Pressing on to Maturity

Dull of Hearing - 5:11-14

The author says he has much to explain about the Christ being a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek - Gen 14:18-20

Genesis 14:18–20 ESV

And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

But it is hard for him to explain to them, since they have not grown because of laziness (lack of dedication to growth) - Heb 6:12

Hebrews 6:12 ESV

so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

By this time they should (obligated) be teachers - Heb 2:17; 5:3

Hebrews 2:17 ESV

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 5:3 ESV

Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.

Elemental teachings are the foundations upon which the story of the Christ is constructed, they are very important, but they are the milk of the word

Drinking only milk does not allow for continued growth and maturity

Solid food is for the mature (those who are and are growing toward)

Solid food allows us to discern (distinguish between) good and evil

Pressing on to Maturity - 6:1-3

Another therefore, since we need to be mature, we leave the elemental teachings (not to forget them, but to move beyond them to more mature teachings)

Elemental teachings are changing from works-based salvation to faith-based salvation, instruction about baptism, laying on hands, resurrection to the dead, and judgment - all important teachings, but they are spiritual milk

God will enable us to grow beyond such things

Impossible to Renew - 6:4-8

These are those who have been enlightened, have tasted the heavenly gift, have shared in the Holy Spirit, have tasted the good word, have tasted the powers of the age to come - all the best that God has to offer

If they then fall away, there is no way to renew them to repentance because they have decided that what the world has to offer is better than the best that God has to offer (His Son)

Good ground will accept the rain and produce useful vegetation for the one who prepared it - Matt 13:1-9

Poor ground yields thorns and thistles and is worthless and destined for a curse to be burned - Matt 13:24-30

Questions for next week:

Why is the author convinced of better things for his audience?

How does God confirm His promises?

What is our hope?

What is a forerunner?