Historical Posts
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Introduction
A. At one time in our life we were children. Paul wrote, “When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things (1 Corinthians 13:11).”
B. Growing up is part of life physically, and should be a part of life spiritually.
Body
I. Children are precious in the sight of God.
A. “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:3).”
B. Jesus said of such is the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:13-14).
II. One must be like a child to enter the kingdom of heaven.
A. One must be converted and become as a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:1-5).
B. We must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-7).
C. We become sons of God by faith in Christ (Galatians 3:26-27).
D. It is truly a blessing to be called children of God (1 John 3:1-3).
III. Children of God must grow.
A. We must desire the sincere milk of the word as newborn babes (1 Peter 2:2).
B. After Judas Iscariot went out to betray Jesus, He commanded His “little children” to love another as He was only going to be with them a little while longer (John 13:31-35).
C. Paul wrote to the Galatians, his “little children, for whom he labored in birth again until Christ was formed in them (Galatians 4:19).”
D. John wrote to his “little children,” encouraging them not to sin and reminding them that their sins are forgiven (1 John 2:1,12-13).
Conclusion
A. Have we become children of God?
B. Are we growing as Christians, serving God and loving one another?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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The Growth of Samuel
Samuel grew in stature and favor…
Hannah grieved and was bereft and wept because she had no children. She was barren. She had no children because the LORD had closed her womb (1 Samuel 1:2, 5). In tears she prayed to the LORD and promised that if she would receive a son, she would give him back. He answered her prayer, and Samuel was born.
When he had grown from a baby and been weaned, Hannah took him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh. He stayed there with Eli, and ministered there faithfully. There, with Eli, he grew “in stature, and in favor both with the LORD and men (1 Samuel 2:26).”
Does this sound familiar? Compare the growth of Samuel with the growth of Jesus. Jesus “increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:52).” Samuel grew three ways similar to Jesus.
As Samuel got older, he grew taller. The LORD would speak to him directly on several occasions. He “judged Israel all the days of his life (1 Samuel 7:15).” Later, he would later appoint the first two kings of Israel. Yes, Samuel grew a lot like Christ and had a great influence on many children of Israel.
In like manner, God expects us to grow. “As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2).
What about you? Are you growing like Christ and having a good influence on others? Are you able to lead them to the salvation offered through the sacrifice of Christ? You can’t lead where you have not gone. Have you accepted that salvation yourself?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Samuel Growing as Christ
Here is a Bible trivia question: Can you name the four ways in which Jesus grew?
(If you need help, turn to Luke 2:52)
You’ll find that Jesus grew in four ways:
- In wisdom
- In stature
- In favor with God
- In favor with man
Now, try this question: in what three ways did Samuel grow? Here’s a hint: he grew three out of four ways in which Jesus grew. They are (1 Samuel 2:26):
- In stature
- In favor with God
- In favor with man
As I look at the similarities between Samuel and Christ, I ask myself if others can see similarities between Christ and me. Am I growing as Christ (and Samuel) did? Even though we are not told that Samuel grew in wisdom, yet God’s word often came directly to him and he obeyed it.
Today, we must desire the pure milk of God’s word that we can grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). After all, Christ is our example. As Samuel was like Christ, so should we (1 Peter 2:21).
Are you growing like Christ? Don’t settle for three ways, but strive for all four!
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hebrews 05:12-14 Essentials to Spiritual Maturity – audio
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Text: Hebrews 5:12-14
Introduction
- In II Peter 3:18, we are admonished by the Spirit of God to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord. In 2 Thessalonians 1:3, we have an example of a congregation of the Lord whose faith grew exceedingly
- Regardless of your age, gender, or education, you can become an imitator, follower, and disciple of Jesus Christ – 1 Corinthians 11:1. But you must be willing & determined to let self (I) and the world come to death that Christ might live in you – Galatians 2:20
- Many people claim to be Christians, but how many of them have been truly converted to Jesus Christ? How many of them are imitating Jesus Christ in their lives, how many are following the footstep of Jesus – Luke 14:27, 33; John 8:31-32
It is essential you make a clean break with the world to grow in Christ.
