  Some thirty.
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  He who has ears.
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  Let him hear.
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  Jesus goes on to speak with the apostles.
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  They say.
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  Why do you speak in parables all the time?
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  And he explains to them.
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  The why of that.
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  And then.
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  In great kindness.
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  To them and to us.
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  He goes on to actually explain.
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  The parable of the sower.
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  This is pretty unique in this case.
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  That he tells us exactly what he means.
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  By the parable.
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  So then in verse 18.
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  And following.
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  Jesus says.
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  Hear then the parable of the sower.
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  When anyone hears the word of the kingdom.
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  The gospel.
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  And does not understand it.
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  The evil one comes and snatches away.
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  What has been sown.
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  In his heart.
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  This is what was sown.
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  Along the path.
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  So verse 18 and 19.
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  Right.
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  That seed that's sown along the path.
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  Are those who hear the gospel.
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  And do not believe.
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  Simply put.
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  They never profess faith.
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  In Christ.
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  Now.
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  As for what was sown on rocky ground.
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  This is the one who hears the word.
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  And immediately receives it.
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  With joy.
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  Yet he has no root in himself.
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  But endures for a while.
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  And when tribulation.
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  Or persecution.
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  Arises on account of the word.
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  Immediately.
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  He falls away.
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  I think we experience this.
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  Probably.
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  More than others.
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  In our day.
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  See a lot of those.
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  Who think that Jesus.
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  Is going to be the easier way.
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  And when they realize.
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  That Jesus is the harder way.
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  They want nothing to do with him.
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  Any longer.
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  They see.
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  Christianity.
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  As the new cool thing to do.
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  New group of friends.
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  I get emotional.
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  When I sing a song.
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  Right.
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  They get wrapped up.
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  In.
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  The.
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  Consumption of it.
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  But when things get hard.
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  It becomes distasteful.
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  To them.
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  I think this is the.
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  The Hebrew believers.
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  This was the temptation.
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  Right.
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  And.
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  And those who are.
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  The writer of Hebrews is saying to us.
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  Those who are in fact.
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  In Christ are going to persevere.
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  To the end.
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  They're not going to show themselves.
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  To be rocky soil.
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  Although there were some.
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  That were.
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  We saw.
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  In Hebrews chapter 6.
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  Right.
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  Some went out from them.
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  Because they were not.
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  Of.
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  Them.
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  Verse 22.
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  As for what was sown among thorns.
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  This is the one who hears the word.
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  But the cares of the world.
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  And the deceitfulness of riches.
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  Choke the word.
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  And it proves.
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  Unfruitful.
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  As for what was sown.
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  On good soil.
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  This is the one who hears the word.
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  And understands it.
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  He indeed.
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  Bears fruit.
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  And yields.
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  In one case.
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  A hundredfold.
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  In another sixty.
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  And in another.
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  Thirty.
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  Right.
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  The person who is saved.
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  The person who is in Christ.
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  Bears.
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  Fruit.
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  The fruit of what?
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  The fruit of righteousness.
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  Holiness.
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  Begins to be produced.
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  Good.
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  Fruit.
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  Not.
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  Bad.
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  Fruit.
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  Anymore.
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  They're changed.
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  They're changed in.
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  Kind.
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  Right.
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  Not in degree.
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  They're changed in.
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  Kind.
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  And holiness begins to be produced.
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  By the one who is in Christ.
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  Not perfect holiness.
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  But progressively moving holiness.
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  Right.
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  Ever Christward.
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  Ever.
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  Heavenward.
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  So.
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  Take care.
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  Take closer attention.
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  To what you have heard.
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  Lest you drift.
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  Away from it.
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  How do we.
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  How do we ensure.
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  That we are not.
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  Drifters.
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  How do we ensure that.
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  The writer of Hebrews says.
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  Pay much closer attention.
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  Pay much.
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  Closer.
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  Attention.
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  Love.
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  The person.
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  And work.
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  Of Jesus Christ.
• 24:45
  And in order to love.
• 24:47
  The person.
• 24:47
  And work.
• 24:48
  Of Jesus Christ.
• 24:49
  You have to continually.
• 24:50
  Feed yourself.
• 24:52
  On the goodness of God.
• 24:53
  To us.
• 24:54
  In the person.
• 24:54
  And work.
• 24:56
  Of Jesus Christ.
• 24:57
  We are slow learners.
• 24:59
  And we are quick.
• 25:00
  To forget.
• 25:01
  The most intelligent.
• 25:02
  Among us.
• 25:03
  We are slow learners.
• 25:05
  And quick.
• 25:06
  To forget.
• 25:07
  We have such.
• 25:08
  Fickle hearts.
• 25:09
  We are so.
• 25:10
  Apt.
• 25:11
  To drift.
• 25:14
  So how do we.
• 25:15
  Do this?
• 25:16
  We come.
• 25:17
  Back.
• 25:18
  To the text.
• 25:20
  We feast.
• 25:21
  On the word.
• 25:22
  Of God.
• 25:22
  That tells us about.
• 25:24
  The word.
• 25:24
  Of God.
• 25:26
  The God.
• 25:26
  Man.
• 25:27
  Jesus.
• 25:28
  Incarnate.
• 25:29
  God.
• 25:29
  God.
• 25:30
  This supreme.
• 25:31
  And final word.
• 25:33
  Of God.
• 25:33
  To us.
• 25:34
  That we would love him.
• 25:36
  As we should.
• 25:38
  The only reason.
• 25:40
  The sin.
