1. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH A STUDY IN HEBREWS Pressing On To Maturity 5:11-14; 6:1-12

2. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH “Does anyone know what a “twixter” is?”

3. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH A “twixter” is a young adult who simply won’t grow up.

4. Characteristics of a “Twixter” 1.Go out 3 to 4 nights a week 2.Have held several jobs since college 3.Do not own homes 4.Change apartments frequently 5.Not married, delay marriage until 28 or older 6.Focused on self 7.Many live with parents

5. James Polehinke

6. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH Relatives said that he has questioned his relationship with God after the ordeal. When he regained consciousness he asked, “Why did God do this to me?”

7. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH How is this question a sign of spiritual maturity? What other common questions do spiritually immature people ask?

9. DISCUSSION GUIDE 1.What is the first characteristic of the Hebrew Christian’s that is mentioned in (Heb. 5:11)? That they were “dull of hearing.”

10. DISCUSSION GUIDE 2.Have you ever thought our… Worship is dull? ABF is dull? Preaching is dull? Could it be that your spiritual life has plateaued?

11. DISCUSSION GUIDE 3.How is not feeling ill equipped to share the truth of the Word with others evidence of an immature faith? (v. 12) A growing, mature Christian feels equipped to tell others or at least is willing to try. Not everyone is gifted to be a teacher, but all Christians should be equipped to speak the truth of God’s Word

12. DISCUSSION GUIDE 4.What is portrayed as “milk” and “solid food” in (vs. 12-14)? Milk – The first principles of the oracles of God. Solid Food – The teaching about Jesus’ ministry

13. DISCUSSION GUIDE 5.What is another characteristic of maturity in (v. 14)? Practice in the use of the principals of Christ

14. DISCUSSION GUIDE 6. How do you practice using the principals of Christ?

15. DISCUSSION GUIDE 7.What six foundational truths are listed in (Heb. 6:1-3)? a. Repentance - Changing one’s mind b. Faith - First repentance then faith c. Baptism - Identify with Christ and a local body

16. 7.What six foundational truths are listed in (Heb. 6:1-3)? d. Laying on of hands - Sharing the blessings in the church e. Resurrection of the dead – Everyone will be resurrected f. Final Judgment – Everyone will face the judgment DISCUSSION GUIDE

17. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH 8. (Hebrews 6:4-6) seems to speak about losing one’s salvation through committing an unpardonable sin, what was the authors true intent of these verses? The author of Hebrews, did not operate with the theology of Ephesians where ‘being saved’ is spoken of as a past fact, therefore he is referring to not losing one’s salvation but to losing the experience of a fresh start that they once enjoyed

18. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH 9. Where are you currently in your spiritual life? Are you experiencing the excitement of when you first became a Christian or is your current walk dull?

19. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH 10. What was the meaning of the illustration in (vs. 7-8)? The author is talking about living a productive Christian life or an unproductive Christian life. The productive life will receive the blessings of God

20. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH 11. How are you storing up treasures in heaven by living as a productive Christian?

21. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH 12. What are the positive principals of spiritual progress outlined in (vs. 9-12)? a. (v. 9)We can improve b. (v. 10)God observes and notes our progress c. (v. 11)Through diligence we can realize the full experience of salvation d. (v. 12)By not being sluggish we should imitate faithful models

22. G et daily food R egular exercise O ccupy clean surroundings W ean yourself U nconditional love P eriodic checkups GROW UP SPIRITUALLY

23. F L E S H I NG O U T Y O U R FAITH 1.Do you spend more time accumulating earthly rewards than spiritual (eternal) rewards? 2.If you were to rate your current spiritual condition (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being terrible and 10 being excellent) how would you rate yourself today? 3.With what spiritual disciplines do you need the most help? 4.What lifestyle changes do you need to make to get disciplined spiritually?