Historical Posts
Hebrews 05:11-14 Marks of Spiritual Immaturity
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Text: Hebrews 5:11-14
Introduction
1. Just because one has been a Christian for many years, does not mean they are mature
a. They may be like the person who had been teacher for twenty-five years
1) When she heard about a job that would mean a promotion, she applied for the position. However, someone who had been teaching for only one year was hired instead.
2) She went to the principal and asked why. The principal responded, I’m sorry, but you haven’t had 25 years of experience as you claim; you’ve had only one year’s experience 25 times.
3) During that whole time the teacher had not improved!
b. So it may be with many Christians; they have not grown, but simply repeated their first year of spiritual life many times!
2. The lack of spiritual growth (i.e., spiritual immaturity) is a dangerous thing
a. For there may be blessings to be enjoyed in Christ that only the mature Christian can truly understand and appropriate
b. If one remains spiritually immature, they do not come to fully appreciate their standing and blessings that they have in Christ!
c. Deprived of a greater understanding, they are more susceptible to the wiles of the devil
3. The author of the book of Hebrews found himself faced with this problem
a. He had much to say about Christ as our High Priest
b. But the spiritual immaturity of his readers made it difficult and so he thought it necessary to temporarily digress – Hebrews 5:11-14
4. How about you?
a. Are you growing as a Christian?
b. Or are you repeating your first year over and over again, remaining spiritual immature?
c. Do you know how to determine whether you are spiritually mature?
5. In our text we find some of the identifying marks of spiritual immaturity, indicators that reveal when one is in need of growing up spiritually
Body
I. DULLNESS OF HEARING (Hebrews 5:11)
A. THE HEBREWS HAD BECOME DULL OF HEARING
1. This prevented the writer from continuing with his argument at the moment
2. While the material he had to share was hard to explain
a. It wasn’t so much the difficulty of the material itself
b. As it was their own inability to receive it!
3. That they had become dull of hearing may imply a regression
a. At one time they were not dull of hearing
b. They may have been like the Bereans at one time, who received the word with all readiness – Acts 17:11
c. Indeed, most converts are truly sharp in their listening at the first
1) They are excited about what they are learning
2) They listen with great readiness, and spiritual growth occurs
d. But it is not uncommon for apathy to set in, making one dull of hearing
e. When one becomes dull of hearing, they begin to regress to a state of spiritual immaturity
B. ARE YOU DULL OF HEARING?
1. Ask yourself these questions:
a. Is the Bible dull?
b. Are the Bible classes dull?
c. Are the sermons dull?
d. Is anything that is spiritual in nature (like singing, praying) dull?
2. If so, then you have become dull of hearing!
a. If you listen at all, it will be to those who are willing to tickle your ears
b. And you will be susceptible to being mislead – 2 Timothy 4:3-4
II. THE INABILITY TO TEACH OTHERS (Hebrews 5:12a)
A. THE HEBREWS SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO TEACH OTHERS
1. They had been Christians for some time (by this time you ought to be teachers)
a. They had time to learn, to grow
b. A natural response to growth is to bear fruit
c. One way we bear fruit is by teaching others
2. In one way or another, they should have been able to teach others
a. Perhaps not in a formal sense, for not all are gifted in that way – 1 Corinthians 12:29; Ephesians 4:11; James 3:1
b. But all can share the good news and hope they have with others – Acts 8:4; 1 Peter 3:15
3. Their need for someone to teach them again the first principles demonstrated their spiritual immaturity
B. ARE YOU ABLE TO TEACH OTHERS?
1. Assuming that sufficient time has passed, are you teaching others?
a. Either formally as a teacher instructing others in the faith?
b. Or informally by sharing your faith with others?
2. Do you find yourself saying I don’t know what to say?
a. Then it sounds like you have forgotten the first principles
b. And you need to have someone teach you again!
3. If one has not progressed to the point where they are somehow teaching others about Christ, then they are still spiritually immature!
