Hebrews 6
by Philip Layton
The author lists some of the ‘elementary teachings’ we are to go beyond
Discussion Questions
- Would you have considered these subjects to be classed as ‘elementary teachings’ (vv 1-3)?
- How familiar are you with these subjects?
- ‘The resurrection of the dead’ is classed as an elementary teaching (v 2). Should our resurrection be a more familiar topic in meetings?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
Any parent who notices that their child is failing to grow and develop – physically, mentally or emotionally – and fails to raise it with their doctor is seriously failing that child. Growth and development are essential signs of health. Similarly, any church leader who accepts a lack of spiritual growth in his or her congregation is failing them. Continually laying foundations is not enough. Those foundations must be built upon. A congregation, and every individual member of it, must ‘go on to maturity’ (v 1).
Such an advance to maturity is not and optional extra. It’s not just a pleasant possibility. Maturing spiritually is our inheritance and it is a tragedy if we never claim it. The Saviour came, died and rose again not just to enable us to have our sin forgiven but to enable us to master it. There is more than pardon on offer. Power is available too. Power to be the mature, whole person God plans us to be.
How long does it take to achieve that maturity? A moment, a lifetime, eternity? We must leave the timescale to God. Our part lies in the seeking of it. And we should be enthusiastic in that quest. As I put it in a song from one of my musicals:
It’s the work of a moment, it’s the work of a lifetime.
It is born in an instant. It may take an eternity.
But the work of the Spirit, of the transforming Spirit,
Can begin at this moment, in me!
The write of the letter to the Hebrews shows how much he longs for every Christian to take this seriously: ‘W long for every one of you to show the same eager concern, until your hope is finally realised. We want you not to become lazy, but to imitate those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises’ (vv 11-12 NEB)
John Gowans
Tags: Hebrews