Theme: Returning to our First Love
Topic: Overcoming Spiritual Apathy
Text: Hebrews 6:1-12.
Key verse: Hebrews 6:12 “…that you do not become sluggish but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Introduction:
The writer of Hebrews in the concluding parts of Hebrews Chapter 5 calls his readers to spiritual growth, citing their dependence on others to teach them basic things about God’s word when they should be the ones teaching others (Hebrews 5:11-14). He then continues in Chapter 6 with an admonition that they leave the elementary principles of Christ and instead, go on to perfection, or as the NLT version puts it, “become mature in their understanding” (Hebrews 6:1 NLT). The writer is addressing a Christian audience whom he refers to as “Enlightened” in verse 4 and 5 where he says, “For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened and have tasted the heavenly gift and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come…” (Hebrews 6:4-5 NKJV). His basic point is that as a Christian grows in their knowledge of Jesus Christ and in the foundational building blocks for faith, there should come a time where they are ready to take on more advanced teachings such that as their knowledge increases, so will their appetite to move on to a deeper, more mature understanding of the Christian walk. Stagnation or retardation would be a sign of a problem.
Q1. (1a) Read Hebrews 6:1-2 in NLT. What are the elementary teachings that the writer lists in these verses? (1b) Why does the writer specifically list these foundational principles here? (1c) Read Hebrews 6:7-8; John 15:1-4. Why is it important for a Christian to grow in their knowledge of Jesus? Discuss the potential issues of spiritual stagnation or retardation to a Christian and to the body of Christ.
Paragraph 2:
In Hebrews 6:12 NKJV, the writer encourages believers not to be sluggish. To be sluggish is to be slow-moving or inactive, lacking in energy or zeal. In NLT, the same verse refers to it as “becoming spiritually dull and indifferent.” This is a warning against the lure of spiritual apathy: a state of indifference or lack of concern for spiritual matters, including one’s relationship with God and the pursuit of spiritual growth. It is characterized by a feeling of detachment or disinterest, asif the soul has lost its passion and zeal for the things of God and can manifest as a tendency to disengage from spiritual activities and even fellowship with other saints. It can sometimes creep in unnoticed if a Christian allows worldly distractions to consume their time and attention, hence the stern word of caution from the Hebrew writer.
Q2. (2a) Read Hebrews 10:26; Romans 6:12. What are some of the things that might cause a Christian to stagnate in their spiritual growth and fall away? (2b) Read Hebrews 6:4-6. The writer says, “…it is impossible for those who were once enlightened to be renewed again to repentance” (Hebrews 6:4 NKJV). Who is the writer referring to in this verse? (2c) What does the writer mean when he says that “they crucify again for themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame?”
Paragraph 3:
It is not unusual to become tired of doing the same thing repeatedly. Church workers often report becoming burned out after years of serving in ministry. Knowing this, we can point to many passages in Scripture where believers are encouraged to run the race with endurance and not grow weary in doing good (Hebrews 12:1-3, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Isaiah 40:31). In the same manner, the writer in Hebrews 6:10 reminds believers of God’s justice and love for those who believe in Him and encourages them to stay the course – to continue to learn and grow and walk in faith. It takes intentionality on our part, as noted in verse 12, the need to “imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:12 NKJV).
Q3. Read Hebrews 6:12-13 NLT (3a) What category of people does the writer encourage believers to imitate? What example does he provide of this? Can you name any others? (3b) Discuss some of the characteristics of these people that kept them from falling away from the faith. (3c) Read Hebrews 10:23-25. What are some practical steps believers can take to remain firmly tethered to Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Lord, thank You for this timely reminder that we need to be intentional about staying rooted in You so that we don’t drift away and become consumed by the cares of this world. Help us to hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for You can be trusted to keep your promise. Lord Jesus, give us the grace to remain steadfast in You till the end. In Jesus’name we pray. Amen.