July 25, 2014
HALL OF FAMER OR ONE-HIT WONDER?
Hebrews 5
Truby McDougal
Central Truth
Our relationship with God is not a one-time commitment; it's daily growth in our pursuit of God and knowing God.
Key Verse | Hebrews 5:14
But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (Hebrews 5:14)
Hebrews 5
1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,
“You are my Son,
today I have begotten you”;
6 as he says also in another place,
“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus 1 5:7 Greek he offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Warning Against Apostasy
11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.
Dive Deeper | Hebrews 5
When I was in college, I desperately wanted to know how to play the guitar. I mean, who doesn't like the guitar player? So about 20 years ago, I got one and started learning chords. I learned some strumming patterns and some songs. Currently, I know four chords I can play without looking at the dots on the frets, and I can somewhat play "Amazing Grace" and the theme to "Bonanza." What happened? I got bored. It was hard. I got busy with other priorities. So I stopped playing for a while, and then I forgot what little I had learned and never developed an ear to recognize the right note/chords. My daughter now wants me to teach her how to play, but there's no way I could. I've lost what little knowledge I did learn about playing the guitar.
Unfortunately, this can happen in my spiritual walk, too. As a new believer, I was on fire for the Word. It was new and exciting. It doesn't mean I didn't accept Christ as my Lord and Savior, I just got "dull of hearing" (verse 11) because I was immature in my spiritual walk. Today, I still sometimes let the business of this broken world lead me to this same place. I must remain diligent in my prayer life and study of Scripture. This is so I will grow in my faith and my relationship with God. We should also be teaching others (verse 12) of God's mercy and grace. This is hard if we only know four chords. When I am consistently in God's Word, I find that He opens my eyes to more understanding. Whether it's a daily devotional (The Journey), the Summit (the Watermark Men's Bible study), or a study with your community group, you will grow more in your walk with God.
So, 20 years later, I still have the same guitar. I still want to know how to play it. I still only know four chords, but I have a deeper understanding of God and what His will is for me, and I love to share that with other believers and nonbelievers.
Discussion Questions
1. What's keeping you from growing spiritually right now?
2. What are three steps you can take to remove those obstacles?
3. Who in your life is holding you accountable to remove those obstacles and grow spiritually?
4. If you don't have an answer to any of these questions, I would love to meet with you and pray for you.