Pressing on Toward Maturity
Following Jesus: The Letter to the Hebrews • Sermon • Submitted
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Hebrews 6:1-12
1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.
2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—
6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
7 When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.
8 But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it.
9 Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation.
10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
Hebrews 6:1–12 (NLT)
1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.
2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
3 And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.
4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—
6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
7 When the ground soaks up the falling rain and bears a good crop for the farmer, it has God’s blessing.
8 But if a field bears thorns and thistles, it is useless. The farmer will soon condemn that field and burn it.
9 Dear friends, even though we are talking this way, we really don’t believe it applies to you. We are confident that you are meant for better things, things that come with salvation.
10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
INTRODUCTION:
I. MOVE BEYOND THE BASICS OF SALVATION (Hebrews 6:1-2)
I. MOVE BEYOND THE BASICS OF SALVATION (Hebrews 6:1-2)
1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.
2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
Hebrews 6:1–2 (NLT)
1 So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God.
2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.
A. What are the basics?
A. What are the basics?
1. Repentance from dead works.
1. Repentance from dead works.
(Luke 13:3)
3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.
Luke 13:3 (NLT)
3 Not at all! And you will perish, too, unless you repent of your sins and turn to God.
(Eph. 2:1)
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.
Ephesians 2:1 (NLT)
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins.
2. Saving faith toward God. (Acts 16:31)
2. Saving faith toward God. (Acts 16:31)
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”
Acts 16:31 (NLT)
31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”
3. Baptisms (Matt. 28:18-20)
3. Baptisms (Matt. 28:18-20)
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Matthew 28:18–20 (NLT)
18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
4. Receiving the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:12-13)
4. Receiving the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:12-13)
12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.
13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.
Ephesians 1:12–13 (NLT)
12 God’s purpose was that we Jews who were the first to trust in Christ would bring praise and glory to God.
13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.
5. The resurrection from the dead (1 Cor. 15:51-58)
5. The resurrection from the dead (1 Cor. 15:51-58)
51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!
52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.
53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
1 Corinthians 15:51–58 (NLT)
51 But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!
52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.
53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
54 Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?”
56 For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.
57 But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.
6. Eternal judgment (Rev. 20:11-15)
6. Eternal judgment (Rev. 20:11-15)
11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide.
12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.
13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds.
14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death.
15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:11–15 (NLT)
11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide.
12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.
13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds.
14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death.
15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
B. What is the believer to do?
B. What is the believer to do?
1. Move beyond the basics (Heb. 5:11-14)
11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.
12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.
13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.
14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
Hebrews 5:11–14 (NLT)
11 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen.
12 You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food.
13 For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right.
14 Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.
2. Move on toward maturity (2 Pet. 3:18)
18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.
2 Peter 3:18 (NLT)
18 Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.
II. MATURE IN ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROPER VIEW OF SALVATION (Hebrews 6:4-6).
II. MATURE IN ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROPER VIEW OF SALVATION (Hebrews 6:4-6).
4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—
6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
Hebrews 6:4–6 (NLT)
4 For it is impossible to bring back to repentance those who were once enlightened—those who have experienced the good things of heaven and shared in the Holy Spirit,
5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the power of the age to come—
6 and who then turn away from God. It is impossible to bring such people back to repentance; by rejecting the Son of God, they themselves are nailing him to the cross once again and holding him up to public shame.
A. It is a supernatural experience.
A. It is a supernatural experience.
1. Enlightened (φωτισθέντας = to cause light to shine upon some object, in the sense of illuminating it—‘to illuminate, to shine upon.’)
2. Experienced (γευσαμένους = “to cause to taste, to give one a taste of,” to experience) the good things of heaven
3. Made partakers of the holy Spirit (μετόχους γενηθέντας πνεύματος ἁγίου = to share in experiencing the Holy Spirit)and the powers of the age to come (δυνάμεις τε μέλλοντος αἰῶνος = the power of the coming age)
B. It is a secure experience. (uses hypothetical situation)
B. It is a secure experience. (uses hypothetical situation)
(Jn. 3:16; 10:27-30)
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,
29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.