• 25:41
  Has any.
• 25:42
  Power.
• 25:42
  In your life.
• 25:43
  At all.
• 25:44
  Is because.
• 25:44
  You.
• 25:45
  Love it.
• 25:47
  You.
• 25:48
  Will worship.
• 25:49
  You.
• 25:49
  Will serve.
• 25:50
  The things.
• 25:51
  That you.
• 25:52
  Love.
• 25:54
  So in order for us.
• 25:56
  To have a confidence.
• 25:57
  That we're not a drifter.
• 25:58
  We must constantly.
• 26:01
  Feed ourselves.
• 26:02
  On the goodness.
• 26:03
  Of Christ.
• 26:05
  That we would love him.
• 26:06
  As we should.
• 26:07
  And therefore.
• 26:08
  Serve him.
• 26:09
  Worship him.
• 26:10
  As we.
• 26:11
  Should.
• 26:12
  We would pursue him.
• 26:13
  With all.
• 26:14
  That we are.
• 26:15
  Because we are.
• 26:16
  Full.
• 26:17
  Of him.
• 26:19
  This is a.
• 26:20
  Mindful.
• 26:21
  Activity.
• 26:22
  This isn't a thing.
• 26:22
  You walk around.
• 26:23
  And feel.
• 26:25
  We are happy.
• 26:26
  For emotions.
• 26:26
  When.
• 26:27
  Emotion.
• 26:27
  Is combined.
• 26:28
  With truth.
• 26:29
  We're not stoics.
• 26:30
  Around here.
• 26:32
  I want you to feel.
• 26:33
  Rapturous.
• 26:34
  When you leave.
• 26:34
  Our meetings.
• 26:35
  When we sing songs.
• 26:37
  I want your heart.
• 26:38
  To be lifted.
• 26:40
  But in the.
• 26:41
  Truth.
• 26:43
  Mindful.
• 26:44
  Joy.
• 26:45
  Right.
• 26:46
  Not.
• 26:46
  Because the crescendo.
• 26:47
  Hits.
• 26:48
  Just right.
• 26:49
  Not.
• 26:50
  Because somebody.
• 26:50
  Woos you.
• 26:51
  Into a trance.
• 26:54
  That lasts.
• 26:55
  Momentarily.
• 26:56
  Momentarily.
• 26:59
  You ever been to a fantastic rock show.
• 27:00
  I've been to some good rock shows in my day.
• 27:03
  And then you want to.
• 27:04
  Feel the same way you felt.
• 27:05
  The rock show.
• 27:06
  With.
• 27:07
  The CD.
• 27:08
  And aging myself here.
• 27:12
  Right.
• 27:12
  It just doesn't work.
• 27:14
  It's not the same.
• 27:15
  You can't have the same emotion you had.
• 27:17
  Seeing the performance done.
• 27:19
  Live.
• 27:20
  It's not the same.
• 27:21
  And we're always doing that.
• 27:22
  We're chasing.
• 27:23
  The next.
• 27:25
  Trance.
• 27:26
  The next.
• 27:27
  Emotional.
• 27:28
  Movement.
• 27:28
  Christian living.
• 27:30
  Christian living is mindful living.
• 27:32
  If you're going to love the person and work of Jesus Christ.
• 27:34
  The way you ought to love the person and work of Jesus Christ.
• 27:37
  As his follower.
• 27:38
  You must.
• 27:39
  Pay.
• 27:40
  Much.
• 27:40
  Closer.
• 27:41
  Attention.
• 27:42
  To what you have heard.
• 27:44
  You must come back to it.
• 27:45
  Again.
• 27:46
  And again.
• 27:47
  I love.
• 27:48
  This.
• 27:49
  Phrasing.
• 27:49
  He doesn't just say.
• 27:50
  Pay attention to it.
• 27:52
  You can be paying attention to it.
• 27:54
  But you need to be paying.
• 27:55
  Much.
• 27:56
  Closer.
• 27:56
  Attention.
• 27:57
  To it.
• 27:58
  You need to be growing in your attention.
• 28:00
  That you're paying to.
• 28:02
  What you have heard.
• 28:03
  This great salvation.
• 28:05
  This.
• 28:06
  Christ.
• 28:09
  There's a.
• 28:09
  First half of a quotation.
• 28:11
  I'm going to read to you.
• 28:12
  On your bulletin this morning.
• 28:14
  By John Calvin.
• 28:15
  If I say the name John Calvin.
• 28:16
  And you shudder a little bit.
• 28:18
  You need to get to know.
• 28:19
  John Calvin.
• 28:21
  Gosh.
• 28:22
  Just a wellspring of.
• 28:24
  Joy.
• 28:25
  Calvin is.
• 28:26
  He wrote.
• 28:28
  It is not only.
• 28:29
  The rejecting of the gospel.
• 28:31
  But even the neglecting of it.
• 28:32
  That deserves.
• 28:33
  The severest penalty.
• 28:34
  In view.
• 28:35
  Of the greatness.
• 28:36
  Of the grace.
• 28:38
  Which is offered in it.
• 28:39
  God wishes his gifts.
• 28:40
  To be valued by us.
• 28:42
  At their proper.
• 28:43
  Worth.
• 28:45
  He goes on to write.
• 28:46
  The more precious they are.
• 28:47
  The basic.
• 28:48
  The baser.
• 28:49
  Our ingratitude.
• 28:51
  If they do not have.
• 28:52
  Their proper value.
• 28:53
  For us.
• 28:54
  In accordance.
