Hebrews 8:1-6

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. 3 For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. 4 Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. 5 They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” 6 But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

A MINISTER OF THE TRUE TABERNACLE.

Jesus, our heavenly High Priest, is the minister of the sanctuary, or literally of the true tabernacle. Thus He obtained a much more excellent priestly ministry than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises.

Thus, the Mosaic tabernacle is not false but a type. It was constructed in order to “serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things.” And as a shadow, it differs from the substance, and the sign from the thing signified.

And ,far from being an invention of man, Moses was instructed by God Himself, by saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.”

Jesus and Moses’ priestly ministry has had profound difference. In John 1:17, “For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” Yet, Jesus’ more excellent ministry doesn’t negate the law but had super imposed it. He claimed, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” [Matt 5:17]

Now if Jesus were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. That is, every priest has to offer a gift according to the law. This Old Covenant required repeated, daily sacrifices of animals as a reminder of the people’s sin. However, “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (Hebrews 10:4).

For this, the author categorically said that Jesus couldn’t do. Why? Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. He is the God who became man in order to become the mediator between God and man. [1 Tim 2:5] Instead of offering an animal sacrifice, He offered Himself once for all. Thus, he died, was buried and rose again. He ascended into heaven and is now seated at the right hand of God. Simply put, His is a ministry of grace.

Even Paul has recognized this buy saying, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” That is, if the blood of animals has merit to grant us forgiveness and righteousness then Christ’s sacrifice would be useless or redundant. As Calvin had said, “the gospel is a more excellent covenant than the Law, and also because the death of Christ was a nobler sacrifice than the victims under the Law.”

-------------------------

Visit our website and FOLLOW Gospel Light Christian Church Filipino on YouTube and Facebook.

Hebrews 7:23-28 ESV

23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

A PERFECT SACRIFICE.

Since Aaron’s time, many priests did come and go, and had offering countless sacrifices correspondingly. Death had limited them. However, Jesus has a permanent priesthood for He continues forever. Jesus is the eternal Son of God, the alpha and omega, having no beginning and ending.

Moreover, those priests had to offer sacrifices daily, first for their own sins and then for those of the people. Simply said, although the ceremonial law had appointed them, they are high priests who struggled themselves with their weaknesses. Thus, the daily sacrifices are needed for everyone needs cleansing everyday.

However, Jesus has offered a single and perfect sacrifice when he offered up Himself. Peter said, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” [1 Pet 3:18]

Thus, in v.26 [Amplified bible], It was fitting for us to have such a High Priest [perfectly adapted to our needs], holy, blameless, unstained [by sin], separated from sinners and exalted higher than the heavens. Thus, if we are in Christ, we are not bound anymore by any forms of religious rituals whatsoever. Paul said, “Therefore let no one pass judgment on you in questions of food and drink, or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath. These are a shadow of the things to come, but the substance belongs to Christ” [Col 2:16,17]

How about you today? Do you feel you need to perform more religious rituals and attend religious activities in order to become acceptable before God? These are nothing for only His blood could atone for our sins perfectly. “The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” [1 John 1:7]

Thus, He is ‘able to save to the uttermost’, that is completely, perfectly for eternity. This means that our salvation is secured. What God has done has settled the payment for our sins once for all. “He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” [1 Pet 2:24]

Today, if you have not yet received this salvation as yet, do repent of your sins and trust Him and His finished work at the cross. Then and only then, you will receive His salvation. Thus you can be free from any form of religiosity and rituals.

Because the sacrifice of Jesus is perfect, my salvation in Him is complete.

-------------------------

Visit our website and FOLLOW Gospel Light Christian Church Filipino on YouTube and Facebook.

Hebrews 7:11-22 ESV

11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.

15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him,

“You are a priest forever,

after the order of Melchizedek.”

18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:

“The Lord has sworn

and will not change his mind,

‘You are a priest forever.’”

22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

A SUPERIOR PRIEST FROM JUDAH.

