Written by David Self Sunday, 01 October :00 - Last Updated Thursday, 28 September :36

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1 Explore the Bible Lesson Preview Oct. 8, 2006 "Determine to Mature" Background& Lesson : Hebrews 5:11-6:12 Motivation: New Christians are called "babes in Christ" (1 Cor. 3:1) which is only natural considering that they are "born again" (John 3:1-21). However, life results in growth and growth brings maturity. Maturing in Christ is not an automatic process over time; it involves diligence, training and obedience. Examination: I. Description of Immaturity (5:11-14) A. Lack of Understanding "of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing." (11) The readers don't grasp the full import of the message of Melchizedek. "dull of hearing" is also translated "dull of understanding" or "slow to learn." James encouraged his readers to not just hear the Word but to act upon it (James 1:22). Immaturity in the Christian realm results from: - Selective hearing- one filters out the parts he/she doesn't like. - Inattention - one's mind wanders during preaching and teaching. - Closed-mindedness - one does not allow God's Word to change the heart. B. Lack of Growth "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe." (12-13) Spiritual maturity is not measured in years elapsed since conversion or since joining the church. "by this time" indicates that the recipients had aged chronologically but not spiritually. The contrast between "milk" and &quot 1 / 7

2 ;solid food" gives a word picture of spiritual babies. (12-13) Spiritual maturity is not measured in years elapsed since conversion or since joining the church. "by this time" indicates that the recipients had aged chronologically but not spiritually. The contrast between "milk& quot; and & quot;solid food" gives a word picture of spiritual babies. C. Lack of Substance "But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (14) 1. Application "who by reason of use" - God's Word is applicable to everyday situations. James warned "For anyone who is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and forgets what kind of man he was." (James 1:23-24) We are to daily put God's word into use in our lives. 2. Training "have their senses exercised." The Greek word used here is transliterated into our modern word "gymnasium." The word picture is clear: just as an athlete rigorously works out to perfect a skill, so must a Christian be trained and equipped to apply God's Word. 3. Discernment "to discern both good and evil." One of the major characteristics of the immature baby is the inability to understand danger. A crawling baby will crawl off the edge of a cliff, handle a deadly snake, and drink poison, all without a thought of the peril involved. Such a baby requires constant monitoring and instruction. In the same sense, an immature Christian is immediately recognized by their attitude toward sin. They will rationalize it, minimize it, trivialize it and redefine it. A mature Christian avoids its very appearance (1 Thes. 5:22; Prov. 4:14-15). II. Directions to the Immature (6:1-8) "Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 2 / 7

3 And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned." Believer's Study Bible, p. 1744: 6:4-6 "These verses are among the most debated in Scripture and have been interpreted in four different ways: (1) as a warning against apostasy or losing salvation; (2) as a judgment against false professors, those who, through professing trust in Christ, in reality are not saved; (3) as a caution against spiritual immaturity, to encourage actual believers to press on to spiritual maturity in order to avoid the discipline of God (as Father, cf. 12:5-11), which would be certain to come if they were to remain stagnant or regress spiritually; and finally, (4) as an assurance to believers through a timely illustration. This latter view interprets the text best. The author of Hebrews does not suggest in these verses that apostasy or falling from salvation is possible. Rather, he provides the strongest possible argument for the impossibility of reinstatement to salvation if one were to fall. The hypothetical spiritual experiences about which the author speaks are clearly those of a genuine believer. Enlightenment is followed by tasting the heavenly gift and sharing in the Holy Spirit. Even the powers of the coming age have been experienced by these Christians. Indeed, the initial phrase of v. 6 could be translated and having fallen beside.' Again the case is hypothetical, referring to the biblical truth that if one could fall from salvation, he could never be saved again. The fact that there is no thought of an actual forfeiture of salvation may be seen elsewhere in Hebrews (cf. 6:19; 10:14), as well as throughout the remainder of the N. T. (cf. Eph. 4:30; 2 Tim. 1:12; Jude 24). Actually the author of Hebrews is confident in the profession of the recipients of his epistle, as is indicated by v. 9." A. Futility of Further Milk (1) Even though the readers aren't ready for solid food, the writer obviously things it useless to feed them milk again. The writer itemizes some of the "milk" doctrines: repentance and faith, baptism, laying on hands, resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. Although these are foundational to our faith, they are beginning points for further growth. B. Finality of Apostasy (4-6) The writer shows the irrevocable nature of apostasy. This warning is the strongest admonition thus far. Christ is "crucified again" and put to an "open shame." Those in the congregation who "fall away" simply demonstrate their lack of genuine faith. (Rom. 11:29) 3 / 7