III. A DIET OF MILK (Hebrews 5:12-13)
A. NOW, A DIET OF MILK IS OFTEN NECESSARY
1. Certainly it is needed for those who are babes in Christ – 1 Corinthians 3:1-2
2. Also for those who have regressed (as with the Hebrews) – Hebrews 5:12b
3. Such a diet includes what is described as the first principles of the oracles of God (later called the elementary principles of Christ in Hebrews 6:1-3)
B. BUT OUR DIET MUST ONE DAY INCLUDE SOLID FOOD
1. Just as a physical baby must graduate to solid foods in order to grow to maturity
2. So a babe in Christ cannot mature unless the diet goes beyond the first principles
3. One commentator offers an interesting explanation as to what may be the difference
a. milk refers to what Jesus did on earth: His birth, life, teaching, miracles, death, burial and resurrection
b. solid food refers to what Jesus is now doing in heaven: His priesthood
4. If our diet remains milk only
a. Then we will be unskilled (lit., without experience) in the word of God
b. We will remain babes in Christ – Hebrews 5:13
C. WHAT HAS YOUR DIET BEEN LATELY?
1. Has it been limited to milk?
a. Has it even included milk?
b. Some Christians may not even be getting the milk of the Word!
2. Are you getting any meat?
a. Studying portions of God’s Word that challenges your understanding?
b. Stay with us in this study in Hebrews, and you will be sure to get some!
3. A milk only diet leaves one immature, and by default one who is unskilled in the word of righteousness
IV. THE INABILITY TO DISCERN (Hebrews 5:14)
A. NORMAL SPIRITUAL GROWTH EXERCISES THE SENSES
1. Even the milk of the word is designed to train one’s faculties
a. By exposing us to the difference between right and wrong
b. In this way our spiritual sense is exercised
2. Then by reason of use we learn to discern both good and evil
a. With clear examples set before us in the Scriptures, we learn right from wrong
b. We thereby develop the ability to distinguish between good and evil
c. We become able to apply general principles to specific situations
1) Specific condemnation of a practice is not always necessary
2) We can discern when something is more like the good, or more like the bad
B. SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY LACKS THIS ABILITY TO DISCERN
1. A babe in Christ often has difficulty discerning the difference between:
a. Good teaching (truth) and bad teaching (error)
b. Good conduct (righteousness) and bad conduct (wickedness)
2. Inability to discern leaves them open to being
a. tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine – Ephesians 4:14
b. Like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind…a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways – James 1:6-8
C. DO YOU HAVE THE ABILITY TO DISCERN?
1. Can you apply general principles to a specific situation, or do you require a clear Thou shalt not to determine if something is wrong?
2. Are you able to recognize when a doctrine is true to God’s word?
3. Or are you dependent upon someone else
a. To spoon feed you?
b. To take you by the hand and lead you?
c. To tell you what is right and wrong, what is truth and what is error
Conclusion
1. There are certainly other indicators of spiritual immaturity
a. Behaving in a carnal way
b. Possessing strife, envy, and jealousy – 1 Corinthians 3:1-4
2. But in our present text we have focused our attention on the four presented here
a. Dullness of hearing
b. The inability to teach others
c. A diet of milk
d. The inability to discern
e. All of these should serve as warning signs that something is amiss in our lives as Christians, for they are truly marks of spiritual Immaturity
3. In our next lesson, we shall see why it is so important to grow spiritually. As Peter warned, growth is the antidote to falling away:
You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:18
4. Are you growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 01:04-14 Jesus’ Superiority to Angels
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Text: Hebrews 1:4-14
Introduction
1. The subject of angels has certainly become a popular one lately
a. Bookstores are filled with books dealing with angels
b. Popular TV shows and movies depict angels working in our lives (Highway To Heaven, Touched By An Angel, The Preacher’s Wife, It’s A Wonderful Life)
2. Angels were also an important part of the Jewish religion
a. Angels assisted with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai – Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17; Acts 7:53; Galatians 3:19
b. They appear throughout the history of Israel, coming to Abraham, Daniel, and many others
3. Since the purpose of The Epistle To The Hebrews is to show the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant to the Law of Moses…
a. It is necessary that the writer has something to say about angels
b. So it is that we find the comparison of the Son to prophets followed now by a comparison to angels – Hebrews 1:4-14
4. The premise is clearly stated that the Son (Jesus) is much better than the angels – Hebrews 1:4
a. The reason in a nutshell is that He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they
b. That name is Son, a title that only Jesus can properly wear
1) Angels may be called sons of God collectively – Job 1:6
2) But no angel can be called this name individually!