- You cannot expect to live a “half-hearted” worldly lifestyle and grow into spiritual maturity. Have you ever known a new babe in Christ try to serve God while holding on to their former sinful lifestyle? It just cannot work, you need to decide to give up your old sinful lifestyle and live for Christ, it’s either the world or Christ, why not decide on Christ – Matthew 6:24; Revelation 3:14-16; Luke 9:62
- It’s essential to know the world’s value systems that many cling and cleave onto today are only temporal, they can only satisfy the flesh for a short time, but that longing in each & every soul to be satisfied & having fellowship with their Creator can only be found in Jesus Christ – Hebrews 11:24-25; Matthew 16:26; James 4:4
- It is essential to know that there are lines & boundaries from the Word of God that Christians are not to cross. Christians are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers – 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. Christians are not to go places and be in communication with those that can compromise their influence in the world as salt – Matthew 5:13; I Thessalonians 5:22; 1 Corinthians 15:33
It is essential to be committed to the conversion process for salvation
- A commitment involving a conscious decision to put aside everything else in life and put God first at the top in everything that you do is required – Matthew 6:33
- It is important to realize in the conversion process that you will make mistakes along the way, but you will need the courage and commitment to ask God to forgive you of your sins and be determined to grow from your mistakes – James 5:16
- In the conversion process it is important that God talks to you, and this will require you to daily read and mediate on the Word of God because God speaks to us through Jesus, the Word of God – 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 1:1-2
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Harry (Andy) Anderson Jr.Return to the Home Page
Spiritual Growth is a Choice
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Introduction
1. The blessings enjoyed in Christ include not only redemption, but renewal
a. We undergo a “washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit” in baptism – Titus 3:5
b. From baptism, we rise to “walk in newness of life” – Romans 6:4
2. The renewal we find in Christ involves the concept of spiritual growth
a. Just as a healthy physical life is one of growth
b. So a healthy spiritual life is a process of growth
3. Sadly, not all Christians grow spiritually
a. Many have been Christians for years, with little change or improvement
b. They are no more, often less; useful to the Lord than when they first became Christians
c. Failing to grow, they become stagnant, like a pool of water
4. That is because Spiritual Growth Is A Choice
a. It doesn’t happen by default (unlike physical growth)
b. Spiritual growth (like emotional maturity) occurs only when we choose to grow
5. If we do not make that choice, and stick to it, there will be no spiritual growth!
Body
I. COMMANDED BY GOD
A. IMPLICITLY STATED IN THE GREAT COMMISSION
1. The Great Commission is found in Matthew 28:18-20
2. Jesus commanded His apostles to make disciples
a. Baptizing them
b. Teaching them to observe all things He commanded
c. Implicit in the command to teach, is that disciples would be obedient learners
B. EXPLICITLY STATED IN THE APOSTOLIC EPISTLES
1. Peter ends his second epistle with a command to grow – 2 Peter 3:18
a. We are to grow in grace
b. We are to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ
2. Peter begins his second epistle describing how we are to grow – 2 Peter 1:5-8
a. Adding to your faith such graces as virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc.
b. Abounding in these graces, being fruitful, this implies growth
3. Christians who did not grow, were sternly rebuked – Hebrews 5:12-6:1
4. Spiritual growth is a not an option, reserved for a few select Christians. The Word of God commands us to grow
II. REQUIRES DILIGENT EFFORT
A. UNLIKE PHYSICAL GROWTH
1. People grow physically by default (unless there is some disorder)
2. No effort is required on our part; we mature physically whether we want to or not
3. Don’t think that just because you grow older, you are growing spiritually!
B. SPIRITUAL GROWTH REQUIRES CONCENTRATED EFFORT
1. Jesus said it requires labor – cf. John 6:27
2. Paul wrote that it requires work, pressing on – Philippians 2:12; 3:13-14
3. Peter wrote that it requires diligence – cf. 2 Peter 1:5, 10
4. Like physical health, spiritual growth requires regular exercise – 1 Timothy 4:7-8
5. Spiritual growth is not easy. We must work at it. Today. Tomorrow. Always.
III. ASSISTED BY GOD
A. WE ARE NOT ALONE IN OUR EFFORTS
1. While we work out our salvation, God is at work in us – Philippians 2:12-13
2. Just as He was with us in producing our new birth – Titus 3:5
3. God desires to complete the work He started when He saved us – Philippians 1:6
B. WE ARE STRENGTHENED BY GOD IN OUR EFFORTS
1. He strengthens us by His Spirit in our inner man – Ephesians 3:16
2. He empowers us with unimaginable power that is in us – Ephesians 3:20
3. He provides the armor to stand strong in the power of His might – Ephesians 6:10-11
4. There is no excuse not to grow, for Christ strengthens us! – Philippians 4:13
5. With God as our aid, spiritual growth is possible. And not mediocre growth, but spiritual growth beyond what limits we might think hinder us!
