Off the Shelf Sunday School--Hebrews

Spiritual Growth and Perserverence (6:1-12)

Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so. It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is famed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned. Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, in order to make your hope sure. We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. 

1.     The writer describes some religious practices that have a form of godliness, but cannot perfect people or make them acceptable to God. These are “dead works” when they become ritual and routine, rather than expressions of faith. Some examples given are baptisms, laying on of hands, and people who are stuck in a cycle of confessions of the same sins. Can you think of other religious practices that promise salvation?

2.     Faith in God, the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment are listed among the religious practices. These are true Biblical doctrines of Christianity. I believe the author lists them, with some examples of religious practices, as a warning to beware of teachings that combine truth with error. Some Christian churches have drifted from the Biblical teachings of salvation by faith alone. They teach that certain sacraments, rituals and good works must also be performed in order to be saved.   

3.     There have always been false disciples of Jesus, mixed with those who are genuine in their faith. Beginning with Judas, these false followers have been enlightened by the teachings of Jesus (and the Bible for later Christians). They are attracted to Jesus for various reasons, but they do not commit to him and his ways. They may feel the presence and power of the Holy Spirit through miracles. They may experience the fellowship and love among his disciples. After all this, they deny Jesus and reject him. They become enemies of the gospel and have joined his enemies.   

4.     Jesus said that those who are his genuine disciples (born-again), will show evidence by persevering in their faith and by producing good works, in obedience to the leading of the Holy Spirit. (Mt 13: 18-30; Gal 5:2-6) Religious doctrines and practices may be helpful. However, they must not replace nor conflict with the Bible and the internal leading of the Holy Spirit.

5.     How does the reliance on religious practices, rituals and works make Christians spiritually lazy? How do these things give a false sense of security? How do they keep people from growing spiritually?