Hebrews 6:1 (NKJV) 1 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,

Digging Deeper Today we introduce our theme for 2016 Last year’s theme was “Seek the Old Paths” We used that theme in 2015 to take a look at the fundamental issues of our faith

Digging Deeper Our study last year was to ensure that we had a good foundation Our study last year was to ensure that we know and understand the basic truths of God’s word Our study last year was to ensure that we are following God’s commands

Digging Deeper Now we build off of that theme as we move into 2016 This year’s theme is “Digging Deeper” Let’s seek to understand where our theme comes from and what we wish to accomplish in 2016

Hebrews 5:12 As this letter is written to the “Hebrews”, there is an indictment against them We see in verse 12 that they “ought to be teachers” In other words, they should have progressed

Hebrews 5:12 Here is indicated that they had already learned the first principles (“again”) They had forgotten the basics, which they had already learned once Perhaps this is why they were considering going back into Judaism

Hebrews 5:12 They were babes on milk, meaning that they could not handle solid food It’s sort of like math… Just like we have to learn and understand the basics of math to move on, we must learn and understand the basics of faith to grow

Hebrews 5:13 Those who partake of milk only are said to be unskilled in the word of righteousness Unskilled means inexperienced or ignorant; not having been approved Notice Paul’s words in II Timothy 2:15

Hebrews 5:13 Not only are they unskilled, but they are babes Babe is the word used referring to one who is an infant; simple-minded or immature This describes the one who has not grown or progressed in learning

Hebrews 5:14 The solid food is for those who are of full age Full age here means mature The Greek word for “full age” comes from the root of the same word for “perfection” found in 6:1 (similar meaning)

Hebrews 5:14 How do they get to full age? They do so by means of use or practice They practice having their senses (judgment; understanding) exercised to distinguish between good and evil (knowledge of such comes from God)

Hebrews 6:1 We should learn the elementary principles, but we should not be stuck there We want to go on to perfection We want to go on to maturity We want to go on to completeness

How Do We Grow? The Bible is certainly consistent on giving us the answer for growth Ephesians 4:13 Colossians 1:28 II Timothy 3:16-17