Email Preach Him with Dr. Jim

Pay Attention       Heb 1:1-8, 14; 2:1-4 (HCSB)        September 03, 2006

Introduction

       The theme of the Book of Hebrews is the word “superior,” or “better,” and Jesus is presented as the Superior One. Through the Book of Hebrews we find statements as to how Christ is better. He is better than: 1) Prophets 1:1-3, 2) Angels, 1:4-2:18, 3) Moses 3:1-18, 4) Joshua 4:1-13, 5) High Priest 4:14-6:12, 6) Abraham 6:13-7:10, 7) Melchisedec 7:1-10, 8) Aaron and other priests, 9) The Old Covenant. Note these eight qualities from verses 2-3. He is the: 1) Spokesman for God, 2) Heir of all things, 3) Planner of the universe, 4) Brightness of God’s glory, 5) Express image of God, 6) Upholder of all creation, 7) Purifier of sins, 8) Exalted Son. Yes He is Superior. Pay Attention!

              1 Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways.

       B.   Pay Attention To The . . Privileged Disclosure. 1:2

2 In these last days, He has spoken to us by [His] Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the universe.

       C.   Pay Attention To The . . Powerful Disclosure. 1:3a

3 He is the radiance of His glory, the exact expression of His nature, and He sustains all things by His

              powerful word.

       D.   Pay Attention To The . . Purifying Disclosure. 1:3b

“. . . After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

       In the Old Testament God disclosed to us the prophetic message. He used the Law, Kings, Judges, Ceremonies, and Prophets. He stated this message clearly here in Hebrews. To the readers who heed the message it is a privileged, powerful, and purifying disclosure. Privileged because it allows us to know Christ and know Him better. Powerful because we discover the power of His words. We need to pay attention because His work performs a purifying, and cleansing for sin. The picture of Him seated conveys His finished work; while “at the right hand”indicates power, honor, and authority.

              4 So He became higher in rank than the angels, just as the name He inherited is superior to theirs.

              5 For to which of the angels did He ever say, You are My Son; today I have become Your Father,

              or again, I will be His Father, and He will be My Son? 6 When He again brings His firstborn into the

              world, He says, And all God’s angels must worship Him. 7 And about the angels He says: He makes

              His angels winds, and His servants a fiery flame; 14 Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to

              serve those who are going to inherit salvation?

       B.   Pay Attention To A More Dominate Revelation Than . . Authorities. 1:8

8 but about the Son: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, and the scepter of Your kingdom is a

              scepter of justice. Heb 1:1-8 (HCSB)

       The Book of Hebrews conveys a dominate revelation of Christ. He is more dominate than the angels of heaven, and the authorities of this earth. In verse 14 it says Christ became, but He always existed and His authority will always remain. He is first born in this sense. it refers to prominence of position or title, not to the order of time. Christ was not the first to be born on the earth, but He holds the highest position, (Rom. 8:29; Col. 1:15.,). Some people almost if not entirely mistakenly worship angels. These verses tell us angels are inferior to Christ. They must bow down to Him in worship. They are servants to Christ, and at His command to serve the Children of God. In Christian literature you can find many excellent stories about angels ministering to God’s children. He is the Authority, not angels! Pay attention!

3.   Pay Attention To God’s . . Determined Revelation. 2:1-4

       A.   Pay Attention To A Determined Revelation . . Earnestly. 2:1

              2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.

       B.   Pay Attention To A Determined Revelation . . Effectively. 2:2-3

              2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience

       received a just reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began to

       be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,

       C.   Pay Attention To A Determined Revelation . . Endowed. 2:4

              4 God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy

       Spirit, according to His own will? NKJV