Summit Church
Jesus is Greater Pt 2 | Greater Than Angels | Jim Ladd
Locations & Times
Summit Church
7200 S Clinton St, Centennial, CO 80112, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Hebrews 1:4–2:4
“So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever 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.” He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you 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.” To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
“So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever 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.” He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you 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.” To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. 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.”
The Big Idea: Jesus is greater than every spiritual power—so He deserves our full devotion.
1. Jesus is Greater
Jesus’ is Greater Than Every Spiritual Being
The Bible affirms a rich, unseen spiritual world—angels, powers, authorities—but Jesus is not one being among many. He is in a category entirely His own.
Angels exist for Him, by Him, and under Him.
Jesus’ is Greater Than Every Spiritual Being
The Bible affirms a rich, unseen spiritual world—angels, powers, authorities—but Jesus is not one being among many. He is in a category entirely His own.
Angels exist for Him, by Him, and under Him.
Key Contrasts:
* Angels serve → Jesus reigns
* Angels are sent → Jesus is seated
* Angels worship → Jesus is worshiped
* Angels were made → Jesus made all things
* Angels assist salvation → Jesus accomplishes salvation
* Angels serve → Jesus reigns
* Angels are sent → Jesus is seated
* Angels worship → Jesus is worshiped
* Angels were made → Jesus made all things
* Angels assist salvation → Jesus accomplishes salvation
If angels worship Jesus, we should never replace Him with spiritual substitutes—whether angels, signs, feelings, or experiences.
JESUS RULES OVER THE UNSEEN WAR
Hebrews 1 + Ephesians 6 background
Hebrews 1 + Ephesians 6 background
Ephesians 6:10-18
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
"For we live by faith, not by sight."
"For we live by faith, not by sight."
“Christianity is not a moral code or a spiritual experience; it is a person.” — John Stott
Bow your heads and receive this prayer:
Ephesians 1:15-23
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
Ephesians 1:15-23
“For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.”
SONG of Worship - I Know a Name
2. We Must Pay Attention
Pay the Most Careful Attention
Hebrews 2:1–4
The Warning (Gentle but Urgent)
Because Jesus is greater than angels, His message carries greater weight.
Pay the Most Careful Attention
Hebrews 2:1–4
The Warning (Gentle but Urgent)
Because Jesus is greater than angels, His message carries greater weight.
If the Old Testament law—delivered through angels—demanded obedience, how much more the salvation announced by God’s own Son?
“We must pay the most careful attention" ->"earnestly and exceedingly bring near to us"
"so that we do not drift away.” -> "glide right past, flow right by" so great a Salvation
"so that we do not drift away.” -> "glide right past, flow right by" so great a Salvation
Attention is the currency of devotion.
What you drift from, you eventually lose.
What you drift from, you eventually lose.
This salvation is not secondhand—it is God-certified
Announced by the Lord Himself
Confirmed by eyewitnesses
Testified to by God through signs and miracles
Continued through the work of the Holy Spirit
Announced by the Lord Himself
Confirmed by eyewitnesses
Testified to by God through signs and miracles
Continued through the work of the Holy Spirit
Jesus didn’t whisper salvation; He announced it.
Jesus is greater—and paying attention is not about perfection, but direction. Drift is natural. Attention is intentional.
Four Ways to Pay Attention:
We pay careful attention by listening regularly, slowing down intentionally, responding obediently, staying connected to others.
1. Listen Regularly
- in a loud room, we can still focus on one Voice
2. Slow Down Intentionally
- Speed is the enemy of attention.
3. Respond Obediently
- Delayed obedience is disguised disobedience.
4. Stay Connected to Others
- Drift happens faster in isolation.
We pay careful attention by listening regularly, slowing down intentionally, responding obediently, staying connected to others.
1. Listen Regularly
- in a loud room, we can still focus on one Voice
2. Slow Down Intentionally
- Speed is the enemy of attention.
3. Respond Obediently
- Delayed obedience is disguised disobedience.
4. Stay Connected to Others
- Drift happens faster in isolation.
Reflect during this worship song. Holy Forever
3. Our Greatest Danger
it is not Rebellion — it’s Drifting
How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?
it is not Rebellion — it’s Drifting
How shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?
Hebrews does not warn first about defiance, but about neglect.
