Greetings, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ!
Today, we embark on a journey of growth and spiritual maturity, as we explore the profound teachings found in Hebrews 6:1-2. In this exhortation, the writer of Hebrews calls us to advance beyond the basics, to dig deeper into the mysteries of our faith, and to share this treasure with the world around us.
The Foundation: Embrace the Basics with Passion
"Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity..." - Hebrews 6:1a (ESV)
Every journey begins with a step, and our spiritual journey is no different. We start by embracing the foundational truths of our faith with passion and dedication. Repentance from sin and faith in God form the cornerstone of our walk with Christ. Repentance, as Charles Spurgeon beautifully expressed, is acknowledging our need for a Savior and turning away from our old life. Repentance is not perfection, but a true desire to submit to God's measure of holiness. Faith is the link between our soul and Christ, recognizing our sinful nature and His goodness. It is our trust and belief that God is the Alpha and Omega, that He is a soveriegn God, and He sent His son to die for us (and was victorious over death). This faith in the God and the Gospel is what brings us to repentance and moves us forward in our walk.
Charles Spurgeon’s Encouragement:
"The first link between my soul and Christ is not my goodness but my badness; not my merit but my misery; not my standing but my falling; not my riches but my need."
Pursue Maturity: Move from Milk to Meat
"...not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God..." - Hebrews 6:1b (ESV)
Our faith journey does not end at the starting line. It's a race towards maturity. Just as a child grows from milk to solid food, we too must move from the basics of our faith to a deeper understanding of God's Word. Baptisms, laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment are doctrines with easy to grasp concepts, but can also take us into deeper studies and conversations [debates]...the meat of our spiritual diet. Let us hunger for the deep truths of God, seeking to comprehend the mysteries of His kingdom.
John Piper’s Exhortation:
"The Christian life is a life of growth. If you're not growing, you're not following Jesus."
[Pastor Rob will remind you that the rate of growth for each believer is a personal journey and believers should not compare themselves]
Engage with the Profound: Uncover the Mysteries of Faith
*"...and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment."* - Hebrews 6:2 (ESV)
The Word of God is rich with profound teachings. Let us immerse ourselves in the Scriptures, seeking wisdom and revelation. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Laying on of hands signifies impartation and anointing for service. The resurrection of the dead assures us of eternal life, and eternal judgment reminds us of the accountability we have before God. These are crucial doctrines for every believer to understand!
Learn and Share the Mystery
Now is the time to heed this call to action! Let us dive deep into the Word, learn the foundational doctrines, and grow in spiritual maturity. But don't stop there—share this treasure with others. The Gospel is meant to be proclaimed, and the mysteries of God are meant to be revealed.
Let us commit to studying the Word daily, not just skimming the surface but plumbing the depths of its wisdom. Seek out mentors, engage in Bible studies, and immerse yourself in a church that thirsts for spiritual growth.
Additionally, let us boldly proclaim these foundational truths to a world in need. The lost, the broken, the hurting—they all need to hear this Gospel. The message of repentance, faith, and the hope found in the resurrection and eternal life is a beacon of light in a dark world.
In doing so, we will not only honor our Savior but also fulfill our purpose in this world—to be a light, a salt, and a vessel of God's grace. The mysteries of our faith are not meant to be hidden but to be proclaimed, to be shared, and to transform lives.
*"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes..."* (Romans 1:16 ESV).
May we boldly and authentically live out the teachings of Hebrews 6:1-2. Amen!
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