Julian Hardyman speaking at Forum 2004 on 'Attention: Jesus and why we dare not ignore him' from Hebrews 1:1-2:4

Attention: Jesus and why we dare not ignore him

Introduction

• The writer
• His readers
• The message of Hebrews

1. God is a speaking God (1:1)

2. God has spoken supremely and ultimately through his Son (1:2-3)

Seven reasons why Jesus is God’s final and supreme revelation

‘There is no one like you Lord.’

3. The Old Testament testifies that Jesus is uniquely supreme (1:4-14)

(What Hebrews thinks of the Old Testament)

The comparison with angels:

5-9 - Jesus the enthroned Son, whom angels worship

10-12 - Jesus the creator and ruler who doesn’t change

13- 14 - Jesus in the position of honour and power; angels sent out as servants

4. We dare not neglect what God says through Jesus (2:1-4)

Angels as mediators of the Old Covenant: Deuteronomy 33:2, Acts 7:38, Galatians 3:19

• The danger: drift
• Where it comes from: neglect
• Where it leads: disaster

(The warning passages in Hebrews: 2:1-4; 3:12-14; 5:11-6:12; 10:26-29; 12:25-29)

• How to avoid it: closer attention

God is speaking: are we listening?