4 C. Forecasting by Fruits (7-8) Agricultural word pictures are common throughout scripture. Isaiah wrote of the well tended field that produced wild grapes (Isa. 5:1-7). Perhaps the best known example of this literature is Jesus' parable of the soils (Matt. 13:1-8; Mark 4:1-9; Luke 8:1-8). The writer of Hebrews seems to be saying that while we shouldn't act like final judges, we're free to inspect fruit. Even Jesus said "you will know them by their fruits" (Matt. 7:16a). III. Encouragement for Maturing (6:9-12) A. Confidence "But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner." (9) After the severe warning of the previous verses, the author expressed confidence in the Hebrew believers. The "better things" that "accompany salvation" refer to the standards set so far: to solid food. (5:13-14). 1. Living things grow - there's a spiritual progression from milk 2. True faith is evidenced by fruit rather than thorns (7-8). B. Compassion "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister." (10) Salvation is clearly taught in God's Word to be the result of His grace not of our works (Eph. 2:8-9). So, the "w ork and labor" mentioned here are not means to salvation but rather an evidence of salvation. As the Holy Spirit grows us to maturity, He will replace our carnal desires with His spiritual desires. We will desire to worship God with other believers, to study His word and to pray. Out of our personal relationship with Him, fruit will be manifested: "work" - to some, it a dirty four letter word; yet, work is clearly involved in building a church (Col. 1:29, 2:6-7;p Eph. 2:10; Titus 2:11-14). "love" - This love is especially for "His 4 / 7

5 name." A mature Christian loves Jesus and everything about Him. As a result, he/she will love other Christians (1 John 4:20-21). "ministered to the saints" - In 10:32-34 the writer speaks of their suffering and ministry to those who were persecuted including the author "in my chains" (10:34). Genuine inward conversion will result in observable outward behavior. C. Concentration "And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end." (11) The Living Bible renders it "a nd we are anxious that you keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, so that you will get your full reward." (Heb. 6:11, TLB). This is the "keep on keeping on" exhortation; the "keep up the good work" encouragement. In sports and in life, it's important to keep one's eyes on the ball. In chapter 12, the object of our concentration is clear: "looking unto Jesus" (12:2a). Heb. 11:6, 12:15 D. Conclusion "that you do not become sluggish; but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (12) The opposite of showing "diligence" (11) is to become "sluggish". Perseverance is evidenced by faith and patience. Satan's most frequently used weapon is discouragement. He wants us to think that what we're doing for Christ doesn't matter or isn't appreciated. (Heb. 6:10) Discouragement follows disappointment and can lead to defeat, doubt and even despair. (1 Cor. 15:58) Application 5 / 7

6 1. Recognize the difference between immaturity and maturity in Christ. (Heb. 6:1; 1 Cor. 3:1-11) 2. Purpose to a lifetime of Christian growth. (Phil. 3:13-14; 1 Pet. 1:15-16) 3. Be diligent to training and equipping with all God desires in your life. (John 17:17; Gal. 3:3; Heb. 10:14). Teaching Packet: Item 10 Handout: "How Can You Tell?" Biblical Illustrator: p. 14 " What's for Supper?' The First Century Diet" Notes/Dates: 9/12-10/24 - Beth Moore Tues. Bible study, 9/21-3/22 - Men's Life, Thurs. 6-7:30 am, Oct Luis Palau City Fest, Oct First Hope Job Fair, Oct Share Your Faith Workshop, Oct CSI Houston, Oct Teacher Training Track 104, Nov INSPIRE Conference, Nov Living Proof Event, Nov Christmas Store donations, Nov CSI Houston, Nov Full Schedule (Thanksgiving), Dec. 2 - MTC Christmas Store, Dec Christmas Presentation; Dec Living Proof Event, 6 / 7

7 Dec CSI Houston, Dec Christmas Eve - (both a.m./ss opt; 5 & 11 pm), Dec New Year's Eve (Full Schedule). 7 / 7