Hebrews 5:11-6:20
We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.” And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
People swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Devotion
In this section of Hebrews, the writer felt it necessary to warn his readers who were on the verge of abandoning their faith. He minces no words about the peril of apostasy. They had exhibited some of the first fruits of true conversion but were now exhibiting only lethargy. A large percentage of present-day Christendom seems to fit the general description of these Hebrews. We have become dull of hearing and lethargic in the practice of our faith. The warning is a fitting one for us today. It is essential that we develop a healthy doctrine of salvation; one that includes the concept of perseverance.
In verses 5:11-14, the readers are described as “slow to learn” and lacking “spiritual maturity.” The writer contrasts the immaturity of some with the mature believer who is taking in solid food and exercising what he/she knows. They are growing in their ability to discern good from evil. These mature believers were exercising sound judgment and discernment. The writer is challenging his readers to grow up or mature in their faith.
In verses 6:1-3, the writer encourages his readers to move beyond the elementary teachings of Christ and move toward spiritual maturity. This summarizes the message of the entire book of Hebrews. It is important to note that God is the One who causes growth. Nevertheless, there is cooperation, rather than resistance, required from the believer.
In verses 6:4-9, the writer uses a hypothetical argument to warn his readers that they must progress to maturity or else experience divine discipline or judgment. Here the writer is talking about the fruit of salvation, not about the root of salvation. He is speaking about the fruit of the Christian’s life and the reward that comes to him/her as the result. In his commentary on the book of Hebrews, J.V. McGee writes, “The whole tenor of this passage is that he is warning them of the possibility of losing their reward.” We know from 1 Corinthians chapter three that the work of every believer is going to be tested by fire. In verse nine, the writer is confident that his readers are going to live for God, and that they were not going to remain immature infants but grow up to be fully mature adults.
In verses 6:10-12, the writer references their “work and love” which they had shown toward Christ. There is still a glimmer of hope that these are true believers. They are like a tree, still showing signs of life, though fading. The writer encourages his readers to be diligent in their faith, rather than lethargic. Then he encourages them to “imitate” the faithful saints that have come before them.
In verses 6:13-20, the writer reminds his readers that God’s promises are a source of encouragement. God’s promises are a source of encouragement because they are reliable promises. They are reliable because they are based upon the character of God. Then the writer closes out this section with a focus on hope. The hope that he references here is the future prospect of eternal salvation. He refers to this hope as “an anchor for the soul.” These drifting Hebrews needed their souls anchored to God’s promises. This hope allows them and us to “enter the inner sanctuary.” This is a picture of us coming into the very presence of God.
Questions to Ponder
What is the difference between spiritual milk and solid food? How would you encourage others “to leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity”? If a professing Christian drifts away from Christ, in what way does this subject Christ to public disgrace? How can contemplation of God’s promises and character encourage us in our faith?
Prayer Points
- Praise the Lord as the Author and finisher of our faith. Thank the Lord that He lives in us by His Holy Spirit, the Hope of glory.
- Tell Him you are sorry for any unbelief or passivity. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring any unconfessed sin to your heart and mind.
- Pray for our Oak Pointe Church family to be reminded that our Father has given us eternal encouragement and good hope. Pray our hearts will be encouraged and we will be strengthened in every good deed and word.
Suggested Prayer
Oh Father in heaven, I praise You as Prince of Peace, my All and All. Lord, I ask today that You would remind me and Your people of Your faithfulness and goodness. Help us Lord to come to You, for You are the source of our encouragement. This world is not our home, help us to remember that we are citizens of heaven. Teach us Your way oh God, helps us to persevere and stand strong in Your mighty power. Help us to live out what You teach us. Empower us by Your Spirit and cause us to be compelled by Your love in the Name of Jesus Christ I ask, amen.