Judaism key belief in one God, who revealed Himself to Abraham, Moses and the Hebrew prophets.
To me, knowing who the audience is to the author, is extremely important to understanding the Book of Hebrews, and for our message today, as well. Since his audience were Jewish converts, his message needed to be relatable to them.
The author teaches these “greater thans”:
Jesus is greater than:
the prophets 1:1-3
the angels 1:4-14, 2:5
Moses 3:1-6
Joshua chapter 4:6-11
Aaronic high priests 5:1-10, 7:26-8:2
Levitical priests 6:20-7:25
Jesus as the high priest in the order of Melchizedek is greater than Abraham 7:1-10
greater than the tabernacle ministry 8:3-6, 9:1-28
new covenant is greater than the old covenant 8:7-13
Jesus’ sacrifice is greater than OT sacrifices 10:1-14
Jews in the 1st century were tempted to fall back into Judaism because of uncertainty, the security of custom, and the fear of persecution.
In Hebrews, we see where all the threads of the OT are being pulled together in a conclusion, as well as an appeal from the author.
Now, let’s look at Peter’s 1st Epistle.
Author: The apostle Peter
Date: early sixties A.D. (so Hebrews and 1st Peter were written in the era.
Audience: Mostly gentiles, who were suffering rejection in the world, because of their obedience to Christ.
I believe we can easily relate to these two audiences.
At least from a fear of persecution, and being rejected by the world because we are followers of Christ.
This examination caused me to think:
If we are still being nourished by milk, instead of solid food, we might not be much of a threat to the enemy.
So now the stage is set, so to speak, for today’s word.
Dull of hearing
Stand with me as we honor God while reading His word.
Hebrews 5:11–14 “of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
If you recall the “greater thans” just mentioned, 6 of the 10 had been revealed in the first 5 chapters, up to v10.
prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, and Aaronic high priests.
Then, in verse 11, the author kind of interrupts himself and sort of goes into a rant.
Listen again to:
Hebrews 5:11–14 “of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Up until this point, he is kind of laying out the law then says “dang y’all, you should be knowing this by now”. “We’re burning daylight, but going over this again”.
Dull of hearing- one version I read was “dull and sluggish”. The Greek transliteration of that phrase is not very becoming to say the least.
Illustration: Reminded me of a scene in the movie “Fools Rush In”. The character played by Matthew Perry is in a passionate discussion, and his wife, blurts out something in Spanish. He doesn’t understand and asks her to speak that in English. She does, and he replies “it sounded so much prettier in Spanish”.
This transliteration from Greek to English, sounds so much prettier in English!
But he is urgently trying to get their attention, so direct, harsh words are needed.
After studying this passage, I began to consider,
Who are we to teach? And then I recalled that survey of British children and adults of the meaning of Christmas. Y’all remember that from a few weeks back?
So, who are we to teach?
The children.
Deuteronomy 6:5–7 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Sounds like we need to be in “beast mode” as teachers.
As teachers, we have to have the knowledge to teach right?
We have to be in our bibles everyday, if we are going to teach.
Who else are we to teach?
Listen to what Paul tells us in Timothy:
2 Timothy 2:2 “And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”
Who are the faithful men?
Those who are teachable, and able to teach.
Let’s look at verse 3
2 Timothy 2:3 “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”
We might take on gunfire, as a teacher, y’all.
Just another reason to suit up in the Armor of God.
Listen to what Jesus says about being persecuted in:
John 15:20–21 “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me.”
Last week, I commended those who got out of their comfort zone, and served during the children’s Christmas program.
I believe that in order to experience spiritual growth, we must get out of our comfort zone.
I can almost guarantee that some of you who served in the children’s Christmas program, never saw yourself as doing such a thing!
But you did, and you grew!
We aren’t physically born as a babe one day, and a full card-carrying adult the next day!
It is the same with spiritual growth.
But just like physical growth, daily nourishment is required.
Who to teach?
Children and faithful men.
Paul continues in:
Titus 2:3–4 “the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things—that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children,”
Chapter 2 in Titus is controversial, I believe largely to the fact that it is not taken into full context of it’s purpose.
But, I don’t believe that Paul is confining this directive merely to “older women”, because he uses the word “likewise”.
So this is an inclusion of older women, not a restriction to older women.
Don’t be deceived into thinking that teaching is restricted to those who have the gift of teaching.
Those who have the gift of teaching have a higher calling, but we can all teach each other how to grow spiritually!
As we examine all 3 passages today, it is important to realize that:
the author is taking a literal illustration to explain a spiritual context.