Throughout his epistle, the author of the book of Hebrews reminds his readers that Jesus Christ is superior, and he explains that the new covenant is much better than the old covenant. The superiority of the new covenant rests partly on the priesthood of Christ who serves in the order of Melchizedek. The Melchizedek's order has set aside the Levitical priesthood and will bring perfection to God’s people whereas the priests of Levi could not do (Heb. 7:11–12). Beside, this priestly appointment is bound by an oath from God himself while the Levitical priesthood is not. [see v.20,21]

In V.13 and 14, Christ is indicated as from the tribe of Judah. We should take note that the law, the ceremonial law in particular, does not give the priestly office to that tribe because it belongs to the tribe of Levi. Since Christ is High Priest but is not from the tribe of Levi, clearly it does follow that the Law had been changed.

In highlighting this, the author had silenced the objection that Christ couldn’t be a High Priest. True, Jesus was not a part of the right priestly tribe on the basis of human ancestry. However, it is because He serves in the order of Melchizedek, He is fully worthy to be High Priest. And since Melchizedek’s order is far superior to Levi’s, Jesus’ High priesthood is also far superior to Aaron’s.

As Christ is appointed Priest, 'not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent ‘ one in which a carnal succession was required, as in the Levitical priesthood; but by the power of an indestructible life.' This is the reason, like Melchisedek's priesthood being forever. In contrast to the Levitical priesthood, which is not continuing in one person. Notedly, in Psalms 110:1-7, this prophecy of His priesthood after the order of Milchizedek forever is mentioned (see Hebrews 7:17).

In v. 18 , there is a disannulling or a repealing [set aside] of the former commandment, that is the Levitical priesthood. And, as the Levitical priesthood and the law are inseparable, it’s a repealing of the law also. Why? The reason is in v.19, for (the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Hebrews 7:1-10 ESV

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.

4 See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! 5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. 6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8 In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. 9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

A BETTER PRIESTHOOD.

These Christians from a Jewish background had shown interest in Jesus as their High Priest, but had a intellectual struggle to the truth. Why? Jesus isn’t from the trib e of Levi, particularly from Aaron’s lineage. This intellectual hang-up must be removed. Otherwise, they will be hindered in their spiritual maturity.

Notedly, God did not allow the kings of Israel to be priests at the same time. History shows the danger of combining religious and civic authority. But, the mention of Melchizedek, who was both king of Salem and priest of the Most High God has made him a unique exception.

As a king, Melchizedek was called “king of righteousness“ and “king of peace.“ As C. Spurgeon had said, “As always, righteousness comes before peace. Righteousness is the only true path to peace. People look for that peace in escape, in evasion, or in compromise, but they will only find it in righteousness. “Peace without righteousness is like the smooth surface of the stream before it takes its awful Niagara plunge.” (Spurgeon)

While, all priests are coming from the lineage of Aaron, there is nothing said about the genealogy of Melchizedek. This made him greater than Aaron. As far as the Biblical record is concerned, he has no father or mother, no beginning of days nor end of life. He might hve had parents, only that they were unknown. Spurgeon said, “We see but little of him, yet we see nothing little in him.”

Furthermore, he must be greater than Abraham, too, because he blessed Abraham. Abraham, on his part, had recognized that Melchizedek was greater when he received the blessing. Moreover, Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak, for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him: Because the whole tribe of Levi was genetically in the loins of Abraham when he did this, we see the Old Testament priesthood paying tithes to the priesthood of Melchizedek. This shows Melchizedek is in a position of authority over Abraham and his descendant Levi.

Melchizedek was made like[resembling] the Son of God. It really isn’t that Jesus has Melchizedek’s kind of priesthood. Instead, Melchizedek has Jesus’ kind of priesthood. Thus, Jesus must be greater than Melchizedek . ‘Made like’ in Hebrews 7:3 is a suggestive word, used in the active of ‘a facsimile copy or model’ and in the passive of ‘being made similar to’.” (Guthrie)

“It was as if the Father could not await the day of His Son’s priestly entrance within the veil; but must anticipate the marvels of His ministry, by embodying its leading features in miniature.” (Meyer)

Hebrews 6:16-20

16 For people swear by something greater than themselves, and in all their disputes an oath is final for confirmation. 17 So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of his purpose, he guaranteed it with an oath, 18 so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. 19 We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, 20 where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

GOD IS UNCHANGEABLE.

By swearing unto Himself, God does signify that He is binding His word to His character, doesn’t He? Thus, God gave Abraham double guarantee that He would indeed deliver what He had promised to Abraham. He gave him the assurance of the promise of the God who does not lie and the assurance that God specially guaranteed that particular promise. The two unchangeable things are His promise and oath.

