Definition: See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more [shall not] we [escape], if we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Hebrews 12:25 together. It's a really important and layered message about listening to God and staying true to Him. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that we shouldn't ignore or dismiss the words of God. It’s urging us to listen carefully to what He says, even when it might be difficult or challenging. Let’s unpack it word by word: “See that ye refuse not him that speaketh.” – This is a direct command. “See that” means pay attention! "Refuse not" means don't turn away from, don't ignore, and don't reject. Basically, don’t block or shut out the message of God. “For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth…” – This is a comparison. It’s talking about people in the past (think ancient Israelites) who didn’t listen to Moses and his message. They escaped from following God's guidance. “…much more [shall not] we [escape].” – This is where it gets really powerful. “Much more” emphasizes the consequence of ignoring God. It means that we are more likely to be lost or separated from Him than if we listened carefully. It’s a strong warning. “If we turn away from him that [speaketh] from heaven:” – This is the crucial part. “He who speaks from heaven” refers to God himself. It means He's speaking directly to us, through Scripture and His Word. Turning away from Him means rejecting or ignoring His message. Putting it all together – The Core Message: This verse is essentially saying that God’s words are incredibly important. If we don’t listen to what God says, we risk falling off the path of righteousness and becoming lost. It's a call to humility, attentiveness, and prioritizing God’s guidance above everything else. Why is this relevant today? This verse reminds us that: God’s Word is authoritative: He doesn’t just want to communicate; He wants us to understand His truth. We need to be receptive: We should be open to hearing and learning from God's message, even when it’s challenging or uncomfortable. Staying true to faith is vital: It encourages us to consistently follow God’s principles and teachings. In short: Listen closely to what God says, because ignoring Him will lead you away from the path of salvation. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Provide some examples of how we can "listen" more carefully to God’s word?