Hebrews 6 1 NKJV Therefore leaving the discussion

Hebrews 6: 1 (NKJV) Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 1

Digging Deeper • Today we introduce our theme for 2016 • Last year’s theme was “Seek the Old Paths” • We used that theme in 2015 to take a look at the fundamental issues of our faith

Digging Deeper • Our study last year was to ensure that we had a good foundation • Our study last year was to ensure that we know and understand the basic truths of God’s word • Our study last year was to ensure that we are following God’s commands

Digging Deeper • Now we build off of that theme as we move into 2016 • This year’s theme is “Digging Deeper” • Let’s seek to understand where our theme comes from and what we wish to accomplish in 2016

Hebrews 5: 12 • As this letter is written to the “Hebrews”, there is an indictment against them • We see in verse 12 that they “ought to be teachers” • In other words, they should have progressed

Hebrews 5: 12 • Here is indicated that they had already learned the first principles (“again”) • They had forgotten the basics, which they had already learned once • Perhaps this is why they were considering going back into Judaism

Hebrews 5: 12 • They were babes on milk, meaning that they could not handle solid food • It’s sort of like math… • Just like we have to learn and understand the basics of math to move on, we must learn and understand the basics of faith to grow

Hebrews 5: 13 • Those who partake of milk only are said to be unskilled in the word of righteousness • Unskilled means inexperienced or ignorant; not having been approved • Notice Paul’s words in II Timothy 2: 15

Hebrews 5: 13 • Not only are they unskilled, but they are babes • Babe is the word used referring to one who is an infant; simple-minded or immature • This describes the one who has not grown or progressed in learning

Hebrews 5: 14 • The solid food is for those who are of full age • Full age here means mature • The Greek word for “full age” comes from the root of the same word for “perfection” found in 6: 1 (similar meaning)

Hebrews 5: 14 • How do they get to full age? • They do so by means of use or practice • They practice having their senses (judgment; understanding) exercised to distinguish between good and evil (knowledge of such comes from God)

Hebrews 6: 1 • We should learn the elementary principles, but we should not be stuck there • We want to go on to perfection • We want to go on to maturity • We want to go on to completeness

How Do We Grow? • The Bible is certainly consistent on giving us the answer for growth • Ephesians 4: 13 • Colossians 1: 28 • II Timothy 3: 16 -17