Pressing On to Maturity

Bible Study in the book of Hebrews: Pressing On to Maturity in Christ ________________________________________ Sermon Summary: Pressing On to Maturity Introduction & Prayer The sermon begins with a reading of Hebrews 5:12-6:3. Hebrews 5:12-6:3: "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil. Therefore, leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of instruction about washings and laying on of hands, and the resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. And this we will do, if God permits." The opening prayer asks God for strength for those who are sick and battling difficulties, acknowledging human dependence on God's providence. The prayer concludes with a request for the congregation to grow in maturity in the truth of God's Word and in their life in Christ. The Danger of Stagnation • Recap from last week: The pastor revisits the previous discussion on the "dullness" of the Hebrew listeners. They had become "muffled in their hearing." • This spiritual dullness led them to a point of stagnation. They should have been mature enough to teach others, but instead, they needed to be re-taught the basics. • Analogy of Stagnant Water: A stagnant body of water may have growth, but it's often unhealthy