IV. BLESSED BY GOD
A. THE BLESSINGS BEGIN IN THIS LIFE
1. As we grow in grace – cf. 2 Peter 3:18
a. We experience the blessings of the grace in which we stand
b. Such as peace with God, rejoicing in hope – cf. Romans 5:1-2
2. As we grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ – cf. 2 Peter 3:18
a. We experience the blessings of adding virtue, knowledge, self-control, etc. to our faith
b. Such as a victorious life, in which we do not stumble so as to fall – 2 Peter 1:10
3. Indeed, it is spiritual growth that ensures the “abundant life” now that Jesus promised! – cf. John 10:10
B. THE BLESSINGS CONTINUE INTO THE LIFE TO COME
1. We will experience an “abundant entrance” into the everlasting kingdom – 2 Peter 1:11
2. In some way, our works do follow us – cf. Revelation 14:13
3. At the very least, we know that our labors will not be in vain! – 1 Corinthians 15:58
Conclusion
1. We have been talking about growth; but not just any growth, for not all growth is good
a. The hearts of some grow dull – cf. Matthew 13:15
b. The love of many grow cold – cf. Matthew 24:12
c. There is the danger of growing weary in doing good – cf. Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13
d. There is possibility of growing corrupt according to deceitful lusts – Ephesians 4:22
e. There is danger of growing wanton against Christ – cf. 1 Timothy 5:11
f. There are those who grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived – 2 Timothy 3:13
g. Like the growth of cancerous cells, the wrong growth can be deadly!
2. We have been talking about spiritual growth, the kind of growth that is:
a. Commanded by God
b. Requires diligent effort
c. Assisted by God
d. Blessed by God
e. It is this kind of growth that Peter enjoined as he closed his epistle – 2 Peter 3:18
3. What kind of growth is taking place in our spiritual lives?
a. Is it a deadly kind of growth, creating dull hearts, love that is cold, weariness in doing good, even moral corruption?
b. Or is it a vibrant kind of growth in which we are abounding in love, joy, and peace, being faithful and fruitful in our service to Jesus Christ?
4. The one kind of growth is often the result of neglect, the other kind of growth comes only when we make the right choice! If we desire to experience the blessings of the right kind of growth, then never forget that “Spiritual Growth Is A Choice”! Are we making the right choice today and every day…?
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Genesis 15:06 Faith of Abraham
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Text: Genesis 15:6
Introduction
1. One of the greatest men in history has to be the patriarch Abraham…
a. Three religions look to him as their spiritual progenitor (Judaism, Christianity, Islam)
b. Christians view him as “the father of all them that believe” – Romans 4:11
2. What is most noteworthy about Abraham was his faith…
a. Paul made reference to his faith time and again – Romans 4:3,9, 11,16-22; Galatians 3:7-9
b. James used his example to illustrate saving faith – James 2:21-23
3. Both Paul and James make reference to the following OT statement about Abraham’s faith: “And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” (Gen 15:6; cf. Romans 4:3; James 2:23)
[What was it about Abraham’s faith that so pleased God? Do we have the same kind of faith? Let’s take a closer look at “The Faith Of Abraham”…]
Body
I. ABRAHAM’S FAITH WAS BASED ON REVELATION
A. GOD REVEALED HIMSELF TO ABRAHAM…
1. In Ur of the Chaldees – Genesis 15:7
2. At Haran of Mesopotamia – Genesis 12:1-4
3. At Shechem in Canaan – Genesis 12:6-7
4. After Lot moved to Sodom – Genesis 13:14-17
5. And many times more – cf. Genesis 15:1-17; 17:1-27; 18:1-33; 22:1-19
— By revealing Himself to Abraham, God provided Abraham ample evidence for him to place his faith and trust in God
B. OUR FAITH MUST BE BASED UPON REVELATION
1. Not that God reveals Himself to us as He did to Abraham
2. But faith comes through the Word of God – cf. Romans 10:17
a. It contains evidence that we might believe – John 20:30-31
b. The more we read, the more God is revealed to us, especially in the person of His Son Jesus Christ!
