July 28, 2014

GROWING IN MATURITY

Hebrews 6:1–12

Betsy Foster
Monday's Devo

July 28, 2014

Monday's Devo

July 28, 2014

Central Truth

We cannot become complacent and stagnant in our faith, but must continually pursue maturity in Christ.

Key Verse | Hebrews 6:11–12

And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:11-12)

Hebrews 6:1–12

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, 1 6:2 Or baptisms (that is, cleansing rites) the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits. For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

Footnotes

[1] 6:2 Or baptisms (that is, cleansing rites)

Dive Deeper | Hebrews 6:1–12

Many times, we make bold announcements, like "I'm going to lose 10 pounds," "I'm going to run a marathon this year," or "I'm going to eliminate debt this year." However, when it comes down to putting in the hard work, we waver, run back to our old ways, and give up. This pattern reminds me of our faith in Jesus Christ; something causes us to stumble, and we immediately turn back to the sin we know so well.

The writer is telling the Hebrews audience in verse 1: "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God." Basically, the writer wants us to leave behind our shallow faith and pursue maturity in Christ so we can advance the kingdom. Just like losing weight, running a marathon, or eliminating debt requires action on our part, so does maturity in Christ. Let this not be be confused with God's free gift of grace. Salvation can never be earned; however, like any relationship, we must pursue intimacy.

The passage continues with encouragement, stating: "And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:11-12) The writer desires us to be diligent in becoming imitators of Christ. This may seem like a daunting task, but we were created to do this! Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

So just as we can't remain stagnant if we want to accomplish our goals, we must press on toward maturity in Christ!

Discussion Questions

1. What sin patterns in your life are constantly making you stumble?

2. If there are specific sins that are keeping you from maturity in Christ, what steps can you take to knock these sins down? And who in your life will help keep you accountable?

3. How will you begin pursuing maturity in Christ this week?