• 28:55
  With the greatness.
• 28:56
  Of Christ.
• 28:58
  So will be the severity.
• 28:59
  Of God's vengeance.
• 29:00
  On all.
• 29:01
  Despisers.
• 29:03
  Of the gospel.
• 29:04
  We don't want.
• 29:05
  To find ourselves.
• 29:07
  As despisers.
• 29:08
  Of the gospel.
• 29:10
  At the end.
• 29:10
  Of all things.
• 29:11
  We want to find ourselves.
• 29:13
  As lovers.
• 29:14
  Of the gospel.
• 29:15
  Of Jesus Christ.
• 29:16
  Right.
• 29:17
  Not those.
• 29:17
  Adrift.
• 29:18
  At sea.
• 29:19
  Those.
• 29:19
  Who are safe.
• 29:21
  In the harbor.
• 29:22
  Right.
• 29:22
  Anchored.
• 29:23
  Right.
• 29:24
  In Christ.
• 29:26
  So this is the exhortation.
• 29:28
  And he's going to make this case.
• 29:30
  To them.
• 29:31
  At length.
• 29:33
  Extensively.
• 29:34
  Throughout the letter.
• 29:35
  To the Hebrews.
• 29:36
  But he does so in brief.
• 29:38
  He presses a point.
• 29:40
  In brief.
• 29:41
  Here in verses 2.
• 29:42
  Through 4.
• 29:43
  So that's the exhortation.
• 29:44
  With a warning.
• 29:46
  Secondly.
• 29:46
  We have the argumentation.
• 29:48
  To keep.
• 29:49
  The exhortation.
• 29:50
  Verses 2.
• 29:51
  Through 4.
• 29:52
  The argumentation.
• 29:53
  To keep.
• 29:54
  The exhortation.
• 29:56
  The author of Hebrews.
• 29:58
  Uses.
• 29:59
  A common.
• 30:00
  Hebrew.
• 30:01
  Argument.
• 30:01
  Style.
• 30:02
  A very typical way.
• 30:04
  Of making.
• 30:05
  A case.
• 30:07
  Which is called.
• 30:08
  And you don't.
• 30:08
  Have to remember this.
• 30:11
  Call.
• 30:11
  Va.
• 30:12
  Omer.
• 30:13
  Call.
• 30:14
  Va.
• 30:14
  Omer.
• 30:15
  It means literally.
• 30:16
  Light.
• 30:17
  And heavy.
• 30:19
  It's an argumentation.
• 30:20
  From lesser.
• 30:20
  To greater.
• 30:21
  It's an argumentation.
• 30:22
  That says.
• 30:23
  If the lesser.
• 30:23
  Thing is true.
• 30:24
  Then the greater.
• 30:25
  Thing.
• 30:26
  Must also.
• 30:27
  Be.
• 30:28
  True.
• 30:28
  And that's what he's doing here.
• 30:29
  He's employing this.
• 30:31
  For his.
• 30:32
  Hebrew listeners.
• 30:33
  Right.
• 30:33
  They would have.
• 30:33
  It would have leapt off the page.
• 30:35
  At them.
• 30:35
  Oh we see exactly.
• 30:36
  What he's doing.
• 30:36
  He's arguing.
• 30:37
  From the.
• 30:38
  Lighter.
• 30:39
  To the heavier.
• 30:39
  From the.
• 30:40
  Lesser.
• 30:40
  To.
• 30:41
  The.
• 30:42
  Greater.
• 30:42
  From the.
• 30:43
  Call.
• 30:44
  To the.
• 30:45
  Omer.
• 30:45
  So the call.
• 30:48
  The.
• 30:48
  The lighter.
• 30:50
  The lesser.
• 30:51
  He says.
• 30:53
  Verse 2.
• 30:54
  And part of 3.
• 30:55
  For since the message declared by angels.
• 30:59
  Proved to be reliable.
• 31:00
  And every.
• 31:01
  Transgression.
• 31:02
  Or disobedience.
• 31:03
  Received a just.
• 31:04
  Retribution.
• 31:05
  How shall we escape.
• 31:07
  If we neglect.
• 31:08
  Such a great.
• 31:09
  Salvation.
• 31:11
  There's this.
• 31:11
  Argument.
• 31:12
  He's making.
• 31:12
  Right.
• 31:13
  The author uses.
• 31:16
  A common.
• 31:17
  Understanding.
• 31:18
  Amongst.
• 31:20
  Jewish.
• 31:21
  Adherence.
• 31:23
  And.
• 31:23
  New Testament.
• 31:24
  Teaching.
• 31:25
  That the old.
• 31:25
  Testament.
• 31:27
  Was mediated.
• 31:28
  By angels.
• 31:30
  Those who.
• 31:32
  Inspired.
• 31:33
  To write.
• 31:33
  The old.
• 31:33
  Testament.
• 31:34
  That this was.
• 31:35
  Given to them.
• 31:36
  By angels.
• 31:37
  It was a common.
• 31:38
  Understanding.
• 31:39
  In the day.
• 31:40
  This is why.
• 31:40
  He's made such an extensive.
• 31:42
  Case.
• 31:42
  In chapter 1.
• 31:43
  That Jesus is greater.
• 31:44
  He's the final word.
• 31:46
  Right.
• 31:46
  Over and above.
• 31:48
  The messengers of God.
• 31:49
  He's the final.
• 31:50
  And the greatest.
• 31:51
  Messenger.
• 31:52
  Of God.
• 31:54
  And.
• 31:54
  This was understood.