— If we desire to have “The Faith Of Abraham”, we must be receptive to God’s revelation of Himself through His Word!
II. ABRAHAM’S FAITH WAS AN OBEDIENT FAITH
A. BY FAITH, ABRAHAM OBEYED GOD
1. He left his country – Hebrews 11:8
2. He sojourned in a foreign land – Hebrews 11:9-10
3. He offered his son Isaac – Hebrews 11:17
— Abraham’s faith was not a dead faith (cf. Ja 2:20,26), but a dynamic faith expressing itself in obedience!
B. BY FAITH, WE MUST OBEY GOD
1. For the gospel calls for “obedience to the faith” – cf. Romans 1:5;16:25-26
2. We must “obey from the heart” the doctrine of Christ – cf. Romans 6:17
3. Woe to those who do not “obey the gospel” – cf. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 Peter 4:17
— If we desire to have “The Faith Of Abraham”, we must have a faith that “works through love” (Galatians 5:6)
[While works are an essential element of a saving faith, it is crucial to note that it is the faith behind the works that pleases God (and not the works per se)! Therefore we point out that…]
III. ABRAHAM’S FAITH WAS A TRUSTING FAITH
A. ABRAHAM TRUSTED IN GOD, NOT HIS WORKS
1. Return to our text, and note what is said – cf. Genesis 15:6
a. Abraham believed in the Lord
b. “It” (his faith) was reckoned or considered for righteousness
c. It was Abraham’s faith in God that greatly pleased God
2. Paul stresses this point in his epistle to the Romans – cf. Romans 4:1-3
a. Abraham was not justified because of his works
b. Abraham was justified (declared blameless) because of his faith!
— Though he had a faith that works, he did not trust in his works; rather in God who justifies the ungodly (cf. Romans 4:5-8)
B. WE MUST TRUST IN JESUS, NOT OUR WORKS
1. As noted before, we must obey God which involves certain “works”
a. Such as faith, which is a “work” – cf. John 6:28,29
b. Even baptism, which is more a work of God than a work of man – Colossians 2:12-13
2. But when all is done, we must not put our trust in our obedience
a. As though we somehow earned our salvation
b. For Christ taught us to realize we are still unworthy – cf. Luke 17:10
— It is the faith or trust in Jesus prompting us to obey that pleases God, not some meritorious value of the work done to receive God’s grace!
[So “The Faith Of Abraham” was an obedient faith that placed its trust in God who justifies the ungodly. To be “the sons of Abraham”, we must have the same kind of faith. Finally, observe that…]
IV. ABRAHAM’S FAITH WAS A GROWING FAITH
A. ABRAHAM GREW IN FAITH
1. There were times when his faith was weak
a. He had Sarah his wife tell a half-truth to save his life – Genesis 12:11-20; 20:1-18
b. He questioned God when he and Sarah did not have children – Genesis 15:2-3
c. He showed weak faith in the case of Hagar – Genesis 16:1-4
d. He offered an alternative to God when he thought it would be impossible for he and Sarah to have children – Genesis 17:17-18
2. But God was patient with Abraham, and his faith grew
a. He had faith, even against hope, and was able to conceive – Romans 4:18-22
b. He had faith that God could raise Isaac from the dead, and so was willing to offer him as commanded – Hebrews 11:17-19
— “The Faith Of Abraham” was not a static faith, but an ever-growing faith that came through being “a friend of God” (cf. Ja 2:23)
B. WE MUST GROW IN FAITH
1. Just as the apostles of Christ did
a. From men with little faith and easily afraid – Matthew 8:25-26; 14:31
b. To men of great boldness – Acts 4:13
2. Like the Thessalonians – 2 Thessalonians 1:3
a. Their faith was growing exceedingly
b. Our faith needs to grow likewise
— Our faith will grow, if we are willing to “walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had” (cf. Romans 4:12)