Illustration: As I was going back over my notes, and organizing my thoughts for the message, I read my notes as “soul food”.
Took me a second to realize it said “solid”, not “soul” food.
That term soul food, took me way back to my teens. I spent most summers as a teen living with my mom in the Heights of Houston. There were many establishments during that time of the 70’s, that were called “Soul Food Kitchen” or the like. When I finally got brave enough to check it out, I realized, that with a few exceptions (such as chitlins), soul food was what I was raised on, but we called it “country cookin”.
Now listen, same food, different hands.
That’s the way our biblical teaching must be:
Same Word (capital W). Different hands.
You follow me?
Hold up the amen sign
So, there’s something to chew on regarding Who to teach,
But what are we to teach?
Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
Here’s what I believe we need to do to gain spiritual growth, in order to teach “solid food”. Not soul food, but solid food.
This verse tells us:
Whose senses are trained by practice.
These are spiritual senses the author is speaking of.
How do we train our spiritual senses?
Prayer- as an example, one of my prayers before I began researching and preparing a sermon is “God open my spiritual eyes to your Word”. We’ve got to ask for it, y’all!
Scripture- I hate to be the one to break this to you, but you will not grow in spiritual stature, by only studying God’s Word on Sunday. Go back to Deuteronomy 6:5–7 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
We must walk according to our understanding of God’s will in our life!
So, what are we to teach?
How to pray. Importance and need for prayer.
How to study scripture
How to and why we should walk in obedience
Considering the all of v14, what is the purpose of what the author is telling us?
Now look at v14b:
“distinguishing what is good and what is evil.”
As Christians, we are faced with good and evil choices everyday aren’t we?
Obviously making wise choices begins by staying in the word of God.
This directs our thoughts,
which controls our emotions,
both of which shape our behavior and character.
There are going to be hindrances of every shape, size and color.
The big 3 in my mind are:
Pride
Lack of faith
Disobedience
If we are teaching correctly, we will:
grow through God’s love,
by His mercy,
so we can see His Holiness for what it truly is!
Just in case you didn’t get a chance to see part of last weeks children’s ministry, I want to share this with you.
The children were asked to use a word to describe God.
Here were their responses:
Love, kind, good, special, respectful, nice, helpful, generous, powerful, Holy, faithful, merciful, thankful, King, trustful, provider, healer, strong, wonderful, savior, teacher, real, cool, everything great.
These kids are 5-13 years old!
That’s teaching and that’s receiving the teaching!!!
We must know how to teach God’s Word aright, discerningly.
Martin Luther
I believe that truth is required to teach truth. By that, I mean we must speak truth with love. Listen to what the Hebrews author teaches us in Chapter 6.
Dead Works
Hebrews 6:1–6 “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, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.”
Faith is the root of works. A root that produces nothing is dead.
Thomas Wilson
Examples of dead works
Going to Sunday school and worship and being unfazed when we leave.
Illustration: CR worship-Last week @ CR during worship, I was compelled to go speak to someone.
It was urgent or time sensitive that I speak to this person, and it hit me, almost as soon as I had the impulse, that I wasn’t worshipping at all! It was “dead works”.
When we are in worship @ CPC, I’m going to respectfully ask that you not interrupt anyone during worship, unless it it a life-threatening situation or extremely urgent. Because even though you might not be in a moment of worship, the person you interrupt might be in sincere worship, and that interruption in my mind, would be a grievance to the Holy Spirit.
Are you with me?
Here’s another example of dead works:
I’m just going to say this church. If you are not physically moved when you take communion, your works might be dead!
Illustration- I was physically moved when Ashley and Crystal took Communion during their wedding ceremony.
I was moved, because I knew what Christs’ sacrifice meant to me!
One final example of dead works:
If you hear a sermon or bible lesson, as a lecture rather than the life-giving word of God…just sayin’
…you know, just waiting for it to be over, so you check a box.
I’m skimming these verses a bit today, because we are going to dig into these scriptures in the coming weeks, but I want to lay some groundwork today.
read Hebrews 6:2 “of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.”
He’s telling the Hebrews, “we’ve got to get past some of these teachings that you should have been proficient at long ago.”
Hebrews 6:3 “And this we will do if God permits.”
v3 (amp) and we will do this, that is proceed to maturity, if God permits.
Ask some “what does your bible say”?
5 Amazing truths:
Repentance from dead works
Faith toward God- reminder that the authors audience is Jewish people who have converted from Judaism (Believe in One God who revealed Himself to Abraham, Moses and the Hebrew prophets) to Christianity, therefore, seeing a Triune God, was quite possibly, not completely clear to them.
