Hebrews 1:5 - 2:4
v.5-14: Jesus is superior to the angels in four ways:
1. Jesus is superior to the angels because He is the Son of God.
v.5 - God says about Jesus (but not the angels): Side note–the writer shows that God spoke through the words written by men.
–You are my Son; today I have become your Father (or begotten you) - Psalm 2:7
–The word begotten speaks of the equality of substance and essential nature between the Father and Son. It means that the Father and the Son share the same being.
–I will be his Father and he will be my Son - 2 Samuel 7:14
–Jews venerated the angels because of their role in the giving of the law (Acts 7:53, Galatians 3:19). It was important to the writer to show that Jesus is superior to the angels.
2. Jesus is superior to the angels because angels worship and serve Jesus, who is their God.
v.6 - Let all God’s angels worship him (when bringing His firstborn into the world) - Deuteronomy 32:43
–Firstborn is a title of position and indicates the highest favor and honor–angels are not spoken of as firstborn.
v.7 - He (meaning Jesus) makes His angels spirits and His servants flames of fire - Psalm 104:4
–The angels are His. He is Lord over them and not among them.
3. Jesus is superior to the angels because the Father Himself calls Him (and not any angel) God and LORD (Yahweh),
v.8-9 - Your throne oh God will last forever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy - Psalm 45:6-7
–The first person of the Trinity is speaking to the second person of the Trinity and calls Him God.
v.10-12 - In the beginning Lord, You laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. They will perish but You will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But You remain the same and Your years will never end - Psalm 102:25-27
–Jesus is the Creator and self-existent. He is sovereign and unchanging.
4. Jesus is superior to the angels because He sat down, having completed His work, while the angels work on continually.
v.13 - Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet - Psalm 110:1
–Jesus has the right to sit in the throne room. Angels do not.
v.14 - Angels are ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.
–Angels keep working; they are not in charge.
2:1-4: Pay Attention to Jesus!
v.1 - We must pay the most careful attention therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.
–The key to not drifting away is intentional focus. The natural tendency is to drift away. It will happen without discipline. Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Be transformed by the renewing of your minds.
–What does it mean to drift away?
–In what ways can you be disciplined in order to not drift away?
–The ancient Greek word for drift away (pararyomen) gives the idea “to slip”. It was used for an arrow slipping from the quiver, for snow slipping off a landscape, or for food slipping down the windpipe to cause choking. It happens easily. ONe doesn’t have to do anything to drift away. Departure from the faith usually comes from slow drifting, not a sudden departure.
–The Philippian jailer asked Paul what he must do to be saved and Paul was able to give him an answer. The answer to the question “What must I do to be lost” is nothing.
v.2-4 - For since the message spoken through angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.
–Acts 7:53 tells us (in Stephen’s speech) that the law was given through angels. This verse is speaking of the Mosaic law and the law had punishment for violation of it. It had to be taken seriously.
–Do we take the laws of our land seriously?
–Do we take God’s law seriously?
–If there is punishment for disobeying any law then how can we possibly escape if we ignore the salvation provided to us by God through the sacrifice of His Son?
–Do you ever think of the enormity of what Jesus did for us? God Himself dying?
–Do you think the idea of receiving salvation makes it easier to forget that we have been rescued from death?
–The salvation was announced by God, confirmed by those who were with Jesus, and reinforced by miracles done by God.
–What are some ways that these things were done?
–How do we know this salvation is true?
Intentionally focus on Jesus this week. Set aside time every day to reflect on what He has done for you.