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Hebrews 5:13-14 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 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.

 There are two common extremes in Christian circles-scared saints and secure sinners  The biblical doctrine of perseverance provides a balanced view.  The Mosaic laws and ritual had served a vital purpose, but these preparatory things had been superseded by the finished work of Christ.

I. The Folly of Immaturity (5:11-14) ◦ A hindrance to learning: The problem was with the readers-they weren’t mature enough to receive the truth. ◦ A product of apathy: They gradually became apathetic, lazy, and indifferent because they stopped applying truth. ◦ A characteristic of children: Full age means complete or mature. Use is exercise or practice. Exercise is taken from the athletic world. ◦ Athletes, musicians, students, and speakers mature as they put into practice the things they’ve learned; the same is true for Christians

II. The Danger of Apostasy (6:1-8)  The need for progress: ◦ Simply continuing to drink milk or rehashing the basics again isn’t the answer. ◦ The reader wanted them to progress and mature beyond the basics.

II. The Danger of Apostasy (cont)  The results of regression: ◦ A warning: At some time in their lives apostates give every indication of being saved. But instead of persevering, they “fall away” ◦ An illustration: Believers yield good fruit from God’s blessings, but unbelievers, though they may appear to flourish for a while, bear evil fruit.

II. The Danger of Apostasy (cont) ◦ Conclusion:  1. Outward appearance is no sure indicator of salvation.  2. There are many who initially respond to the gospel who have no spiritual vitality.  3. The genuine believer will remain faithful to Christ.

III. The Necessity of Perseverance (6:9-20)  An expression of confidence ◦ The author assures his readers of his confidence in them.  A demand for diligence ◦ The only safe-guard against laziness is diligence.  An assurance of God’s faithfulness ◦ God’s promise had the force of a legal guarantee (6:16)

1. What biblical doctrine provides balance for the scared saints and the secure sinners? 2. Christians must put into practice those things they have learned just like what kind of people? 3. At some time in their lives apostates give every indication of being saved. But instead of persevering, they “_______ ________”