• 31:55
  In their day.
• 31:56
  And.
• 31:56
  It's taught.
• 31:57
  In.
• 31:58
  The new.
• 31:58
  Testament.
• 31:59
  In Acts chapter 7.
• 32:00
  Verse 38.
• 32:01
  Stephen.
• 32:02
  In his.
• 32:03
  Sermon.
• 32:04
  Before the Sanhedrin.
• 32:05
  Before he's.
• 32:06
  Becomes the first Christian.
• 32:07
  Martyr.
• 32:07
  He declares of Moses.
• 32:10
  This is the one.
• 32:11
  Moses.
• 32:12
  Who was in the congregation.
• 32:13
  In the wilderness.
• 32:14
  With the angel.
• 32:16
  Who spoke to him.
• 32:17
  At Mount Sinai.
• 32:18
  And with our fathers.
• 32:19
  He received.
• 32:20
  Living.
• 32:21
  Oracles.
• 32:22
  To give.
• 32:23
  To us.
• 32:24
  So they believed.
• 32:26
  And rightly so.
• 32:26
  That there was a mediation.
• 32:28
  Of.
• 32:29
  The Old Testament.
• 32:30
  The law.
• 32:31
  Given.
• 32:32
  To God's people.
• 32:33
  Through.
• 32:35
  Angels.
• 32:36
  This is the message.
• 32:37
  Declared by.
• 32:38
  Angels.
• 32:39
  That the writer of Hebrews.
• 32:41
  Is referring to.
• 32:42
  And he says.
• 32:43
  That it proved.
• 32:44
  To be a reliable.
• 32:46
  And that every.
• 32:47
  Transgression.
• 32:47
  Or disobedience.
• 32:48
  Received.
• 32:49
  A just.
• 32:51
  Retribution.
• 32:52
  The Old Testament.
• 32:53
  Is absolutely.
• 32:54
  Full.
• 32:55
  Of command.
• 32:57
  Breaking.
• 32:57
  Of command.
• 32:58
  And punishment.
• 32:59
  For the breaking.
• 33:00
  Of that command.
• 33:01
  It's.
• 33:02
  Riddled.
• 33:03
  With it.
• 33:04
  By example.
• 33:05
  In my notes.
• 33:05
  It's from.
• 33:06
  Numbers.
• 33:06
  Chapter.
• 33:06
  21.
• 33:07
  Which TJ shared.
• 33:08
  During our Lord's.
• 33:09
  Supper gathering.
• 33:10
  About the grumbling.
• 33:11
  Of the people.
• 33:12
  And so.
• 33:12
  Fiery serpents.
• 33:13
  Came in.
• 33:14
  Amongst the people.
• 33:15
  And anybody they bit.
• 33:16
  Got really.
• 33:16
  Really sick.
• 33:17
  And died.
• 33:17
  But there was a raising.
• 33:18
  Of a bronze serpent.
• 33:19
  Anybody who looked.
• 33:19
  On the bronze serpent.
• 33:20
  Would.
• 33:21
  Live.
• 33:22
  Right.
• 33:22
  This is an example.
• 33:23
  Of.
• 33:24
  Just.
• 33:25
  Retribution.
• 33:26
  Right.
• 33:26
  They were not faithful.
• 33:27
  They were not obedient.
• 33:28
  To God.
• 33:29
  So what did God do?
• 33:30
  He punished them.
• 33:31
  For this.
• 33:33
  So the writer of Hebrews.
• 33:34
  Is saying.
• 33:35
  To this.
• 33:36
  Jewish audience.
• 33:37
  You know this.
• 33:38
  You know the text.
• 33:40
  You know how God.
• 33:41
  Gave commands.
• 33:42
  The commands were broken.
• 33:43
  And then they were punished.
• 33:45
  It proved itself.
• 33:47
  True.
• 33:48
  We're very aware.
• 33:49
  Of.
• 33:50
  This.
• 33:50
  The argument is this.
• 33:52
  If they did not escape.
• 33:54
  Retribution.
• 33:55
  For neglecting a lesser thing.
• 33:58
  The law.
• 34:00
  How will we escape retribution.
• 34:03
  For neglecting a greater thing.
• 34:06
  Namely.
• 34:07
  Beginning of verse 3.
• 34:08
  Such a great salvation.
• 34:11
  A greater thing.
• 34:12
  Such a great salvation.
• 34:13
  Salvation.
• 34:14
  Retribution.
• 34:15
  It should be.
• 34:16
  Absolutely.
• 34:17
  Frightful.
• 34:18
  For you to consider.
• 34:19
  The just.
• 34:20
  Retribution.
• 34:22
  Of God.
• 34:24
  I think.
• 34:24
  Often.
• 34:25
  Those of us in Christ.
• 34:27
  Are really comfortable.
• 34:29
  With the fact.
• 34:30
  That we're in Christ.
• 34:31
  And.
• 34:32
  I want us to feel secure.
• 34:34
  I want us to feel safe.
• 34:36
  In the harbor.
• 34:37
  But sometimes.
• 34:38
  We need to cast our eye.
• 34:39
  Out to the danger.
• 34:40
  Of the sea.
• 34:42
  We need to remember.
• 34:43
  Just how safe we are.
• 34:45
  By considering.
• 34:46
  The just retribution.
• 34:47
  Of God.
• 34:48
  What are we saved.
• 34:49
  From.
• 34:52
  One simple example.
• 34:54
  In Matthew chapter 3.
• 34:55
  Verse 12.
