The Star Shepherd
December 21, 2009 by David H. Roper
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A Better Covenant part 14
The Better Covenant
The Danger of Falling Away
Hebrews 6:1-12
Hebrews 6:1-3
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,
2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
3 And this we will do if God permits.
Foundation truths.
It is important to see these truths for what they are – truly foundational. Remember that a foundation is a solid and secure base on which one can build. Once the foundation has been laid, we can trust ourselves to it and get on with the business of construction. What the writer identified for these panicky Jewish believers who look back to the Old Testament faith and lifestyle are foundational truths that should provide security. Grasping them, feeling secure, these believers should have gone on to maturity.
What are the foundational truths on which we can depend?
(1) Repentance from dead works.
Coming to Christ we realize that our works had nothing to do with salvation or the life Jesus offers. We turn away from a “works righteousness” in the Christian life as well.
(2) Faith in God.
Trust in God is the key to salvation. That transaction of saving faith is complete.
(3) Instruction about baptisms.
In the early church, careful instruction preceded baptism. It is likely this refers to the basic doctrines taught and accepted before baptism took place.
(4) Laying on of hands.
This may refer to church discipline (leaders were appointed with the laying on of hands) or perhaps to teaching about the Holy Spirit (whose entry into the believer was so symbolized).
(5) Resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment.
These doctrines summarize the believer’s hope.
Is the death of Jesus not enough for you?
Hebrews 6:4-6
4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit,
5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come,
6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
Are you being fruitful?
Hebrews 6:7-8
7 For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God;
8 but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.
Can you be encouraged?
Hebrews 6:9-12
9 But, beloved, we are confident of better things concerning you, yes, things that accompany salvation, though we speak in this manner.
10 For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
11 And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end,
12 that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
The writer, then, is asking us to believe so fully that when Christ came into our lives all these things were settled that we no longer worry about our relationship with the Lord. We know that He loves us. We know that we are saved.
- God wants us to know that Jesus’ death is enough. There is no more need for sacrifices for sin.
- By His one sacrifice Jesus made “perfect forever those who are being made holy” (10:14).
- You and I, like the Hebrews, are free to get on with the business of living for Jesus because He has resolved forever the question of our relationship with God.
A Better Covenant part 13
A Better Covenant
Spiritual Immaturity
Hebrews 5:9-14
9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,
10 called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek,”
11 of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.
13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.
14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
The Four “D’s” of Spiritual Danger:
(1) Dull of Hearing
- This is not:
- The inability to hear
- The refusal to listen
- An attention disorder
- This is:
- A lack of care
- A lack of ambition
- A lack of devotion
(2) Dietary Neophytes
- Neophyte = (Encarta Dictionary)
1. Beginner – a beginner or novice at something
2. Recent Convert – a recent convert to a religion
3. Religious Novice – a new resident to a religious community who has not yet taken vows
- Should have:
- Already matured
- Already been well taught
- Already moved past the basics
(3) Diapered Sword Handlers
- Babies are:
- Unaware of many of their surroundings
- Unaware of dangers around them
- Unable to defend themselves
- Unskillful in:
(1) Finding,
(2) Quoting,
(3) Defending,
(4) Applying,
- They do not use the Word:
(1) Harmoniously,
(2) Impartially,
(3) Practically.
(4) Discerners of Good & Evil
- Christian development realities:
(1.) There have always been children, the young, and the mature.
(2.) Everyone needs continual nourishment
(3.) The word of God is that food and nourishment to spiritual life
(4.) Each one has to eat at their own level
(5.) The spiritual senses develop over time and are dulled by sin
- There are spiritual senses as well as natural.
- There is a spiritual eye, a spiritual appetite, a spiritual taste; the soul has its sensations as well as the body; these are much depraved and lost by sin, but they are recovered by grace.
(6.) It is by use and exercise that these senses are improved
- They are made more quick and strong to taste the sweetness of what is good and true, and the bitterness of what is false and evil.
- Not only reason and faith, but spiritual sense, will teach men to distinguish between what is pleasing and what is provoking to God, between what is helpful and what is hurtful to our own souls.
CHALLENGE:
(1) Evaluate where you are.
(2) Grow from there.
