Admonition To Spiritual Growth

ADMONITION TO SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Hebrews 5:11-6:3

Introduction:  The passage immediately preceding these verses introduces Melchizedec. We read of Melchizedec in only three passages in the Bible:

        (1)   Genesis l4:l8-20

        (2)   Psalm 110:4

        (3)   Hebrews 5,6,7.

                The subject of the high priesthood of Jesus is connected with the priesthood of Melchizedek. However, the development of that subject involves some teaching that goes beyond the basic, simple “first principles”. This fact leads the writer to insert at this point, an admonition to the audience to grow spiritually.

        A similar passage occurs in 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, where Paul indicts the Corinthians for being spiritually immature. The situation in Corinth was serious, as is seen by an examination of the problems that church suffered. Likewise, the situation among the Hebrew Christians was potentially serious. The remedy for many problems is greater spiritual growth.

I.          The Problems.

A.     “Dull of Hearing...” (v.11)

1.     Caused them not to grasp the more intricate things of the word.

2.     Of course, this is a figure of speech, used to illustrate their immaturity.

B.     In Need of Being Taught Bather Than Being Teacher. (v.12)

1.     Again, illustrates their lack of growth.

2.     They had been Christians long enough, but failed to grow!

C.    In Need of Milk, Rather than Solid Food. (vv. 12b-14)

1.     Babes need milk, that which is easily digested.

2.     As the child grows, more nourishment is required, and “solid food” becomes a part of the diet.

3.     Christians: beware that we do not suffer “mal-nutrition” from a lack of solid, nourishing food! (Focus on v.14 - “exercised”)

! II.         The Remedy

A.     Have a Good Foundation of First Principles (6:1,2)

1.     We must not minimize the importance of the first principles, the “rudiments”.

2.     Must not forget them, or neglect them, or drift away from them!

B.     “Let us press on unto perfection...” (6:1b).

1.     Note word “perfection” (full-growth): signifies completeness - maturity; wholeness; full-grown

2.     Note how the word is used in the following passages:

                            a.     Matthew 5:48: ”Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”

                            b.     Philippians 3:15: “Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.” (full-grown, margin of ASV).

c.        2 Timothy 3:17: “…that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Conclusion:     Let us develop an appetite for the “solid food” or “meat” of the word of God. We have a responsibility to grow, to exercise ourselves to be strengthened by the word of God!