Sermon Tone Analysis

Why we do this?

We seek to expose the truths of the Bible and discuss how it is that we are to respond to the very Word of God

The doctrine of divine knowledge should humble us—especially pastors and theologians, for we may be tempted to intellectual pride.

We may think we have deep insights into God, but our minds, compared to God’s mind, are like a spark to the sun and a drop to the ocean.

Introduction

Quote

Lexham Context Commentary

Here the author steps aside from his explanation of Jesus’ Melchizedek-like high priesthood.

He will return to this topic soon (in 6:13–20) and then again in earnest in the next major section of the letter.

This paragraph begins the exhortation section with a scathing admonition of the readers and their lack of spiritual maturity.

They should be ready to hear and appropriate the rich theological message he has for them, but instead they still need to learn what they should be able to be teaching to others.

This reprimand is serious, as evidenced by the warning of the next paragraph.

Scripture

Outline

Hebrews 1-2 - Jesus is Greater Than the Angels

Hebrews 1:1-4 - God has Spoken

Hebrews 1:5-14 - The Son is Superior to the Angels

Hebrews 2:1-4 - A Warning

Hebrews 2:5-9 - Lowliness to Crowning Glory

Hebrews 2:10-18 - Jesus has Delivered His Brothers

Hebrews 3:1-4:13 - Jesus is a Greater Rest

Hebrews 3:1-6 - Jesus is Worthy of More Glory Than Moses

Hebrews 3:7-19 - Disobedience After the Exodus

Hebrews 4:1-13 - A Sabbath Rest for God’s People

Hebrews 4:14-7:26 - Jesus is Greater than Melchizedek

Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus is the Great High Priest

Hebrews 5:1-10 - Jesus is the High Priest After the Order of Melchizedek

Hebrews 5:11-6:20 - Warning and Exhortation

Hebrews 5:11-14 - Failure to Mature

Hebrews 5:11-12a - Dull of Hearing

Hebrews 5:12b-14 - Milk vs. Solid Food

Purpose of Book

Christ, who has accomplished salvation through His atoning sacrifice, is greater than all things; therefore, persevere in true faith and encourage others to do likewise

Main Point

The author wants to continue his reflection on Christ being a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, but faces a dilemma because the congregation is spiritually immature

Warning Passages Thus Far

Hebrews 1-2 - Jesus is Greater than the Angels

Warning Passage

Hebrews 3-4:13 - Jesus is a Greater Rest

Warning Passage

Hebrews 4:16-7:28 - Jesus is a Greater Than Melchizedek

Warning Passage

5 possible ways to view the warning passages:

Apostasy - Christians can reject/lose salvation

Eternal gifts - Christians can miss out on eternal gifts

Non-Christians - Jews who were listening, but did not claim Jesus as Lord

Can’t reject/lose salvation - Not sure what this means, but I just know you can’t reject/lose salvation

Eschatological Warning - Persevere until the end and be found in Christ

Hebrews 5:11-12a - Dull of Hearing

Hebrews 5:11–12 (ESV)

11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.

About this we have much to say,

About this

The author wishes to write more about Christ’s high priesthood as it relates to Melchizedek

Much

2. much (amount) — a great amount or extent; a lot

And it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

Hard to explain

to being difficult to tell the meaning of someth.

1. hard to explain — not easily capable of being understood or accounted for.

Since or because

The reason the author is unable to write on Christ’s connection to Melchizedek is because of their dullness

You - PLURAL

Have become

They used to be in a better spiritual condition

Dull

lazy, sluggish

1. slow (dull) — slow to learn, understand, or react; lacking intellectual acuity.

Hearing

5. hearing (recognition) — the ability to hear with understanding (and to act accordingly); understood by the act of hearing.

ESV Expository Commentary

Greek had a specific word for “ear” (ous; Matt.

11:15), but the term used here fits Psalm 95’s warning against hearing God’s voice in unbelief.

Dull of hearing could also be translated as “slow to understand”

The information the author wishes to communication (Hebrews 7) isn’t difficult to understand in itself… though it is complex..., but the author finds it hard to present the information in such a way that the spiritual immature congregation will understand Christ as the high priest after the order of Melchizedek

Instead of radical obedience they’ve chosen sluggish in understanding

For though by this time you ought to be teachers,

For though

Contrasting what should be with the reality of their present situation

There really is not any excuse for their lack of maturity - they have become reluctant to listen

You - PLURAL

Ought

Teachers

They should have been able to teach new believers, but lack spiritual maturity to do so

New American Commentary

It was commonly believed that mature people should be able to teach the less mature.

“Teachers” as used here probably does not denote the office of teaching, as the word is sometimes used in the New Testament.

The meaning here is that mature believers have the capacity to teach, even if they are not filling the office of teacher.

You need someone to teach you again the basic principles

Teach

You - PLURAL

Teach you again

They’ve regressed in their spiritual growth

They should be able to teach others at this point, but need to relearn

Basic principles

fundamental principles

Of the oracles of God

Oracles

1. saying (collection) — a message that is stated or declared by a particular person; especially divine messages that are gathered together to form a collection.