The book of Hebrews has five “warning passages” (Heb. 2:1-4; 3:1-4:13; 5:11-6:12; 10:19-39; 12-29) exhorting the readers to be diligent in their faithfulness. Diligence is a key theme stressed by the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible. We are to study (be diligent) to present ourselves before God (2 Tim. 2:15).
We Christians must “pay attention all the more to what we have heard, so that we will not drift away” (Heb. 2:1). This diligence is demanded and should be expected among those who are devoted to Christ. “How will we escape if we neglect such a great salvation” (Heb. 2:3)?
How?
Help One Another
How can we be diligent in our salvation? The church has a responsibility to motivate and help in the sanctification of each of her members. We are to “consider ourselves” (Heb. 10:24). We have a spiritual responsibility to one another.
Look to Jesus
In order to be diligent, we must focus on the incredible excellencies of God in Christ. When we can behold Jesus, why would we dare look away? The revelation of God in Christ is the greatest greatness which we may consider. Focus. As C. S Lewis would reason, Do not be occupied with making mud pies when we can go on an awesome vacation on the beach. Don’t be overwhelmed or preoccupied with life. How silly that is!
Be preoccupied with Jesus. Some have said that we should not be so Heavenly minded that we are no earthly good. Rather, let us be so heavenly minded that we do good on the earth.
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