1. Near to the Heart of God A Study of the Book of Hebrews Lesson 14 Hebrews 6:1 – Who Are Those Who Fall Away? 1

2. Introduction Last week’s message was a “curve ball.”
The goal of last week’s message.
Prerequisites for understanding our text
Distinguishing Hebrews 6:4-8 from Hebrews 10:26-31
Grasping the corrupting influence of an unbeliever on the people of God
Recognizing the strong influence which the Judaisers exercised over the church, even the apostles.

3. Expectations – my requirements for accepting any interpretation of our text:
The interpretation must fit the flow of the argument .
It must make sense of the passage.
It must be consistent with the rest of Hebrews.
It must be consistent with other Scripture.
It must explain the key transition words “therefore” and “for.”
It must explain why unbelievers are dealt with in a passage addressed to believers.
It must instill confidence & encourage saints.

4. Distinguishing Hebrews 6 from Hebrews 10
Hebrews 6: Hebrews 10:26-31
“Those,” “them,” “they” “We”
“Fall away” “Go on sinning”
Rejecting Christ Presuming on grace
Can’t be renewed to Terrifying judgment
repentance
Fall “from God” (3:12) Falling “into God’s hands” (10:31)

5. Recognizing the negative impact an unbeliever can have upon the saints
Judas in John 12:1-8; Matthew 26:6-13
Deuteronomy 13:1-18 and 18:9-14
1 & 2 Corinthians
Recognizing the strong influence the Judaisers had upon the church
Acts 11:1-3; 15:1-6
Galatians 2:11-13

6. Following the flow of the argument and explaining transition words
The sufficiency of Christ – chaps. 1 & 2
The deficiency of man – chaps. 3 & 4
Warning (3:12-14)
Exhortation (4:11-16)
The greater high priestly ministry of Christ (5:1-10)
The problem of dullness (5:11-14)
They have become dull of hearing
They should have progressed
But instead they have regressed
They need “someone” to re-teach

7. Therefore, leaving this elementary teaching we press on to maturity (6:1). Why “therefore?”
1 Cor. 3:1: “I could not speak to you as spiritual men. . .”
Here: someone else is teaching ABC’s, but the author can and will teach them meat. Because they were not taught what they needed, “therefore” the author will teach it.
Who are these teachers? They are apostates. Verses 4-8 describe them: “For. . .”

8. Showing consistency with all of Hebrews and other biblical texts
1 Timothy 1:3-11
1 Timothy 4:1-7
2 Timothy 2:14-19
2 Timothy 3:1-9
Titus 1:10-16

9. How does this interpretation affirm and encourage the faith of believers?
A clear distinction is made between believers and unbelievers (6:4-12).
It holds believers corporately responsible for one another, and for discerning unbelief, apostasy, and false teaching. (Note how corporate responsibility is safer than single leader rule.)
Safeguarding can only be accomplished as the saints are knowledgeable in the Word of God.

10. Application About the title of this message The value of confidence.
Personal (2 Timothy 1:12)
Corporate (Philippians 1:6)
We should know “His voice” and follow Him, not others (John 10:3-5)
Choosing leaders you can follow
Value of N. T. Ecclesiology
Apostasy
Root it out of the church.
Get out of apostate church.

11. Copyright © 2008 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh
Copyright © 2008 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint
presentation of Lesson 14 in the series, Near to the Heart of God, A Study of
the Book of Hebrews prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for October 12, 2008.
Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or
without credit.