Joshua Mcguire- Neglecting Salvation | Austin CFC | 2022-01-30
Summary
The speaker uses a sandwich analogy from Hebrews to structure understanding of Christ: the top bread is Jesus as God, the bottom is Jesus as man, and the 'meat' in the middle is a warning. He emphasizes that believers must pay much closer attention to the word of God so they do not drift away, treating scripture warnings with sober reality for personal application rather than dismissing them.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
The sandwich structure of HebrewsThe book of Hebrews is like a sandwich: the top piece of bread is Jesus as God, the bottom piece is Jesus as man, and the meat in the middle is a warning.
The importance of relevant warningsUsing the example of parenting teenage drivers, the speaker notes that for a warning to be effective, it must address real and present temptations rather than impossible ones.
Approaching scripture with humilityWe should approach biblical warnings with the same humility as the apostles, recognizing that these warnings are directed at us personally.
The text: Hebrews 2:1The speaker reads Hebrews 2:1, which commands us to pay much closer attention to what we have heard so that we do not drift away.Hebrews 2:1–3
The danger of driftingThe speaker warns that we are all in danger of neglecting our salvation by slowly drifting away from our initial zeal for Christ, much like a boat moved by an unseen current.
A prayer for stabilityThe speaker begins with a personal prayer asking God for direction and fellowship to prevent his soul from drifting or wandering.
The unique privilege of believersReflecting on Hebrews, the speaker notes that Jesus' work on the cross provided a rescue for humanity that even angels did not receive.
The metaphor of the neglected gardenUsing a personal story about gardening, the speaker illustrates how initial zeal can fade into neglect, leading to rot and wasted potential.
The three tenses of salvationTo understand how not to neglect salvation, the speaker breaks it down into past justification, present sanctification, and future glorification.
How we neglect each phase of salvationThe speaker explains that neglecting justification shows in how we treat others, neglecting sanctification shows through disobedience, and neglecting glorification happens when we lose sight of Christ's return.
Prioritizing our heavenly citizenshipThe speaker expresses a desire to prioritize his citizenship in heaven above all earthly identities or privileges.
A summary of the warningThe speaker reviews the main points of the sermon, noting that the warning against drifting is intended for all believers, including himself.
Staying anchored in ChristTo prevent drifting during life's storms, believers must drop their anchors into the rock of Christ through prayer, fellowship, and the Word.
The danger of a Pharisee heartReflecting on a story of a sinful woman, the speaker realizes that spiritual neglect often begins with subtle pride rather than obvious sins.
Fighting the things that choke the WordThe speaker concludes by calling for a commitment to fight against worldly anxieties and riches that can stifle spiritual fruitfulness.