Body
I. JESUS IS THE SON
A. TWO PROPHECIES REFER TO THE MESSIAH AS SON
1. The first is Psalm 2:7
a. A psalm depicting the enthronement of the Messiah (the Lord’s Anointed)
b. In which Jehovah calls the Messiah My Son
c. The begetting has reference to the resurrection of Jesus – Acts 13:33; Romans 1:4
2. The second is 2 Samuel 7:14
a. This passage had immediate application to Solomon, David’s son
b. But as the Messiah he would receive the throne of David
1) It’s ultimate application would be to the Messiah
2) Jesus, the son of David – Matthew 1:1; Mark 10:47; John 7:42
B. BUT NO ANGEL IS EVER CALLED MY SON
1. Collectively they were called sons of God, but never individually!
2. This not only demonstrates Jesus’ superiority to angels
a. It proves that Jesus Himself was NOT an angel!
b. Contrary to what some (such as JW’s) believe
II. JESUS IS THE FIRSTBORN WHO RECEIVES WORSHIP
A. JESUS IS DESCRIBED AS THE FIRSTBORN
1. The term firstborn does not always mean born first
a. It is also used in the Scriptures as a metaphor to describe one who occupies the rank and privilege of being firstborn (without literally being firstborn)
b. Used by God in this way to refer to the nation of Israel – Exodus 4:22
c. Used by God in this way to refer to David, youngest of eight – Psalm 89:20-27
2. It is used of Jesus in this way to stress His preeminence over creation
a. As Paul explains in Colossians 1:15-18
b. By virtue of being the Creator, He maintains the rank and privilege of firstborn!
B. WHEN THE FIRSTBORN CAME INTO THE WORLD, THE ANGELS WERE TO WORSHIP HIM
1. The angels of God were to worship Him. Note well: No created being is or was ever worthy of worship!
a. The angels themselves refused to be worshipped – Revelation 22:8-9
b. The apostle Peter refused to accept worship – Acts 10:25-26
2. Yet Jesus received worship!
a. From the wise men – Matthew 2:11
b. From the leper – Matthew 8:2
c. From the ruler – Matthew 9:18
d. From His disciples in the boat – Matthew 14:33
e. From the Canaanite woman – Matthew 15:25
f. From the man born blind – John 9:38
g. From the women and other disciples following His resurrection – Matthew 28:9,17
h. From the disciples following His ascension – Luke 24:52
III. JESUS IS GOD ENTHRONED AND ANOINTED
A. ANGELS ARE SIMPLY FOR THE SERVICE OF GOD
1. They are created spirits to serve God (called ministering spirits in He 1:14)
2. Their service can be as powerful yet transient as wind or flames of fire, if need be
B. BUT THE SON IS GOD HIMSELF, ENTHRONED AND ANOINTED!
1. The author is quoting from another Messianic psalm – Psalm 45:6-7
2. Notice that the Son is called God! – Hebrews 1:8
a. The Hebrew writer clearly proclaims the deity of Jesus! – Hebrews 1:3a
b. Yet in the next verse we read where it says God, Your God has
1) Here we find a distinction of personalities within the Godhead
2) Which we learn through later revelation involves the Father and the Son (and the Holy Spirit)
3. The Son, Who is God, has been enthroned, and reigns over an everlasting kingdom with righteousness
a. A kingdom of which Daniel said shall never be destroyed – Daniel 2:44
b. A kingdom of which Gabriel (an angel) told Mary: there will be no end – Luke 1:33
c. Both Paul and John wrote of this kingdom – Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9
4. This Son, Who is God and King, has been anointed – Hebrews 1:9
a. Of course, the word Messiah means anointed one
b. In this passage, the emphasis is on how Jesus has been anointed with gladness more than Your companions
1) Who are these companions?
2) In view of He 2:11; 3:1, it is likely the followers of Jesus, His brethren!
5. As God, King, and Messiah, Jesus is certainly greater than angels!
IV. JESUS IS THE LORD WHO IS THE ETERNAL CREATOR
A. JESUS IS YAHWEH (JEHOVAH)!
1. Now the Hebrew writer is quoting from Psalm 102:25-27
a. A psalm which addresses God using His covenant name Yahweh (or Jehovah)
b. This is the name that God used to identify Himself to Moses – Exodus 3:13-14
2. But the Hebrew writer by inspiration knew this psalm equally applied to Jesus!
a. Such would be blasphemy, unless Jesus is truly Deity!
b. So while the Son is distinct from the Father (Hebrews 1:9), He and the Father are also one
3. In this chapter, then, we find evidence relating to the nature of the Godhead
a. There is one God, but three distinct personalities within the Godhead
b. As Jehovah, Jesus is not a god, or any sort of created being (contra JWs, Mormons)
c. As the Son who is distinct from the Father, the Son is not the same in personality as the Father (contra the Oneness Pentecostals)
d. Though not a biblical term, the word trinity does help to convey the Biblical evidence as to the nature of the Godhead!