• 34:55
  John.
• 34:56
  The baptizer.
• 34:58
  Says of Jesus.
• 35:00
  His winnowing fork.
• 35:01
  Is in his hand.
• 35:02
  And he will clear.
• 35:03
  His threshing floor.
• 35:04
  And gather his wheat.
• 35:06
  Into the barn.
• 35:07
  Those of us.
• 35:08
  Safe in the harbor.
• 35:10
  Safe in the boat.
• 35:11
  Garn.
• 35:11
  But the shaft.
• 35:12
  We burn.
• 35:14
  With an unquenchable.
• 35:15
  Fire.
• 35:17
  Burning.
• 35:17
  Forever.
• 35:18
  And ever.
• 35:19
  And ever.
• 35:20
  And this is a.
• 35:21
  Just.
• 35:22
  Retribution.
• 35:23
  How will we escape that.
• 35:25
  Is what the writer of Hebrews.
• 35:26
  Is saying.
• 35:27
  If we turn away.
• 35:28
  From this great salvation.
• 35:29
  Right.
• 35:30
  If we.
• 35:30
  Don't pay careful attention.
• 35:32
  To what we.
• 35:32
  Have heard.
• 35:33
  And we drift.
• 35:34
  Away.
• 35:35
  From it.
• 35:37
  I hope that you are.
• 35:38
  Reasonable enough.
• 35:39
  This morning.
• 35:39
  To want to escape.
• 35:42
  Unquenchable.
• 35:42
  Fire.
• 35:44
  There's enough reasoning.
• 35:45
  Faculty in you.
• 35:46
  Even as tired as you may be.
• 35:48
  This morning.
• 35:48
  Maybe the coffee will kick in.
• 35:49
  About now.
• 35:52
  Escape.
• 35:53
  Eternal damnation.
• 35:54
  Right.
• 35:54
  Flee.
• 35:54
  From the unquenchable.
• 35:56
  Fire.
• 35:57
  And you do that.
• 35:58
  In.
• 35:59
  Christ.
• 36:02
  Offered salvation.
• 36:03
  To you.
• 36:03
  I hope.
• 36:05
  This morning.
• 36:06
  That no one.
• 36:07
  In my hearing.
• 36:07
  Will neglect.
• 36:08
  Such.
• 36:09
  A great.
• 36:10
  Salvation.
• 36:13
  So he.
• 36:14
  Makes this.
• 36:15
  Lesser.
• 36:15
  This lighter.
• 36:16
  And transitions us.
• 36:17
  To.
• 36:18
  Thinking about.
• 36:19
  This.
• 36:20
  Great.
• 36:20
  Salvation.
• 36:21
  As the.
• 36:22
  Greater.
• 36:22
  As the.
• 36:23
  Omer.
• 36:24
  And we see this.
• 36:26
  Kind of broken down.
• 36:27
  It's a.
• 36:28
  Great.
• 36:29
  Salvation.
• 36:29
  Because.
• 36:30
  It's a.
• 36:31
  Salvation.
• 36:33
  Announced.
• 36:33
  Look at the middle part of.
• 36:37
  Verse 3.
• 36:38
  It was declared.
• 36:38
  This great.
• 36:39
  Salvation.
• 36:40
  Was declared.
• 36:41
  At first.
• 36:42
  By the Lord.
• 36:44
  Jesus.
• 36:44
  Himself.
• 36:45
  Proclaimed it.
• 36:46
  This was the.
• 36:47
  Majority.
• 36:48
  Of his ministry.
• 36:49
  Was about.
• 36:50
  Preaching.
• 36:50
  The good news.
• 36:51
  Of the kingdom.
• 36:53
  Of God.
• 36:54
  Many people.
• 36:54
  Want to sum up.
• 36:55
  His ministry.
• 36:56
  By miracles.
• 36:57
  This was not.
• 36:58
  His earthly ministry.
• 36:58
  His earthly ministry.
• 36:59
  Was.
• 37:00
  Preaching.
• 37:01
  Repentance.
• 37:01
  And faith.
• 37:02
  The miracles.
• 37:03
  Were giving validity.
• 37:05
  To the message.
• 37:06
  That he was preaching.
• 37:08
  Jesus.
• 37:08
  Proclaimed.
• 37:09
  This.
• 37:09
  Great.
• 37:10
  Salvation.
• 37:10
  Right.
• 37:11
  And he is superior to.
• 37:12
  The angels.
• 37:14
  In every way.
• 37:16
  The angels mediated.
• 37:17
  The law.
• 37:18
  Jesus's communication.
• 37:20
  Is.
• 37:20
  Infinitely.
• 37:21
  Superior.
• 37:23
  First.
• 37:23
  Chapter 2.
• 37:24
  Verse 5.
• 37:25
  And 6.
• 37:26
  Right.
• 37:26
  Jesus didn't just bring.
• 37:27
  Us words.
• 37:28
  But he himself.
• 37:30
  Is.
• 37:30
  The mediator.
• 37:33
  Paul writes.
• 37:33
  To Timothy.
• 37:34
  For there is one God.
• 37:35
  And there is one mediator.
• 37:37
  Between God.
• 37:37
  And men.
• 37:39
  The man.
• 37:39
  Christ Jesus.
• 37:41
  Who gave himself.
• 37:42
  As a ransom.
• 37:43
  For all.
• 37:44
  Which is the testimony.
• 37:45
  Given.
• 37:46
  At the proper time.
• 37:48
  He stands.
• 37:48
  In that gap.
