Thematic Studies In Bible Basics

General Introduction When the basic concepts of something are discussed, those are called the “ABC’s” One must learn “A…B…C…” in school before he can read, write, or spell proficiently Every profession has certain “basics” that must be mastered before more advanced concepts, techniques are taken on

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction Even the religion of Christ has such basics The consequences of failing to grasp these basics are greater than in any secular pursuit A failure to master “Biblical ABC’s” can result in souls being lost for all eternity A review of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 illustrates this truth

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction An Exposition Of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 Many important truths need to be taught re: Jesus Christ Ù e.g. His priesthood 5:1-10 A thought previously introduced 2:17 4:14-15 Also an ancient prophecy cp. Psa 110:4 Successfully establishing this would convince the Hebrew Christians to not return to the Law

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction An Exposition Of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 The priesthood of Christ was “after the order” of Melchizedek 5:10 Therefore, a proper understanding of this O.T. character would be necessary cp. Gen 14 Concerning Melchizedek the Hebrews writer “had much to say…” 5:11a

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction An Exposition Of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 Regrettably, the author had to pause in this important discussion Not because the subject was too difficult to grasp The problem was the readers themselves…they were not ready to receive (understand) 5:11b “Dull of hearing” = spiritual laziness cp. 6:12

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction An Exposition Of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 This problem was something they had brought upon themselves…they had “become” dull They had stopped listening, stopped growing cp. 2 Pet 3:18 Their failure to want to learn was the reason they could not comprehend what needed to be taught

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction An Exposition Of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 What made this so disappointing is the author was dealing with people who shouldn’t even have been in such a dilemma 5:12a He was not writing to “new converts” Enough time had elapsed that these readers should have been “teachers” Ù mature enough to understand

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction An Exposition Of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 Instead of being able to teach others, they themselves still needed to be taught 5:12b And not just be taught, but be taught “…the elementary (first) principles of the oracles of God” 5:12c The “spiritual ABC’s”

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction An Exposition Of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 There is nothing wrong with being a “babe in Christ” if that is where one should be Babes should “be on the bottle” cp. 1 Pet 2:1-3 However, that was not the “category” the readers of the Hebrews epistle were to be in Sadly, it may even describe some of us

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction An Exposition Of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 They were still “spiritual babies” because they were “not accustomed to (were unskilled in) the word of righteousness” 5:13 Maturity in the word of God = a “skill” 2 Tim 2:15 This “skill” is only honed by “reason of use” of a disciple’s senses to discern good and evil 5:14

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics General Introduction An Exposition Of Heb 5:11 – 6:3 Their failure in possessing this “skill” is why they could not eat the “strong meat” and had to settle with only milk 5:12c Spiritual maturity does not occur just because we’ve been a disciple for a long time, or because we come from generations of Christians