Most people do not wake up one day and reject Jesus.
They simply stop paying attention.
Most people do not wake up one day and reject Jesus.
They simply stop paying attention.
Neglect is more dangerous than opposition.
Faith rarely dies from attack—it dies from inattention.
Faith rarely dies from attack—it dies from inattention.
“The central problem of our age is not that we do not believe in God, but that we do not take Him seriously.” — A.W. Tozer
Drift is silent.
Drift is slow.
Drift feels harmless—until you realize how far you’ve gone.
Drift is slow.
Drift feels harmless—until you realize how far you’ve gone.
Response:
1. Follow Jesus
2. Connect Relationally
3. Grow Continually
1. Follow Jesus
2. Connect Relationally
3. Grow Continually
Read Together:
Hebrews 10:19-25
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Hebrews 10:19-25
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
FINAL Worship Song, prayer tables, communion
HOW GREAT THOU ART
HOW GREAT THOU ART
Discussion Guide
Greater Than Angels
Hebrews 1:4–2:4
Big Idea: Jesus is greater than every spiritual power—so He deserves our full attention and lasting allegiance.
Icebreaker Question
- Have you ever drifted somewhere physically (a hike, swimming, driving) without realizing it at first? What tipped you off?
Discussion Questions
1. According to Hebrews 1, what specific ways does the author show that Jesus is greater than angels? Which contrast stands out most to you and why?
2. Why do you think people—both historically and today—are often drawn to angels, spiritual experiences, or the supernatural rather than to Jesus Himself?
3. How does knowing that Jesus is already seated on the throne—not fighting for authority—affect the way you face spiritual struggle, fear, or uncertainty?
4. Paul says we “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” What makes this difficult in everyday life?
5. In what practical ways can living “by faith and not by sight” reshape how we interpret hardship, disappointment, or unanswered prayers?
6. Hebrews warns us to “pay the most careful attention” so that we do not drift. What does drift look like spiritually in real life—not rebellion, but neglect?
7. Why do you think neglect is more dangerous to faith than outright opposition or doubt?
8. Jim said, “Attention is the currency of devotion.” What currently receives the most consistent attention in your life? What does that reveal?
9. How does the fact that salvation was announced by Jesus, confirmed by eyewitnesses, and testified to by God strengthen the seriousness of this warning?
10. Of the four practices mentioned—listening regularly, slowing down intentionally, responding obediently, staying connected to others—which do you find most challenging right now? Why?
11. How does isolation accelerate spiritual drift, and how has community helped anchor your faith in the past?
12. Looking ahead, what is one concrete step you can take this week to re-anchor your attention on Jesus rather than letting Him fade into the background?
Hebrews 1:4–2:4
Big Idea: Jesus is greater than every spiritual power—so He deserves our full attention and lasting allegiance.
Icebreaker Question
- Have you ever drifted somewhere physically (a hike, swimming, driving) without realizing it at first? What tipped you off?
Discussion Questions
1. According to Hebrews 1, what specific ways does the author show that Jesus is greater than angels? Which contrast stands out most to you and why?
2. Why do you think people—both historically and today—are often drawn to angels, spiritual experiences, or the supernatural rather than to Jesus Himself?
3. How does knowing that Jesus is already seated on the throne—not fighting for authority—affect the way you face spiritual struggle, fear, or uncertainty?
4. Paul says we “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” What makes this difficult in everyday life?
5. In what practical ways can living “by faith and not by sight” reshape how we interpret hardship, disappointment, or unanswered prayers?
6. Hebrews warns us to “pay the most careful attention” so that we do not drift. What does drift look like spiritually in real life—not rebellion, but neglect?
7. Why do you think neglect is more dangerous to faith than outright opposition or doubt?
8. Jim said, “Attention is the currency of devotion.” What currently receives the most consistent attention in your life? What does that reveal?
9. How does the fact that salvation was announced by Jesus, confirmed by eyewitnesses, and testified to by God strengthen the seriousness of this warning?
10. Of the four practices mentioned—listening regularly, slowing down intentionally, responding obediently, staying connected to others—which do you find most challenging right now? Why?
11. How does isolation accelerate spiritual drift, and how has community helped anchor your faith in the past?
12. Looking ahead, what is one concrete step you can take this week to re-anchor your attention on Jesus rather than letting Him fade into the background?