The new covenant meaning of baptism
Laying on of hands
Resurrection
The author is telling these Hebrews that these are the foundational truths to build on, BUT God will not permit this, unless the Hebrews appreciate the need for, and the process of spiritual growth.
WOW! Is that you and me?
Hebrews 6:4–6 “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.”
Incredibly strong words by the author, and much disagreement exists about it’s meaning, especially in the context of the audience.
But here’s what I want to share with you today:
If there is a shadow of doubt about your salvation, don’t wait!
Yesterday I thought about the school showing in Iowa.
A sixth grader was killed at the hand of another person.
I want to remove the age of the person, as I try to explain this.
What if that person, only moments before, was considering her salvation, but not yet accepted Christ…obviously she had no way of knowing a few short minutes it would be too late.
We don’t know! There’s no guarantee.
Don’t let the lie of “there’s still time” separate you from an eternity in heaven.
So much to share with you over the next weeks, but I want to close this part of today’s message with this:
Ephesians 4:13 “till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;”
This verse exemplifies what we should strive for in our spiritual growth.
Read it again.
Cravings
1 Peter 2:1–3 “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.”
Today, I’d like to mainly focus on v2-3.
1 Peter 2:2 “as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby,”
Desire- long for, crave
Peter is telling us, when we are born again, we should crave for spiritual milk (referred to a solid food in Hebrews)
That spiritual milk is the Word of God.
That same word that brought us to (reborn life) sustains us each day.
God is not done with us when we first believe, and spiritual growth is not optional.
Day by day, God makes us into what we already are in Christ.
Every person that truly believes in Christ is increasingly transformed into His likeness.
In desiring this pure milk, we see:
Reverence for God, which means reverence for scripture.
and that by serving God, we are being obedient to scripture.
We honor God,
when we prize His word
pore over His word
and live His word out
Think about this.
I believe God’s spiritual milk is simple enough for the youngest infant (in the faith), but solid enough for the most mature believers.
Maybe you don’t yet have a craving for God’s word.
Could it be because you haven’t tasted the Lord’s kindness, mercy and grace and received salvation?
Maybe sin is keeping you from craving God’s word.
Ever heard this? God’s word will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from God’s word.
How bout this one? For me personally, if I crave junk food, and fill myself up with junk food, there’s no room for “solid food”
Maybe your junk food is television
or the wrong music
or wrong books, magazines, or newspapers?
We make room for spiritual food by choosing to remove junk food in our lives.
Conversely, here are some signs of spiritual growth:
Titus 2:14 “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.”
Being zealous for good works is a sign of spiritual growth
Romans 12:12 “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;”
Having a desire to be devoted to a strong, engaged, purposeful prayer-life, is another sign of spiritual growth.
I mentioned having the desire, or longing for, or craving for God’s word, check out:
Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
Here are a few other signs:
John 6:35 “And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
Our desiring of fellowship with Christ, is a sign of spiritual growth
Romans 8:5 “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.”
We are either in the flesh or in the Spirit. They don’t co-exist!
When we set our minds on, and live according to; the things of the spirit; we will experience spiritual growth!
Here’s one for ya:
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Boldness in our faith is a sign of spiritual growth
Have you ever considered this: Hope is contagious!
1 Peter 1:13 “Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;”
When we spread hope, we are growing spiritually.
Towards the end of the first chapter of 1st Peter, we see this:
v23 amp: for you have been born again, that is, reborn from above-spiritually transformed, renewed, and set apart for His purpose, not of seed which is perishable but from that which is imperishable and immortal, that is, throught eh living and everlasting word of God.
Then when we examine the first verse of 1 Peter chapter 2, it makes a bit more sense:
1 Peter 2:1 “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,”
Since we are reborn of an incorruptible seed, we must lay aside:
all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking,”
Thereby making room for our spiritual growth!
So for my first closing:
John 3:3 “Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.””
Here’s what I believe Jesus is saying: Spiritual birth must take place, before spiritual growth can take place.
We must be reborn again, by taking Jesus as our Lord and Savior.
Illustration:
I’ve never been one to place emphasis on memorizing scripture, but one are for spiritual growth is for me to memorize scripture.
I saw a youtube video recently, and someone was offering to fill up peoples gas tanks if they could quote one bible verse.
It very well could have been skewed to prove a point, but sadly, hardly anyone could quote a bible verse.
So look y’all: I’m wanting that free tank of gas, so I’m definitely memorizing scripture.
Seriously though: I want to write God’s word on the tablet of my heart, because out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.
