1. 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,

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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)

12. 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)

13. 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

14. 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