30 The Father and I are one.”
John 3:16 (NLT)
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 10:27–30 (NLT)
27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.
28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,
29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.
30 The Father and I are one.”
(Eph.1:13-14)
Ephesians 1:13–14 (NLT)
13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago.
14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
1. It is impossible (Ἀδύνατον = pertaining to being impossible, presumably because of a lack of power to alter or control circumstances—‘impossible.’) to renew anyone who could fall.
2. It is impossible to crucify Jesus again.(Heb. 10:12-18).
12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet.
14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,
16 “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
17 Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.”
18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.
Hebrews 10:12–18 (NLT)
12 But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.
13 There he waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under his feet.
14 For by that one offering he forever made perfect those who are being made holy.
15 And the Holy Spirit also testifies that this is so. For he says,
16 “This is the new covenant I will make with my people on that day, says the Lord: I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”
17 Then he says, “I will never again remember their sins and lawless deeds.”
18 And when sins have been forgiven, there is no need to offer any more sacrifices.
3. It is impossible for God to let Jesus be put to open shame in losing anyone.( John 17:12).
12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
John 17:12 (NLT)
12 During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold.
III. MAKE YOURSELF BUSY ABOUT THE MASTER’S BUSINESS (Hebrews 6:10-12).
III. MAKE YOURSELF BUSY ABOUT THE MASTER’S BUSINESS (Hebrews 6:10-12).
10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
Hebrews 6:10–12 (NLT)
10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
A. Busy yourself ministering to the saints (Hebrews 6:10).
A. Busy yourself ministering to the saints (Hebrews 6:10).
10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
Hebrews 6:10 (NLT)
10 For God is not unjust. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other believers, as you still do.
1. We are to do good to those who are of the household of faith.
( Galatians 6:10)
Galatians 6:10 (NLT)
10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.
2. We are to do good toward those who are responsible for our spiritual well being.
(1 Tim 5:17-19)
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.
18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”
19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses.
1 Timothy 5:17–19 (NLT)
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.
18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”
19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses.
( Gal. 6:5)
5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
Galatians 6:5 (NLT)
5 For we are each responsible for our own conduct.
3. We are to do good toward the lost by witnessing to them, making more saints.
B. Busy yourself maintaining your assurance (Hebrews 6:11).
B. Busy yourself maintaining your assurance (Hebrews 6:11).
11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
Hebrews 6:11 (NLT)
11 Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.
1. Through getting into God’s Word. (2 Tim 2:15)
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
2. Through availing yourself of the power of prayer. (1 Thess 5:17)
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NLT)
17 Never stop praying.
3. Through walking in obedience to God and His Word.(Luke 6:46)
46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?
Luke 6:46 (NLT)
46 “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say?
C. Busy yourself following those who live a positive example
C. Busy yourself following those who live a positive example
(Hebrews 6:12)
12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
Hebrews 6:12 (NLT)
12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
1. Find those whose lives demonstrate a Godly character.
( 2 Thess 3:7-9)
7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.
8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you.
9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.
2 Thessalonians 3:7–9 (NLT)
7 For you know that you ought to imitate us. We were not idle when we were with you.
8 We never accepted food from anyone without paying for it. We worked hard day and night so we would not be a burden to any of you.
9 We certainly had the right to ask you to feed us, but we wanted to give you an example to follow.
2. Imitate those whose lives are Godly.
( Phil. 3:17)
17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.
Philippians 3:17 (NLT)
17 Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example.
3. Follow them as they follow Christ.
(1 Corinthians 11:1 ).
1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
1 Corinthians 11:1 (NLT)
1 And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.
CONCLUSION:
A- Summary
1. MOVE BEYOND THE BASICS OF SALVATION
2. MATURE IN ACCEPTANCE OF THE PROPER VIEW OF SALVATION
3. MAKE YOURSELF BUSY ABOUT THE MASTER’S BUSINESS