Conclusion
1. We have seen that “The Faith Of Abraham” was
a. Based upon revelation
b. An obedient faith
c. A trusting faith
d. A growing faith
2. Why do we need this same kind of faith…?
a. Because “those who are of faith are the sons of Abraham” – Galatians 3:7
b. Because “those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” – Galatians 3:9
3. Indeed, those who have “The Faith Of Abraham” are truly the recipients of the promise made to Abraham: “In your seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” – Genesis 18:18
4. Are we walking in the steps of the faith of Abraham, obeying the Word of God given today through the gospel of Christ, even as he obeyed the word given to him?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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Hebrews 06:01-08 The Peril of Not Progressing
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Text: Hebrews 6:1-8
Introduction
1. The normal Christian life is to be one of spiritual growth and progression
a. Starting as babes in Christ, we feed on the milk of the Word
b. As our spiritual senses are exercised to discern good and evil, we are then able to progress to solid food (meat)
c. In this way we grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – 2 Peter 3:18
2. But as we saw in last week’s lesson, not all grow as they should, and some are:
a. Dull of hearing
b. Unable to teach others
c. Getting a diet of milk only
d. Unable to discern good and evil – Hebrews 5:11-14
3. But if we don’t grow spiritually as we should, so what?
a. Is spiritual growth really that essential?
b. Is there a danger involved in not progressing spiritually?
Body
I. THE DUTY OF PRESSING ON TO PERFECTION (Hebrews 6:1-3)
A. THE PERFECTION WE SEEK IS TWO-FOLD
1. Maturity in religious knowledge
a. We need the Word of God, that we may grow thereby – 1 Peter 2:2
b. By receiving the Word with humility into our hearts, it can save our souls – James 1:21
2. Full development of spiritual life
a. To faith and knowledge, we must add the qualities of godly character – 2 Peter 1:5-8
b. As we develop this godly character, we truly come to know the Lord
B. BEFORE THIS WE NEED THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST
1. Our text reveals that this involves teaching on such subjects as:
a. Repentance from dead works
1) Turning from works which produce spiritual death, not life
2) Paul describes such works in Ephesians 2:1-3
3) Sorrow for sin and a purpose to turn from it
b. Faith toward God
1) That trusting conviction in God and His promises that is essential to pleasing Him – Hebrews 11:6
2) This faith is produced by the Word of God itself – Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31
c. The doctrine of baptisms
1) In the first century A.D., there were many ritual washings practiced by various sects of the pagans and Jews
a) Such practices needed to be carefully distinguished from Christian baptism
b) Just as John’s baptism was distinguished from baptism into Christ – Acts 19:1-5
2) Today, it is important to understand the different kinds of baptisms practiced
a) Nearly all Christian religions practice some sort of baptism
b) But most do not baptize for the reasons stated in the Scriptures – Acts 2:38; 22:16; Romans 6:1-6
d. Laying on of hands
1) In the early church, this was done for various reasons:
a) By Jesus, and others with the gift of healing, to heal the sick – Luke 4:40; Mark 16:18; Acts 28:8
b) By Jesus, to bestow special blessings upon others – Mark 10:16
c) By the apostles, to impart the Spirit in a miraculous measure – Acts 8:14-25; 19:1-7
d) By church leaders, to appoint different ones for service – Acts 6:1-6; Acts 13:1-3
2) Note that the laying on of hands was often accompanied with prayer; perhaps the imposition of hands being the outward symbol of the prayer
e. Resurrection of the dead
1) A central theme of preaching was the resurrection of Jesus – Acts 2:31-32; Acts 10:40
2) They also preached in Jesus our own resurrection, which is our precious hope! Acts 4:2; 24:15; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23
f. Eternal judgment
1) Another theme of apostolic preaching – Acts 17:30-31; Acts 24:24-25
2) Also stressed in their epistles – Romans 2:16; Romans 14:10-12; 2 Corinthians 5:10