• 37:50
  For us.
• 37:51
  Mediating.
• 37:52
  For us.
• 37:53
  That we might have.
• 37:54
  His righteousness.
• 37:55
  This.
• 37:56
  This.
• 37:57
  Greater.
• 37:58
  Mediator.
• 37:59
  In every.
• 38:00
  Possible.
• 38:01
  Way.
• 38:02
  So it's a great salvation.
• 38:03
  Because it's a salvation.
• 38:04
  Announced.
• 38:05
  And it was announced.
• 38:05
  By.
• 38:06
  Jesus Christ.
• 38:07
  It's also.
• 38:08
  A salvation.
• 38:10
  Confirmed.
• 38:12
  The last part of verse 3.
• 38:14
  The author of Hebrews says.
• 38:15
  And it was attested to us.
• 38:17
  By those.
• 38:18
  Who heard.
• 38:20
  It's a salvation.
• 38:21
  Confirmed.
• 38:22
  Right.
• 38:22
  Those who.
• 38:24
  Followed Christ.
• 38:24
  Those who were found.
• 38:26
  In him.
• 38:28
  Pass this.
• 38:28
  Good news.
• 38:30
  On.
• 38:30
  Which is what followers.
• 38:31
  Of Christ do.
• 38:33
  We are not greater.
• 38:34
  Than our master.
• 38:35
  Jesus.
• 38:36
  Came.
• 38:36
  Seeking.
• 38:37
  To save.
• 38:37
  The lost.
• 38:38
  And we are to do.
• 38:38
  The very same thing.
• 38:40
  Now this primarily.
• 38:41
  Refers to the apostles.
• 38:43
  Passing.
• 38:44
  What they had seen.
• 38:45
  And heard.
• 38:45
  From one generation.
• 38:46
  Of Christian.
• 38:47
  To another generation.
• 38:48
  Of Christian.
• 38:48
  To another.
• 38:49
  Generation.
• 38:51
  Of Christian.
• 38:52
  Like.
• 38:53
  Second Timothy.
• 38:53
  2.
• 38:54
  2.
• 38:54
  Right.
• 38:54
  Paul says.
• 38:55
  To Timothy.
• 38:55
  What you have heard.
• 38:56
  From me.
• 38:56
  In the presence.
• 38:57
  Of many witnesses.
• 38:58
  Entrust.
• 38:59
  To faithful men.
• 39:00
  Who will be able.
• 39:01
  To teach it.
• 39:02
  To others.
• 39:03
  Also.
• 39:04
  Right.
• 39:04
  And the Hebrew Christians.
• 39:05
  Were beneficiaries.
• 39:06
  Of this.
• 39:06
  And we are.
• 39:07
  As well.
• 39:09
  Today.
• 39:10
  The testimony.
• 39:12
  The confirmation.
• 39:12
  Of the apostles.
• 39:14
  Being.
• 39:15
  Passed.
• 39:15
  Down.
• 39:16
  To us.
• 39:18
  And we don't have this.
• 39:19
  Merely.
• 39:19
  In.
• 39:20
  Storytelling.
• 39:22
  But we have it.
• 39:22
  In a written.
• 39:23
  Word.
• 39:24
  Ephesians.
• 39:26
  Chapter 2.
• 39:26
  Verse 19.
• 39:27
  And 20.
• 39:29
  Paul writes.
• 39:29
  To the Ephesian believers.
• 39:30
  So then you are no longer.
• 39:31
  Strangers and aliens.
• 39:33
  But you are fellow citizens.
• 39:34
  With the saints.
• 39:35
  And members of the household.
• 39:37
  Of God.
• 39:37
  Right.
• 39:38
  So we are.
• 39:38
  We are the church.
• 39:40
  Built.
• 39:41
  On the foundation.
• 39:43
  Of the apostles.
• 39:45
  And prophets.
• 39:46
  He is referring to.
• 39:47
  The old testament.
• 39:49
  Being the prophets.
• 39:49
  And the apostles.
• 39:50
  Being.
• 39:51
  The new.
• 39:52
  Christ.
• 39:53
  Jesus himself.
• 39:54
  Being the cornerstone.
• 39:56
  So.
• 39:57
  This great salvation.
• 39:58
  Is a great salvation.
• 39:59
  Because it is a salvation.
• 40:01
  Confirmed.
• 40:03
  It is also.
• 40:05
  A great salvation.
• 40:06
  Because it is a salvation.
• 40:08
  Testified.
• 40:09
  Verse 4.
• 40:11
  While God also.
• 40:13
  Bore witness.
• 40:13
  God.
• 40:15
  Testified.
• 40:17
  Bore witness.
• 40:17
  By signs.
• 40:18
  And wonders.
• 40:19
  And various miracles.
• 40:20
  And by gifts.
• 40:20
  Of the Holy Spirit.
• 40:21
  Distributed.
• 40:22
  According.
• 40:23
  To his will.
• 40:24
  Now.
• 40:25
  We are not going to get into a conversation.
• 40:26
  About.
• 40:27
  Those gifts.
• 40:28
  We don't have time for it.
• 40:29
  And it is not the point of the text.
• 40:31
  He is not meaning.
• 40:32
  For us to consider.
• 40:33
  In our day.
• 40:35
  These signs.
• 40:36
  And wonders.
• 40:36
  Etc.
• 40:37
  What he is saying is.
• 40:38
  Right.
• 40:39
  There is.
• 40:40
  Signs.
• 40:40
  That pointed.