B. JESUS IS THE ETERNAL CREATOR!
1. In the beginning it was He who created the earth and the heavens – Hebrews 1:10
a. As the author had already stated in Hebrews 1:2c
b. As both John and Paul professed – John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17
2. He is also eternal, therefore unchangeable – Hebrews 1:11-12
a. The heavens and the earth will perish, grow old and be changed – 2 Peter 3:10-12
b. But Jesus will remain, be the same, and not fail – Hebrews 13:8
V. JESUS IS THE SOVEREIGN
A. NO ANGEL HAS BEEN INVITED TO SIT AT GOD’S RIGHT HAND
1. The psalm quoted now is Psalm 110:1
a. This psalm is quoted or alluded to more than any other psalm in the NT
b. It refers to the Messianic reign of Christ that began when Jesus sat down at the right hand of God – Hebrews 1:3; Acts 2:34-36; 1 Peter 3:22
2. That no angel has been asked to sit at God’s right hand
a. Once again proves that Jesus was not an angel (contra JWs)
b. Only Jesus, as the Son of God, has been so invited, and is truly the Sovereign!
B. ANGELS ARE BUT MINISTERING SPIRITS
1. While Jesus sits enthroned in heaven, angels are sent forth to minister (serve)
2. They minister for those who will inherit salvation
a. They have certainly ministered in the past – Luke 1:11-38
b. They will certainly minister at the time of Christ’s return – Matthew 13:36-43
c. But to what extent they minister in the present, the Scriptures reveal little (Matthew 18:10), and we should be careful to refrain from vain speculation
Conclusion
1. In a very forceful manner, the writer to the Hebrews has shown Jesus’ superiority to angels:
a. Jesus is the Son (not angels)
b. Jesus is the Firstborn who receives worship (not angels)
c. Jesus is God enthroned and anointed (not angels)
d. Jesus is the LORD (Yahweh) who is the eternal creator (not angels, who are only created beings)
e. Jesus is the Sovereign, reigning at God’s right hand (angels are but ministering spirits)
2. While angels certainly have a special place in God’s plan for redeeming man
a. They are not to become the object of worship or adoration – Colossians 2:18-19
b. Only Jesus is worthy of such worship and adoration! As innumerable angels proclaimed with a loud voice: Worthy is the Lamb who was slain To receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing! – Revelation 5:11-12
3. Let Jesus, and not angels, be the focus of your interest and adoration!
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 01:01-03 God’s Perfect Spokesman
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Text: Hebrews 1:1-3
Introduction:
1. The Epistle to the Hebrews is unique in its beginning
a. There is no mention of the author’s name, nor the recipients
b. Rather, it starts like an essay – Hebrews 1:1-3
2. We also notice the purpose of the epistle is twofold:
a. To encourage Jewish Christians to remain steadfast in their faith
b. Accomplished by showing the superiority of Christ and the New Covenant
3. That superiority is demonstrated through a number of contrasts
a. The very first contrast begins in these first three verses
b. In which Jesus is contrasted with the prophets of the Old Testament
Body
I. GOD’S SPOKESMEN IN TIME PAST
A. THE EXPRESSION IN TIME PAST
1. Refers to the period of time prior to the coming of Jesus
2. That period of time described in the Old Testament (Genesis-Malachi)
B. GOD SPOKE TO THE FATHERS BY THE PROPHETS
1. The fathers would be the ancestors of the Israelites
2. The prophets would include great men like Samuel, Elijah, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel
a. The Hebrew word for prophet means one who boils over
b. It refers to one who is inspired by God to speak for Him – 2 Peter 1:21
3. At times, the prophets themselves were unsure of what they spoke – 1 Peter 1:10-12
C. GOD SPOKE AT VARIOUS TIMES AND IN DIFFERENT WAYS
1. His revelation did not come all at once, but progressively at different times
2. His methods varied as well, using visions, dreams, symbols, etc.
D. So God has clearly revealed Himself as One who speaks; that is, He communicates His will to mankind!
II. GOD’S SPOKESMAN IN THESE LAST DAYS (Hebrews 1:2-3)
A. THE EXPRESSION IN THESE LAST DAYS
1. The Old Testament often spoke of the last days – Isaiah 2:2; Micah 4:1
2. As such it often special reference to the age of the Messiah
a. The apostles spoke of their time as the time of this fulfillment – Acts 2:16-17
b. Thus it denotes the final phase of history, brought on by the first coming of Christ, continuing until His second coming and the consummation of all things – Hebrews 9:26
B. GOD HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON
1. God has spoken once again, but note the contrast!
2. In time past it was through prophets; but in these last days it is by His Son!
a. God has sent His own Son to speak for Him!