2. Understanding these concepts serves as the beginning of spiritual growth!
a. Sadly, some who have been Christians for years still need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God;
b. Such people are still babes who need milk and not solid food. – Hebrews 5:12
C. BUT WE ALSO NEED TO GO ON TO PERFECTION
1. Once we have laid the foundation, we need to build on it
2. With an understanding of the doctrines previously described, we are ready to receive more difficult knowledge
a. Such as the high priesthood of Christ – Hebrews 5:9-11
b. We might also add the work of Christ as our King of kings and Lord of lords, as depicted in the book of Revelation
3. By comprehending the meatier parts of the Word of God, we are more likely to remain steadfast in our faith
4. We need the attitude of striving toward perfection as described by Paul – Philippians 3:7-15
II. THE DANGER OF IRREVERSIBLE APOSTASY (Hebrews 6:4-8)
A. NOTE THE PRIVILEGES SOME APOSTATES HAD ENJOYED
1. They were once enlightened
a. This likely refers to their conversion – Hebrews 10:32
b. By the second century, the word enlightenment was used as a synonym for baptism (Justin, Apology, 1.61.65)
2. They have tasted of the heavenly gift
a. The word taste suggests a deep personal experience – 1 Peter 2:3
b. Their tasting the heavenly gift refers back to the past experience of salvation
1) In which they experienced the forgiveness of sins
2) In which they began to receive the spiritual blessings of being in Christ
3. They have become partakers of the Holy Spirit
a. This also refers back to their conversion – Acts 2:38
b. The word partakers (metochous) is significant
1) Christians are partakers (metochoi) of the heavenly calling – Hebrews 3:1
2) They are partakers (metochoi) of Christ – Hebrews 3:14
3) So they are also partakers in the Holy Spirit!
4. They have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come
a. Again the word tasted suggests personal experience
b. They had experienced the good things the word of God promises
c. They had experienced the powers of the age to come
1) The age to come is the Messianic age, ushered in with the first coming of Christ, and consummated with His second coming
2) The powers of the age they had experienced:
a) Certainly included the power experienced by all Christians – Ephesians 1:19; Ephesians 3:20; Ephesians 6:10
b) But perhaps even signs and wonders, and gifts of the Holy Spirit – Hebrews 2:4
5. Can these be anyone other than true Christians who had once believed in Jesus?
B. NOTE HOW FAR THEY HAD FALLEN
1. It was now impossible…to renew them again to repentance – Hebrews 6:4-6
a. It is apparent that Christians can fall away
1) Paul warned that one can become estranged from Christ and fall from grace – Galatians 5:4
2) Peter described those once saved – 2 Peter 2:20-22
b. Here we learn that some can fall away to the point they are beyond rescue!
1) We cannot say when a person reaches that point
2) But there is a point where renewal becomes impossible!
2. In such a state they crucifying again for themselves the Son of God and putting Him to an open shame.
a. This is not a Christian who sins out of weakness or ignorance
b. This is one who knowingly and openly rejects Christ publicly!
1) It is one whose heart has been so hardened by sin that in unbelief they have departed from the living God – Hebrews 3:12-14
2) It is one who despises Jesus, His blood, and the Spirit of grace – Hebrews 10:29
c. It is one thing to yield to sin contrary to the new life in Christ, it is another thing to abandon that new life altogether!
d. But such can happen if we are not careful to go on to perfection!
C. NOTE THE FEARFUL DESTRUCTION RESERVED FOR THEM
1. Like unproductive branches, they are rejected…whose end is to be burned
a. Having received blessings from God, they should have produced good fruit
b. But instead they are like thorns and briars, taking nourishment but not producing useful fruit in return – Hebrews 6:7-8
2. With a similar illustration, Jesus warned His disciples! – John 15:1-8
a. By abiding in Him, we are able to bear fruit to God’s glory
b. But if we do not bear fruit, we will be cut off and burned!
Conclusion
1. From this stern passage, we learn some sobering truths
a. Receiving wonderful blessings from God does not preclude the impossibility of apostasy
b. For those who fall away to the point of casting off their faith, destruction awaits!
2. In view of such truths
a. The peril of not progressing is very real!
b. We need to heed the exhortation: let us go on to perfection
1) We cannot be content with spiritual immaturity
2) We must be diligent to press on in our spiritual growth
3. Does this mean we must live our Christian lives with insecurity regarding our salvation? No
4. As we will see in our next lesson, there are things upon which we can base our hope and trust for the future. But the warnings in this passage should be heeded!
5. Brethren, what are you doing with the blessings you have received in Christ…?
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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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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