Thus, God’s binding promise to Abraham is a great encouragement to us now. Why? It is because God has also promised us future blessings. Specifically, He has promised that we will receive rewards when we see Him if we persevere faithfully now (2 Timothy 2:12).

Taking hold upon God fervently is having surety more than a man fleeing to the city of refuge. ( Numbers 35:9-15; Joshua 20) As a fearful person, we could flee to His presence, that is, ‘into the inner place behind the curtain.’ Let’s remember that the veil in the altar is removed so that we can go to His throne of grace unashamed. [Heb 4;16]

That is, we have a hope, which is the sure and steadfast anchor of our soul. This hope is never described as subjective attitude (I hope or I wish, a hopefulness) but always denotes the objective content of hope, consisting of present and future salvation. Hence, in times of temptation to turn away, we can flee to the promises of God. We hold unto His promises because His promises have a hold in us. As sailors secure their ship from drifting away, so our security should be anchored from drifting away from God. As it rests firmly in the God’s holy of holies in His presence with Christ, our great High Priest.

Should God and his promises are true, how are we going to conduct ourselves? Do you fear that God will fail? Do you feel insecure about your life and future? Do you feel hopeless since things around you are going from bad to worse? As Greg Laurie had coined in his message, “ Though our feet is planted on earth, our minds should be in heaven.”

In this time of life’s uncertainty, let’s be encouraged for the fact that we have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” [ 1 Pet 1:4,5] Thus, Peter added by saying, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” [1 Pet 1:6,7]

God’s promises are as strong as His character. Because God is unchangeable, our future entrusted unto Him thereby is secured.

-------------------------

Visit our website and FOLLOW Gospel Light Christian Church Filipino on YouTube and Facebook.

Hebrews 6:13-14

13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, since he had no one greater by whom to swear, he swore by himself, 14 saying, “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” 15 And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.

WAITING PATIENTLY TO OBTAIN GOD'S PROMISE.

We, as His children, live by His promises. And, His promise will only become real to us should we claim by applying or obeying it by faith. God, however, has His own timetable so that we need to wait patiently, like Abraham.

This particular promise that God will bless and multiply his descendants to which the writer referred was the one God gave Abraham after he had obeyed God by offering up Isaac (James 2:21). And, Abraham had trusted God to fulfill His former promise regarding his descendants by raising Isaac from the dead ( Genesis 22:16-17).

Abraham had waited for 25 years before God gave him Isaac. He became impatient at one time that he went to Hagar and Ismael was born. The resulting conflict between Sarah and Hagar has reminded us to the danger of acting based on our own judgments and impulses. Could God’s promise be fulfilled by the work of the flesh? God doesn’t need help so that we just need to wait for Him. [Psa 27:14]

Thus, as God had called Abraham to do what He instructed him to do at Mt. Moriah, we need too to faithfully trust and obey Him. Even though it would look as thugh our perseverance would result in tragedy. Definitely, he persevered towards obeying a seemingly tragic command? Isaac was his only son and God has asked him to offer him as a burnt sacrifice before the Lord. An unfathomable and illogical dilemma that only God can unlock.

Yet, Abraham obeyed God because he trusted the trustworthiness of the promiser, God. He always did as God’s trustworthiness hasn’t changed. Malachi 3: 6a says, “For I the Lord do not change” Thus God had sworn to Abraham, "By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son.” [Gen 22:16]

Having patiently waited and remained steadfast in the midst of trying circumstances, Abraham had qualified to receive everything that God had wanted to give him ( Colossians 1:11; Hebrews 12:1-3; Hebrews 12:7; James 5:11). Likewise, He will do to us should we wait patiently His promise.

Why should we doubt? Did not Paul say about God’s trustworthiness,”He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [Rom 8:32] Since the fall of Adam, God had fulfilled His promise in Jesus. Gal 4:4 says, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman.” As the fulfilment of Gen 3:15, that is;

“I will put enmity between you and the woman,

and between your offspring and her offspring;

he shall bruise your head,

and you shall bruise his heel.”

Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. [Heb 10:35,36]

-------------------------

Visit our website and FOLLOW Gospel Light Christian Church Filipino on YouTube and Facebook.

Hebrews 6:9-12

9 Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation. 10 For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. 11 And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, 12 so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

YOUR WORK AND LOVE.

