Remembering Our Great Salvation: A Call to Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to pray for Becky and her ministry in Togo, Africa, lifting her up for protection, provision, and encouragement. We also took a moment to appreciate the various teams in our church who have been working tirelessly to make our gatherings possible. The main focus of our time together was on Hebrews chapter 2, where we explored the importance of remembering our great salvation and the dangers of neglecting it.
We began by discussing the game "Simon Says" as a metaphor for the importance of memory and how easily things can slip our minds. This led us into Hebrews 2:1, which warns us to pay closer attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that our salvation is not something to be taken lightly or forgotten. It was declared by the Lord, attested by those who heard Him, and confirmed by signs, wonders, and miracles.
We delved into the story of man, starting from creation, where God gave humans dominion over the earth. However, due to sin, we lost that dominion, and things are not as God intended. To restore us, God sent a greater man, Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for a time. Jesus came to taste death for everyone, thereby conquering death and offering us real life.
We discussed how Jesus' life, death, and resurrection were essential for our salvation. He became a man to experience everything we do, including temptation and suffering, so that He could be a merciful and faithful high priest. His sacrifice was the propitiation for our sins, satisfying God's justice and restoring us to a family relationship with Him.
Finally, we were reminded that this great salvation is not just for our eternity but for our today. Jesus came to give us abundant life, and we must live every moment in response to that. We concluded with a call to remember and reflect on this great salvation through communion, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of our minds and actions.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Importance of Memory in Faith: Just as the game "Simon Says" requires us to remember patterns, our faith requires us to remember the teachings and salvation of Jesus. Forgetting these can lead to spiritual drift and neglect of our salvation. We must be intentional in keeping God's word and His works at the forefront of our minds. [24:58]
2. The Gravity of Neglecting Salvation: Hebrews 2 warns us about the danger of neglecting our salvation. This neglect isn't about overt rebellion but about allowing the significance of our salvation to slip away amidst life's distractions. We must guard against a "meh" attitude towards our faith and continually remind ourselves of the gravity and importance of what Jesus has done for us. [30:09]
3. Jesus as the Greater Man: Jesus came as a greater man to restore what was lost through sin. He was made a little lower than the angels, experienced human life, and tasted death for everyone. His life, death, and resurrection were necessary to conquer death and offer us real life. This underscores the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to for our salvation. [39:07]
4. Living in Response to Salvation: Our salvation is not just a future promise but a present reality that should shape our daily lives. Jesus came to give us abundant life, and we must live every moment in response to that. This means prioritizing our relationship with God and allowing His love and sacrifice to influence our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. [43:42]
5. The Role of Jesus as High Priest: Jesus' humanity and suffering make Him a merciful and faithful high priest who understands our struggles. His sacrifice was the propitiation for our sins, satisfying God's justice and restoring us to a family relationship with Him. This relationship is not just about avoiding hell but about experiencing real life and freedom from the slavery of sin. [50:20]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[21:20] - Prayer for Becky in Togo
[22:22] - Church Announcements and Gratitude
[23:56] - Introduction: The Game "Simon Says"
[24:58] - The Importance of Memory in Faith
[25:39] - Hebrews 2:1 - Pay Closer Attention
[27:17] - The Cost of Forgetting
[28:48] - Neglecting Our Great Salvation
[30:09] - The Risk of Neglect
[31:22] - Remembering Our Salvation
[32:06] - Three Ways Salvation Was Announced
[34:19] - The Reality of Jesus' Life
[35:22] - The Story of Man and Jesus as the Greater Man
[39:07] - Jesus' Purpose and Sacrifice
[42:24] - The Impact of Jesus Conquering Death
[43:42] - Living in Response to Salvation
[45:00] - Redeemed to a Family Relationship
[46:19] - Jesus' Humanity and Suffering
[50:20] - Jesus as Our High Priest
[52:01] - The Importance of Remembering
[53:57] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[55:22] - Prayer for Salvation
[56:58] - Communion and Reflection
[01:04:51] - Announcements and Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Hebrews 2:1-3: "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard."
2. Hebrews 2:9: "But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone."
3. Hebrews 2:17-18: "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Hebrews 2:1 warn us about, and why is it important to heed this warning? [25:39]
2. According to Hebrews 2:9, what was the purpose of Jesus being made lower than the angels for a time? [39:07]
3. How does Hebrews 2:17-18 describe Jesus' role as a high priest, and what does it mean for us? [50:20]
4. What are the three ways the writer of Hebrews says our salvation was announced? [32:06]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Hebrews 2:1 emphasizes the need to "pay much closer attention" to what we have heard? How does this relate to the concept of spiritual drift? [25:39]
2. In what ways does Jesus' experience of human life and suffering, as described in Hebrews 2:17-18, make Him a merciful and faithful high priest? How does this impact our relationship with Him? [50:20]
3. How does the metaphor of the game "Simon Says" help us understand the importance of memory in our faith journey? [24:58]
4. What does it mean to live in response to our salvation, and how can this shape our daily lives according to the sermon? [43:42]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually "drifting." What steps can you take to pay closer attention to your faith and avoid drifting away? [25:39]
2. How can you intentionally remember and reflect on your salvation daily? What practical steps can you take to keep it at the forefront of your mind? [52:55]
3. Jesus experienced human life, including suffering and temptation. How does knowing this affect the way you approach Him with your struggles? [50:20]
4. The sermon mentioned the danger of having a "meh" attitude towards our salvation. Have you ever felt this way? What can you do to reignite your passion for your faith? [30:09]
5. How can you live out the abundant life that Jesus came to give us? Identify one area of your life where you can better align your actions with the reality of your salvation. [43:42]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of community and remembering our missionaries. How can you support and pray for missionaries like Becky in your daily life? [21:20]
7. Jesus' sacrifice was the propitiation for our sins, restoring us to a family relationship with God. How does this truth influence the way you interact with others in your church community? [50:20]
Devotional
Day 1: The Importance of Memory in Faith
Memory plays a crucial role in our faith journey. Just as the game "Simon Says" requires us to remember patterns, our faith requires us to remember the teachings and salvation of Jesus. Forgetting these can lead to spiritual drift and neglect of our salvation. Hebrews 2:1 warns us to pay closer attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that our salvation is not something to be taken lightly or forgotten. It was declared by the Lord, attested by those who heard Him, and confirmed by signs, wonders, and miracles. We must be intentional in keeping God's word and His works at the forefront of our minds. [24:58]
Hebrews 2:1 (ESV): "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can remind yourself daily of God's word and His works in your life?
