“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it” (Hebrews 2:1 ESV).
We should note that the author of Hebrews includes himself in this admonition to heed God’s Word. Thus, we can say that the directive of Hebrews 2:1 was not just a message for others to follow. Instead, it was something that everyone (including the author) needed to apply.
For instance, the teachings of Hebrews chapter one are more than just a collection of interesting facts about Jesus and His deity. They are doctrinal truths that require us to “…diligently pay attention to the things which we have heard” (RGT). This adage is reminiscent of Jesus’ message to His disciples in the New Testament Gospel of Mark…
“Then (Jesus) said to them, ‘Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given. For whoever has, to him more will be given; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him'” (Mark 4:24-25).
Remember that Jesus encouraged His listeners to “Listen carefully…” (CEV), “Think carefully…” (ERV), or “Pay attention to what you hear” (ESV) in the passage quoted above. This placed an emphasis upon the need to consider and internalize the meaning and application of His teachings. As a further incentive, Jesus went on to say, “The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given —and you will receive even more” (Mark 4:24 NLT).
On the other hand, a person who neglects God’s Word is in danger of losing whatever spiritual understanding he or she may have gained. This represents a common-sense reminder, for if we aren’t faithful in applying the spiritual knowledge we already have, why would God provide us with anything more? One Biblical scholar expands upon this idea in commenting on Hebrews 2:1…
“The exhortation is to give more earnest heed to the New Testament message, and the warning, against letting that truth slip away. The nature of the sin of Adam was a careless, indifferent attitude towards the commands of God. The particular word which is translated ‘disobedience’ in Rom_5:19 (parakoe) means literally ‘to hear alongside,’ thus, ‘a failing to hear, a hearing amiss.’ But this failure to hear is due to a carelessness in paying attention to what God had to say. Back of that carelessness is the desire to have our own will.” (1)
(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament [note on Hebrews 2:1] Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.