Drifting in a Canoe

Hebrews 2-Part 1
We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.   Hebrews 2:1  NIV


LET IT GLOW

L Liberty Bible Commentary tells us about the importance of our salvation in verses 3 and 4:
1. It was spoken by the Lord.
2. It was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him.
3. God verified this salvation with signs and wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost.

Some believers heard Christ speak and others didn't, but through the apostles and other witnesses they heard about salvation in Jesus.
The gifts given are mentioned in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. Those gifts were given by the Holy Spirit to all believers for the profiting of the body of Christ. (Falwell)  (The body of Christ is His church.)

Am I sharing salvation with others? Am I using the spiritual gifts given to me for the encouragement of the body of Christ?

LET IT GROW

One summer activity our family enjoyed during our children's growing up days was canoeing. Almost every summer we would do it with other family members, a church group, or friends. I recall one time when our son and I were floating down Spring River together in a canoe with a group. Throughout the morning, we saw other canoes turn over, resulting in the occupants getting wet in the river. So we decided to just drift along with the current behind the group of canoes, observing them, then deciding which way was best for us to go. See, we did not want to get wet, just have a good time in the challenge of the river. One observance resulted in a particular spot on the river that had a few rapids in shallow water. Those who went before us were turning over, resulting in getting wet in the water. So we decided to veer to the other side and avoid that spot altogether. Our technique worked, since we never did turn over that day. We had fun, too. I thought of that as I read the warning against drifting spiritually.

The author of Hebrews gives six warnings in this book which we will cover.
1. The first warning was against drifting from "the things we have heard." (2:1-4)
    In other words, "don't neglect Christ's message." According to the first verse, the Superior Son has
    proclaimed a superior message which must be heeded. (MacArthur)
    KJV uses the word slip. It is the word pararreo in Greek, which means to slip away as a ring from a
    finger or as a ship from a harbor. The verb give heed to isn't speaking of something drifting from us, but
    that we might dirft from something. (Falwell / Kent) We are warned not to drift from the gospel. We are to
    be secure in our salvation. Once a believer is born again spiritually, they cannot loose their salvation.

"One who is genuinely born again does not lose that life; yet, however, his life will manifest or demonstrat this regeneration," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
In other words, if we are truly saved, our life will show it. My life and your life will give evidence, fruit of the Spirit is produced. (Although, some Christians may choose to live their life their own way and not God's way.)

In verse 3, the warning reaches a climax telling us not to neglect (ameleo in Greek) does not mean to deny or reject. It is to recognize but to ignore, to know but to fail to do, to admit but not to administer. (Falwell)

Do I realize what my salvation cost Christ to provide it for me? Do I ignore Him? Or do I know all of that, ye fail to be grateful for it, fail to obey His Word? Things to ponder, friends. Am I only a Sunday Christian?

If I neglect Bible study, prayer, worship at church, or opportunities to grow spiritually, then I start to drift. It's not the anchor that moves; we do. Since we have the completed Word of God, there is no need for these apostolic miracles. God now bears witness through His Spirit using the Word (Rom 8:16). The Spirit also gives spiritual gifts to God's people so that they may minister in the church. (Wiersbe)

If I start to drift spiritually, there is a stream of mercy that is still flowing from God's throne.

It is easy to drift with the current, but it is difficult to return against the stream.


LET IT GO

Stay in God's Word; pray without ceasing; attend worship services regularly; grow in faith; read other's books about their experiences with Christ.

Don't drift away from Jesus; stay anchored to Him.

Don't ignore the warnings in His Word; heed them.