1) What are some childish behaviors that are out of place for those older? What do you think about people who display such behavior?
2) Consider the word picture of verses 7-8. In the context of maturity, what is this about? How does this relate to your life?
3) What do people mean by the word “hope”? How do you understand the word “hope” from a biblical perspective?
“It’s time to go on.” This is what the writer of Hebrews is saying in 6:1. Those new to the faith had already learned the basics. Now it was time to go on to a greater understanding of what they believed. This is the same for us. We must continue to learn; we must continue to grow. We must go on to maturity, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:14-15
God has a plan and purpose for all He does and incredibly we have the opportunity to be a part of it. But like land that drinks in rain, we must produce a crop that is useful. We need to be growing in our faith (maturing) so we can make a difference as part of God’s plan. Otherwise, we become worthless. “If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
The end of this chapter (6:13-20), speaks of the certainty of God’s promise. And in this passage we read about hope. Here, hope is referred to as “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” But what is this hope based on? It is based on the promise of God (6:13-18) and the work of Jesus (6:19-20). Far beyond wishful thinking, we have a hope that is sure.
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