• 40:41
  Beyond themselves.
• 40:41
  To the mighty hand of God.
• 40:43
  Wonders.
• 40:43
  Brought awe.
• 40:44
  And amazement.
• 40:45
  To those.
• 40:45
  Who saw them.
• 40:47
  Miracles.
• 40:47
  Or literally.
• 40:48
  Powers.
• 40:49
  Showed the power of God.
• 40:50
  Beyond human ability.
• 40:52
  And gifts of the Holy Spirit.
• 40:53
  Were given.
• 40:54
  According to.
• 40:55
  God's.
• 40:56
  Will.
• 40:57
  These.
• 40:58
  Four things.
• 40:59
  Gave.
• 41:00
  Weighty.
• 41:00
  Testimony.
• 41:01
  To the authenticity.
• 41:03
  Of Jesus.
• 41:04
  And the apostles.
• 41:05
  They gave.
• 41:06
  Weighty.
• 41:07
  Testimony.
• 41:08
  We don't know.
• 41:09
  That the Hebrew Christians.
• 41:10
  Had seen any of these things.
• 41:12
  Take place.
• 41:12
  They very well may have.
• 41:13
  But we're not sure.
• 41:14
  Of such a thing.
• 41:15
  Right.
• 41:16
  But they.
• 41:16
  The word that was brought to them.
• 41:19
  This thing.
• 41:20
  That they're supposed to be.
• 41:21
  So careful.
• 41:21
  To pay attention to.
• 41:23
  What they have heard.
• 41:24
  Is what they're meant to pay.
• 41:25
  Attention to.
• 41:26
  Right.
• 41:26
  There's been things.
• 41:27
  Confirming.
• 41:28
  What they've heard.
• 41:29
  Right.
• 41:30
  He doesn't say.
• 41:30
  Pay closer attention.
• 41:31
  To the miracles.
• 41:33
  He says.
• 41:34
  Pay closer attention.
• 41:35
  To the thing.
• 41:36
  That you.
• 41:37
  Have heard.
• 41:38
  Right.
• 41:38
  And it was.
• 41:39
  Testified.
• 41:40
  By God.
• 41:41
  That this was a message.
• 41:42
  From.
• 41:44
  Him.
• 41:46
  We always see.
• 41:48
  In the scripture.
• 41:50
  These types of activities.
• 41:51
  These signs.
• 41:52
  And wonders.
• 41:52
  And miracles.
• 41:53
  These giftings.
• 41:54
  Of the Holy Spirit.
• 41:56
  Employed.
• 41:57
  To give validity.
• 41:59
  To the message.
• 42:00
  To the word spoken.
• 42:02
  In the gospel.
• 42:03
  Of Jesus Christ.
• 42:05
  Just one example.
• 42:06
  Of that.
• 42:06
  In Acts chapter 3.
• 42:08
  Verses 11 and 12.
• 42:10
  We can read.
• 42:10
  What happens.
• 42:11
  After Peter.
• 42:12
  Heals a lame.
• 42:13
  Beggar.
• 42:14
  And he didn't go out.
• 42:15
  To heal a lame.
• 42:16
  Beggar.
• 42:16
  They were headed.
• 42:17
  To the temple.
• 42:19
  And this man.
• 42:20
  Called out for mercy.
• 42:21
  Peter healed him.
• 42:24
  And then verse 11.
• 42:24
  We read.
• 42:25
  While he.
• 42:26
  This is the lame.
• 42:27
  Beggar.
• 42:27
  Clung to Peter.
• 42:29
  And John.
• 42:30
  All the people.
• 42:31
  Utterly astounded.
• 42:33
  Ran together to them.
• 42:34
  In the portico.
• 42:35
  Called Solomon.
• 42:36
  Solomon's porch.
• 42:37
  Big gathering.
• 42:39
  Space.
• 42:40
  And when Peter.
• 42:42
  Saw it.
• 42:43
  So all of a sudden.
• 42:45
  He has a crowd.
• 42:46
  He's just headed.
• 42:47
  To the temple.
• 42:48
  And he healed a man.
• 42:49
  And because of that.
• 42:51
  People were amazed.
• 42:52
  And they drew.
• 42:53
  Around him.
• 42:54
  And this is what Peter does.
• 42:55
  And when Peter saw it.
• 42:56
  He didn't start.
• 42:57
  A healing ministry.
• 42:58
  He addressed the people.
• 43:03
  He said.
• 43:04
  A chance to speak.
• 43:05
  The word of God.
• 43:06
  Right?
• 43:07
  To have them hear.
• 43:08
  The gospel of.
• 43:09
  Jesus Christ.
• 43:10
  And he says.
• 43:11
  Men of Israel.
• 43:12
  Why do you wonder.
• 43:13
  At this.
• 43:13
  Or why do you stare at us.
• 43:15
  As though by our own.
• 43:16
  Power or piety.
• 43:18
  We have made him walk.
• 43:19
  Right?
• 43:20
  He points.
• 43:20
  This was a work of God.
• 43:22
  Now listen to what God would say.
• 43:23
  To you.
• 43:23
  And in the very next sentence.
• 43:24
  He begins to speak.
• 43:26
  Of Jesus.
• 43:27
  This gospel.
• 43:29
  Platform.
• 43:30
  That these types of miracles.
• 43:31
  Create.
• 43:33
  And so I hope this morning.
• 43:35
  If you've yet to place.
• 43:36
  Faith in Jesus Christ.
• 43:38
  You're not looking for some miracle.
• 43:42
  The greatest miracle.
