Hebrews 6:1-12
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, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 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, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 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. 7 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. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.
9 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.
BIG TRUTH:
JESUS FOLLOWERS ARE DILIGENT, NOT SLUGGISH
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
Big Idea: The temptation to be sluggish, satisfied to stay, and self-absorbed is real and destructive.
(Heb 5:11-12, 6:1-8, 12)
Big Idea:
Diligent perseverance is a deep well of encouragement, comfort, and assurance in the Christian life. (Heb 6:9-11)
HOW DO WE STARVE SLUGGISHNESS AND DILIGENTLY “GO ON TO MATURITY”?
Big Idea:
Embrace the present, active, and ongoing work of salvation. (Heb 6:9)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5
For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.
1 Corinthians 1:18
Big Idea:
Honor God first. (Heb 6:10)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
Matthew 6:33
So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31
Big Idea:
Sacrificially serve God’s family. (Heb 6:10)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
John 13:34-35
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:12-13
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10
who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Titus 2:14
Big Idea:
Persevere in pursuit of maturity. (Heb 6:10-11)
Big Idea:
Imitate the faith and patience of godly saints. (Heb 6:12)
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity… 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 6:1, 11-12