Day 2: The Gravity of Neglecting Salvation
Hebrews 2 warns us about the danger of neglecting our salvation. This neglect isn't about overt rebellion but about allowing the significance of our salvation to slip away amidst life's distractions. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that our salvation is not something to be taken lightly or forgotten. It was declared by the Lord, attested by those who heard Him, and confirmed by signs, wonders, and miracles. We must guard against a "meh" attitude towards our faith and continually remind ourselves of the gravity and importance of what Jesus has done for us. [30:09]
Hebrews 2:3 (ESV): "How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard."
Reflection: In what areas of your life have you allowed the significance of your salvation to slip away? How can you refocus on the importance of your faith today?
Day 3: Jesus as the Greater Man
Jesus came as a greater man to restore what was lost through sin. He was made a little lower than the angels, experienced human life, and tasted death for everyone. His life, death, and resurrection were necessary to conquer death and offer us real life. This underscores the depth of God's love and the lengths He went to for our salvation. Jesus' humanity and suffering make Him a merciful and faithful high priest who understands our struggles. His sacrifice was the propitiation for our sins, satisfying God's justice and restoring us to a family relationship with Him. [39:07]
Hebrews 2:9 (ESV): "But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone."
Reflection: How does understanding Jesus' humanity and sacrifice deepen your appreciation for His love and the salvation He offers?
Day 4: Living in Response to Salvation
Our salvation is not just a future promise but a present reality that should shape our daily lives. Jesus came to give us abundant life, and we must live every moment in response to that. This means prioritizing our relationship with God and allowing His love and sacrifice to influence our actions, decisions, and interactions with others. We are called to remember and reflect on this great salvation through communion, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of our minds and actions. [43:42]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can live in response to your salvation today? How can you let Jesus' love and sacrifice influence your actions and decisions?
Day 5: The Role of Jesus as High Priest
Jesus' humanity and suffering make Him a merciful and faithful high priest who understands our struggles. His sacrifice was the propitiation for our sins, satisfying God's justice and restoring us to a family relationship with Him. This relationship is not just about avoiding hell but about experiencing real life and freedom from the slavery of sin. We are reminded that this great salvation is not just for our eternity but for our today. Jesus came to give us abundant life, and we must live every moment in response to that. [50:20]
Hebrews 2:17 (ESV): "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."
Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus understands your struggles as a merciful and faithful high priest impact your relationship with Him? What steps can you take to deepen this relationship today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "If I am wrong about God, then I've wasted my life. If you're wrong about God, then you've wasted your eternity. Isn't that good? The gravity and importance of this great salvation that we're talking about can't get a meh. It cannot get that kind of response." [29:39] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus came to do something completely different. People seek fulfillment in so many things, but history has shown us, and I bet you could testify, that life experience has proven for you that it all comes up empty and you're constantly wanting more." [44:08] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Real life is only found when the matter of death is settled. And once you become certain by what Jesus has done that death has been conquered, is only when you will experience real life." [43:19] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus said it in John 10: He said, 'I came that they may have life and life more abundant, life to the full.' This is what Jesus came to do: to give, save from death, yes, but give life. Are you experiencing that?" [43:42] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus did literally come to earth. He literally died and felt every stripe and nail for you. He laid down his life willingly so that he could restore you to the life that God designed for you in the beginning. It happened. The only question is, how do you respond to it?" [54:24] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We neglect our salvation when we begin to live for what man has to say rather than what God has to say. We neglect our salvation when we sin knowingly, trusting that God's going to forgive it. We neglect our salvation when we treat it more like a last will and testament than we do to an open door to real life." [30:09] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The writer of Hebrews is saying Jesus announced it, people who were with Jesus saw it and reiterated it, and people after that have proclaimed that it's still going on. In other words, this isn't a dusty old book. It's not a fable like Paul Bunyan. It's not a fictional character like Charizard. This really happened." [34:19] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus became a man. He had to become a man to pay the debt we all owe. If he faked it, then we all still have a debt that we owe. We're still separated from God." [49:54] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The son of God became a man so that men could become the sons of God. Isn't that good? That is why Jesus came to be a man, is not just to save from but to save to." [45:50] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "As a church, this is what we mean when Kathy was just talking about in the announcement video that we want you to experience abundant life. Jesus said it in John 10: He said, 'I came that they may have life and life more abundant, life to the full.' This is what Jesus came to do: to give, save from death, yes, but give life." [43:42] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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