b. As wonderful as the prophets were, how can they compare to God’s own Son?
3. There is no contrast, especially as we read on and notice
C. THE EXCELLENCE OF GOD’S PERFECT SPOKESMAN
1. Jesus is the appointed heir of all things!
a. The author may have had Psalm 2:8 in mind, for in verse 5 he quotes from Psalm 2:7
b. As the beloved Son, it is only natural that He would be the appointed heir
c. What does all things include?
1) All that the Father has! – John 16:15
2) The authority to raise and judge the dead – John 5:26-29
3) The authority to rule in heaven and on earth – Matthew 28:18
4) This authority Christ has even now! – Acts 2:36; 10:36; Ephesians 1:20-22; 1 Peter 3:22; Revelation 1:5
2. Jesus is through whom He (God) also made the worlds!
a. Not only the Heir, but also the Creator!
b. For it was through the Son that God created the universe – cf. John 1:3; Colossians 1:16
1) All things were created by (or through) Him (He is the Creator)
2) All things were created for Him (He is the rightful Heir)
3. Jesus is the brightness of His (God’s) glory!
a. In Jesus we see the very radiance of the glory of God!
b. As John wrote, we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father… – John 1:14
c. When we behold Jesus, we see an extension of the glory of God!
4. Jesus is the express image of His (God’s) person!
a. He is the exact representation of God’s being and character! – Colossians 2:9
b. Therefore Jesus could say:
1) To Thomas: If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him. – John 14:7
2) To Philip: He who has seen Me has seen the Father; – John 14:9
5. Jesus is upholding all things by the word of His power!
a. Not only the Creator, but also the Sustainer of the universe – Colossians 1:17
1) By His word the universe holds together!
2) All He has to do is say the word, and the universe is no more!
b. Note well:
1) This illustrates the power of His Word
2) Shall we not listen when He speaks? – Luke 6:46
6. Jesus has also by Himself purged our sins!
a. A clear reference to His death on the cross for our sins
b. This speaks to His role as our Redeemer, a theme that will be prominent later in this epistle – Hebrews 2:17; 9:26,28
7. Jesus has also sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high!
a. This Jesus did when He ascended to heaven – Ephesians 1:20; 1 Peter 3:22
b. Sitting at the right hand of God is a place of honor, but for Jesus it is also a place from which He reigns!
1) As indicated in Ephesians 1:21-22; 1 Peter 3:22
2) It is true that He is waiting for the His enemies to be made His footstool (Hebrews 10:12-13), but He is reigning until that time! – 1 Corinthians 15:25-26
3) As stated in Psalm 110:1-2, from which the author to the Hebrews quotes, the Messiah was to rule in the midst of Your enemies
c. Thus Jesus is truly the ruler over the kings of earth – Revelation 1:5; 17:14
Conclusion
1. The sentence does not end with verse three
a. It continues on into verse four, with a declaration of Jesus’ superiority over angels
b. But that verse and the rest of the chapter we shall save for the next study
2. But what have we seen in this lesson?
a. God is clearly a God who speaks, He makes His Will known to mankind!
b. And now He speaks through His Son, Who is:
1) The appointed Heir of all things!
2) The Creator!
3) The brightness of God’s glory, the express image of His person!
4) Our Sustainer, Redeemer, and King!
3. How can one turn their back on Him? Especially when the Majesty on high proclaimed at the Mount of Transfiguration: This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him! – Matthew 17:5
4. Are you heeding the words of the Beloved Son, God’s Perfect Spokesman? – Matthew 28:18-20
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 11:06 – Do We Believe That God Is? audio
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Podcast: Play in new window | Download
(Taking a Hard Look at Our Own Convictions)
Text: Hebrews 11:6
Introduction
A. In this series of lessons, we are emphasizing the need to take God more seriously. There is not a single one of us who does not need to do this!