By calling them beloved, the writer expressed his confidence that his readers would not turn away from the truth. He based his confidence on their realizing the dreadful consequences of apostasy that he had just explained and avoiding it.

Unlike those who fall back, they are serving the saints. Loving the brethren is an evidence of genuineness. John said, “By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother. We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the brothers. Whoever does not love abides in death.” [1 John 3:10,14]

And, whatever good we do is primarily done in and for the name of Christ, isn’t it? People, even at their best, may forget your work and labor of love. This could discourage us if God doesn’t see and remember. But, He is! Do you feel discourage that God might had forgotten what you did for Him and His people? But God would deny His own nature if He forgot such things. He would be unjust!

God would justly reward them for it. Therefore, they should persevere in it and not turn aside from it (i.e, turn away). "Not unjust" is understatement; God is eminently just. This is a figure of speech that sets forth an undeniably positive idea by stating its negative opposite [a double negative].

Thus, the writer had encouraged us like a coach, by pressing us to press on. We must keep up our good work; press on with that hope until the end; and imitate those who inherit (not earn) God’s promises. Thus, “ let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” [Heb 10:24,25]

When we fail to do this, discouragement often makes us become sluggish. Let’s recall that earlier the writer had addressed them as being sluggish (lazy as in Hebrews 5:11). Now, he has urged them to be diligent and to stop being lazy (see Proverbs 24:30-34; 2 Peter 1:5; 10). He wanted them to remain faithful to God while waiting patiently for Him to fulfill His promises to them regarding their future inheritance.

Whether our labor of love are appreciated by others or not, let’s continue to be earnest always for He is not unjust.

-------------------------

Visit our website and FOLLOW Gospel Light Christian Church Filipino on YouTube and Facebook.

Hebrew 6:3-8

3 And this we will do if God permits. 4 For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, 6 and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt. 7 For land that has drunk the rain that often falls on it, and produces a crop useful to those for whose sake it is cultivated, receives a blessing from God. 8 But if it bears thorns and thistles, it is worthless and near to being cursed, and its end is to be burned.

A FALLING AWAY

Earlier in this epistle the writer warned his Christian readers about drifting away from the truth through negligence ( Hebrews 2:1-4) and about failing to continue trusting God and walking by faith ( Hebrews 3:7-19). Now he referred to the same apostasy as "falling away."

Were they real believers?

According to Dr. T. Constable, ”Most probably they were genuine believers. Elsewhere being ‘enlightened’ refers to complete appropriation (e.g, Jesus Christ tasted death for everyone, Hebrews 2:9; cf. 1 Peter 2:1-3). This is an Old Testament usage as well (cf. Psalm 34:8). Christians become "partakers" (cf. Hebrews 1:9, "companions"; and Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 3:14, "partakers") of the Holy Spirit through Spirit baptism.”

Similarly, Philip Hughes had corroborated, saying, “Every true Christian has tasted the Word of God and found it to be good to some extent. The original readers had also tasted the powers (lit. miracles) of the coming messianic age. They had observed the apostles perform miracles (cf. Hebrews 2:4).”

John wrote that “Those who were opposing Christ had gone out from "us." "Us" may mean the apostolic eyewitnesses, as often elsewhere in this epistle (see 1 John 1:1-5; 1 John 4:6). This would mean that these false teachers had gone out from among the apostles, not that they were apostles themselves, claiming that their message was what the apostles endorsed (see Acts 15:1; 2 Corinthians 11:5). "Us" elsewhere in this epistle refers to the believing community (see 1 John 1:6, 1 John 2:2) evidently had been members of local house-churches and then left them because of doctrinal differences. The physical separation of these men from the apostles and the faithful eventually illustrated their doctrinal separation from them.

"It is possible, in this instance, that those who later allowed their heretical thought and actions to run away with them (when it could obviously be said, "they were not of us") were in the first place believers with a genuine, if uninformed, faith in Jesus." [Hodges, The Epistles of John]

"If you will investigate the history of the false cults and antichristian religious systems in today"s world, you will find that in most cases their founders started out in a local church! They were "with us" but not "of us," so they went out "from us" and started their own groups." [W. Wiersbe]

This is an expression of a total attitude reflecting deliberate and calculated renunciation of God ( Ezekiel 20:27] In Hebrews 3:12, this apostasy entailed a decisive rejection of Gods gifts, similar to the rejection of the divine promise by the Jews at the wilderness ( see Hebrews 3:7- 4:2]. Thus, here in Hebrews 6:6 is every form of departure from faith in the crucified Son of God. This could entail a return to the old life of Jewish convictions and practices as well as the public denial of faith in Christ. Perhaps, it is due to under pressure from a magistrate or a hostile crowd, simply for personal advantage.

