1) How dependent are we on Jesus for our right relationship with God? What other ways are there for us to connect with God?
2) How well are you able to guide others in the faith? What impact are you having on the younger Christ-followers around you?
3) What benefit is there to growing in the faith? What advantage would you realize as you continue to learn more about God’s ways and God’s Word?
Make no mistake about it: our right position before God is only possible because of Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection. We are not able to stand on our own (Ephesians 2:8-9), nor is any other man able to stand for us (Hebrews 5:3). Rather, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
The writer of Hebrews paused the conversation about Melchizedek (it will get picked up in Chapter 7) to address the immaturity of the Hebrew Christ-followers. The time they had spent following Christ should have had them at the place of leading others, but they had been slow to learn (5:11). Our growth is not only for our own good; we have the responsibility to lead others, as well.
In charging the Hebrews with immaturity, the writer spoke very practically of the advantage mature followers have over them. Specifically, the writer speaks of distinguishing good from evil (5:14). But how does this come about? It is through the constant use of what God has made available to us through our relationship to Him. We are to learn and then live out what God shows us.
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