B. In the last lesson, we saw that it’s possible for us to actually PLEASE God. That ought to be our confident hope and our highest aim.
C. In this lesson, we’ll look at FAITH — “for he who comes to God must believe that He is.”
D. Do we believe that God is? Let’s take a hard look at our own convictions.
Body
I. DO WE NEED THIS LESSON?
A. Some will already have said they don’t need to ask whether God is. They say, “of course we believe that God is!”
1. Well, perhaps we do, but in all honesty, the “faith” that many of us have is little more than a hand-me-down religion. Some indications:
(1) carnal attitudes and worldly lifestyles
(2) non-involvement in congregational life
(3) ignorance of the Scriptures
(4) vulnerability to temptation.
2. Ours may be a “Christian” nation — but few may really believe that God is.
3. And ours may be a faithful congregation but real, personal faith may be in short supply
B. The Scriptures speak of things like a “sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5) and a “genuine faith” (2 Timothy 1:5)
C. As individuals, our faith is somewhere on a continuum between the faith of others and a faith that is our own. The question is: what can we do to move toward a faith that is more our own?
D. Let’s look first at the difference between these two kinds of faith, starting with the one that we’re striving for: a truly genuine, personal faith.
II. THE INGREDIENTS OF PERSONAL FAITH
A. Genuine, personal faith has three basic elements:
1. Credence (belief) – John 8:24 – This includes not only the what but also the why – 1 Peter 3:15.
2. Confidence (trust) – 2 Timothy 1:12 – Real trust produces unconditional obedience: trust = obey.
3. Constancy (faithful unto death) – 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – Faith = Faithfulness – Revelation 2:10.
B. On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your own faith in these three areas?
III. THE TRAITS OF MERE TRADITION
A. Definition: “tradition” simply refers to that which has been “received.”
B. In religion, some people’s faith is nothing more than tradition. They’ve simply been going with the flow, and their convictions are nothing more than those of the “chameleon.” Their faith is not really their own. It is a matter of convenience rather than conviction.
C. Now, what is wrong here is not tradition itself. There is nothing wrong with tradition! We are fools if we throw things away simply because they are traditional – 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
D. Our point is not that faith and tradition are opposites, but that real faith is MORE than tradition!
E. The difference is not in the CONTENT, but in the QUALITY of our faith.
1. If our faith is mere tradition, then it’s probably very weak.
2. We’ve probably never examined it or thought it through.
3. It’s probably never been seriously tested. Cf. James 1:2, 3; 1 Peter 1:6-7.
4. It’s probably quite abstract & impersonal — God is little more than an idea to talk about.
5. Worst of all, we’re probably not able to give a reason for the hope that is within us – 1 Peter 3:15 — we don’t know why we believe.
F. Three dangers of a faith that is mere tradition:
1. It won’t stand the test of temptation.
2. It won’t stand the test of hardship.
3. It won’t stand the test of judgment – Matthew 7:22-23; Matthew 15:8-9
IV. STEPS WE CAN TAKE TO GROW IN OUR FAITH
A. Many never really confront the issue of real faith until they’re faced with some serious crisis in life. Yet this is too IMPORTANT an issue to postpone until a crisis makes it URGENT.
B. Can’t we decide right now to move from “hand-me-down religion” to a deeper, more genuine faith? What practical steps can we take?
1. First, we can be honest about our faith – Mark 9:24, 2 Corinthians 13:5.
2. Then we can:
a. Feed it.
b. Challenge it.
c. Refresh it.
C. Like most valuable things, real faith has to be grown. There is no “get faithful quick” scheme – 1 Timothy 4:15-16 – We need incremental growth, little investments in our faith day by day.
Conclusion
A. We say we “believe that God is,” but how much do we trust Him in making real-life decisions?
1. Do you believe that somebody could walk over Niagara Falls on a tightrope while pushing a wheelbarrow? Many might say they believed it, but how many would . . . get into the wheelbarrow?
2. When tough, real-world decisions have to be made we find out whether we truly “believe that God is.”
B. The goal of gospel teaching is to produce love out of:
(1) a pure heart
(2) a good conscience
(3) a “faith unfeigned” (1 Timothy 1:5 KJV)
(4) what we want is a faith that is the “real deal.”
C. In future, we won’t be able to “go with the flow.” The flow is moving in too many different directions!
D. It has never been more important to decide what kind of FAITH we’re going to have
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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