• 43:42
  That God works in our midst.
• 43:44
  Is that he takes.
• 43:45
  Dead people.
• 43:46
  And he makes them alive.
• 43:47
  Spiritually dead people.
• 43:49
  Made spiritually alive.
• 43:50
  By believing.
• 43:51
  In the gospel.
• 43:52
  Of Jesus Christ.
• 43:53
  His person.
• 43:55
  And in his work.
• 43:56
  And so there we see.
• 43:59
  The.
• 44:00
  Call.
• 44:00
  The.
• 44:01
  Omer.
• 44:01
  That argument.
• 44:03
  From lighter to heavier.
• 44:04
  From lesser.
• 44:05
  To greater.
• 44:07
  You notice what he's saying.
• 44:09
  To us.
• 44:10
  Being so careful.
• 44:11
  To say.
• 44:12
  That we.
• 44:13
  Must.
• 44:14
  Pay.
• 44:15
  Much closer.
• 44:15
  Attention.
• 44:17
  To what we have heard.
• 44:18
  Lest we.
• 44:19
  Drift.
• 44:20
  Away from it.
• 44:20
  Right?
• 44:21
  Otherwise.
• 44:22
  How will we escape.
• 44:24
  The just retribution.
• 44:25
  Of God.
• 44:26
  If we don't.
• 44:27
  Fix ourselves.
• 44:29
  On the goodness of God.
• 44:30
  To us.
• 44:30
  In Jesus Christ.
• 44:32
  And stay.
• 44:33
  Anchored.
• 44:33
  In.
• 44:34
  That.
• 44:35
  Truth.
• 44:36
  Beloved.
• 44:37
  We.
• 44:38
  Just like these Hebrew.
• 44:39
  Christians.
• 44:40
  Need.
• 44:41
  To heed.
• 44:42
  This encouragement.
• 44:43
  This morning.
• 44:44
  Right?
• 44:44
  And we need to continue.
• 44:45
  To heed it.
• 44:46
  Across.
• 44:47
  The entirety.
• 44:48
  Of our lives.
• 44:49
  We will be.
• 44:51
  Steadfast.
• 44:51
  That we will be.
• 44:52
  Pressing.
• 44:53
  On.
• 44:54
  To know.
• 44:55
  Christ.
• 44:56
  To pay.
• 44:57
  Closer.
• 44:59
  Attention.
• 45:01
  In closing.
• 45:02
  I would like to read to you.
• 45:03
  The beginning of a poem.
• 45:05
  By Robertson.
• 45:06
  McQuilkin.
• 45:09
  It's called.
• 45:10
  Lord.
• 45:10
  Let me get home.
• 45:11
  Before dark.
• 45:13
  And what I want you to note.
• 45:14
  Is his great.
• 45:15
  Humility.
• 45:16
  This man was a follower of.
• 45:19
  Jesus Christ.
• 45:20
  He is with the Lord now.
• 45:21
  I am confident.
• 45:23
  With the kind of confidence.
• 45:24
  I can have.
• 45:25
  Listen to his great humility.
• 45:27
  His.
• 45:28
  Self.
• 45:29
  Awareness.
• 45:29
  Of how very frail.
• 45:31
  He was.
• 45:33
  The attitude.
• 45:34
  Of his heart.
• 45:35
  Which.
• 45:36
  I will assume.
• 45:38
  I think rightly assume.
• 45:39
  Led him to pay.
• 45:40
  Much.
• 45:41
  Closer.
• 45:42
  Attention.
• 45:44
  I don't think that Robertson.
• 45:45
  McQuilkin.
• 45:47
  Saw himself safely.
• 45:48
  In the harbor.
• 45:49
  And saw there being.
• 45:51
  No danger.
• 45:51
  Of drifting.
• 45:54
  I think.
• 45:55
  That this man.
• 45:55
  Pursued.
• 45:56
  To the very end.
• 45:58
  Right.
• 45:58
  His faith.
• 45:59
  In Jesus Christ.
• 46:01
  He wrote this.
• 46:04
  It's sundown.
• 46:05
  Lord.
• 46:06
  The shadows.
• 46:07
  Of my life.
• 46:08
  Stretch back.
• 46:09
  Into the dimness.
• 46:10
  Of the years.
• 46:11
  Long spent.
• 46:13
  I fear.
• 46:13
  Not death.
• 46:14
  For that grim.
• 46:15
  Foe.
• 46:16
  Betrays himself.
• 46:17
  At last.
• 46:18
  Thrusting me.
• 46:19
  Forever.
• 46:20
  Into life.
• 46:21
  Life.
• 46:21
  With you.
• 46:23
  Unsoiled.
• 46:24
  And free.
• 46:26
  But I do fear.
• 46:28
  I fear.
• 46:29
  The dark.
• 46:30
  Spectre.
• 46:30
  May come.
• 46:31
  Too soon.
• 46:32
  Or do I mean.
• 46:34
  Too late.
• 46:36
  That I should.
• 46:37
  End.
• 46:37
  Before I finish.
• 46:38
  Or finish.
• 46:40
  But not well.
• 46:42
  That I should.
• 46:42
  Stain your honor.
• 46:44
  Shame.
• 46:44
  Your name.
• 46:46
  Grieve.
• 46:47
  Your loving heart.
• 46:49
  Few they tell me.
• 46:50
  Finish well.
• 46:51
  Lord.
• 46:52
  Let me get home.
• 46:54
  Before dark.
• 46:55
  Let's pray together.