Hebrews 5:12-6:2

Introduction:

1. One theologian said of the need for deeper Bible study, “Raking is easy, but all you get is leaves; digging is hard, but you might find diamonds.”

2. The challenges we face demand we put our rakes down and grab our shovels.

Discussion:

I. A Taught Religion (John 6:44-45; Romans 10:17)

A. The New Covenant was always predicated on learning God’s will (Isaiah 2:3; Jeremiah 31:34; Micah 4:2; Hebrews 8:10).

B. Jesus cited this principle concerning coming to Him (John 6:44-45).

C. However, it is not sufficient to start strong; we must finish strong if we are to receive the reward (Matthew 10:22; Galatians 5:7; 2 Timothy 4:7-8; Hebrews 3:6 Revelation 2:10).

II. Lack of Knowledge Destroys (Hosea 4:6; 2 Peter 3:16-17)

A. Hosea’s contemporaries were soon to face punishment (Hosea 4:1-5).

B. The root cause was lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6).

C. Peter’s readers faced the danger of false prophets bringing destructive heresies leading to their demise (2 Peter 2:1-2, 18-22).

D. Peter warned of people twisting Scripture bringing destruction (2 Peter 3:16-17).

III. Stages of Development (Matthew 28:18-20; Hebrews 5:13-14; 1 Peter 2:1-3)

A. Every Christian begins as a babe needing the easy to digest “milk of the word” (1 Corinthians 3:1-2; Hebrews 5:13-14; 1 Peter 2:1-3).

B. The arc of the New Testament is continual growth in the Lord (Matthew 28:20; Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 5:17; 2 Peter 3:18).

C. The demand is we move from students to teachers, well equipped to practice and defend the will of God (Ephesians 4:12; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1 Peter 3:15).

D. Standing against Satan’s wiles requires a firm grasp of truth (Ephesians 6:10-17).

Conclusion:

1. Faithful Christian living demands an ever-deepening knowledge of God.

2. Peter was clear that some things are difficult to grasp, but that difficulty does not release us from our responsibility to grow in that knowledge.

3. Such an endeavor demands intense effort (2 Timothy 2:15).

4. In short, we must put down our rakes, pick up our shovels, and dig into the deeper things of God (Hebrews 6:1-2).

5. Remember, the diamonds are buried deep, so the prize is worth the effort.