The word "apostate" refers to extreme cases of departure from the truth. We usually refer to less serious departure as backsliding.

Hebrews 6:1-3 ESV

Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And this we will do if God permits.

PRESS ON TO MATURITY.

The writer presented the six foundational teachings in Hebrews 6:1-2 in three pairs: (1) repentance from dead works, and faith toward God ( Hebrews 6:1), (2) instruction about washings, and laying on of hands ( Hebrews 6:2 a), and (3) instruction about the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment ( Hebrews 6:2 b). The structure of this sentence in Greek suggests that the last two pairs explain the first pair. Laying the foundation of repentance and faith consists of instruction regarding washings, sortilege (laying on hands), resurrection, and judgment. The first pair points God-ward, the second Prayer of Manasseh -ward, and the third forward into the future. Each of these teachings was foundational in Judaism as well as in Christianity. Most of the original readers would have come to believe these truths even before they became Christians. They are very basic. [by Dr. Thomas Constable]

Should they are genuine believers, their need is not knowledge; rather, they need to use [apply] the knowledge they possess. It is a moral duty to grow up, and the duty involves an effort."

Recognizing the backward pull, the writer stressed the need to "press on to maturity." That they should not be content with their present condition. In this context spiritual maturity involves receiving and responding appropriately to revealed truth ( Hebrews 5:14), zeal for the realization of hope ( Hebrews 6:11), and unwavering faith and steadfast endurance ( Hebrews 6:12).

As the verb ‘press on’ is in passive voice, we could render it, "Let us be carried on" (i.e, by the Spirit). Spiritual maturity happens only by cooperating with God as we do His will while depending on His help. For, it is the Holy Spirit who leads and empowers us the submissive believer (Romans 8:14; Galatians 5:16).

Paul had emphasized this balance, by writing, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” [Phil 2:12,13] One can only work out that which God has been working in and through his life. Spiritual growth is recognizing that with respect to His word we do the biting and chewing. But, it’s only God who can give the appetite and digestion of our food.

If you surely know Christ personally, strive to grow in Him spiritually.

-------------------------

Visit our website and FOLLOW Gospel Light Christian Church Filipino on YouTube and Facebook.

Hebrews 5:11-14

11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

SPIRITUAL MATURITY.

The process of spiritual maturity is asssociated with one’s attitude towards God’s Word. The immature, through their continual refusal to heed God’s Word, are becoming more dull of hearing. Hard-heartedness, then, is inevitable to happen in due time.

His word will build us up. [Acts 20:32] And, Faith comes by hearing it. [Rom 10:17] Thus, it is expected that with time as believers, we would grow. As Paul had said, “Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” [Col 2:6-7]

Sadly, this isn’t the case for everyone as these Jewish background believers were. Instead of teaching others, they still depend someone to teach them the basic principles of the oracles of God. Having been described as children who thrived with milk, they were unskilled in the word of righteousness. That is, they have had struggles in living rightly before God. Carnality becomes the norm. They don’t know how to apply God’s word as children having indigestions for eating solid food.

A maturing Christian, on the other hand, has an appetite for God’s word. Like a child approaching to adolescence, he isn’t content eating only milk [basic principles of the oracles of God] but even solid food. [deeper truth in God’s word] Thus, he is progressing in his ‘powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.’ [v.14] He listens and applies God’s word as he journeys not toward sinless perfection but toward spiritual progression.

How do you look at yourself spiritually? What is your attitude towards His word? Have you grown in your desire not only to be a hearer but a doer of His word? Do you have the joy in applying spiritual principles in your life, work and relationships? Have you grown up in living righteously?

James had warned us, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” [ Jas 1:22-25]

Our spiritual maturity is a direct result o our obedience to His words. Otherwise, we may know much Scriptures in our minds but still stunted spiritually.

-------------------------

Visit our website and FOLLOW Gospel Light Christian Church Filipino on YouTube and Facebook.