FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

A STUDY IN HEBREWS

Pressing On To Maturity

5:11-14; 6:1-12

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

“Does anyone know what a “twixter” is?”

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

A “twixter” is a young adult who simply won’t

grow up.

Characteristics of a “Twixter”

1.Go out 3 to 4 nights a week2.Have held several jobs since college3.Do not own homes4.Change apartments frequently5.Not married, delay marriage until 28

or older6.Focused on self7.Many live with parents

James Polehinke

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

Relatives said that he has questioned his relationship with God after the ordeal. When he

regained consciousness he asked, “Why did God do this to me?”

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

How is this question a sign of spiritual maturity? What other

common questions do spiritually immature

people ask?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. What is the first characteristic of the Hebrew Christian’s that is mentioned

in (Heb. 5:11)?

That they were “dull of hearing.”

DISCUSSION GUIDE

2. Have you ever thought our…

Worship is dull?ABF is dull?Preaching is dull? Could it be that your spiritual life has plateaued?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

3. How is not feeling ill equipped to share the truth of the Word with others evidence of an immature faith? (v. 12)

A growing, mature Christian feels equipped to tell others or at least is

willing to try. Not everyone is gifted to be a teacher, but all Christians should be

equipped to speak the truth of God’s Word

DISCUSSION GUIDE

4. What is portrayed as “milk” and “solid food” in (vs. 12-14)?

Milk – The first principles of the oracles of God. Solid Food – The teaching about Jesus’ ministry

DISCUSSION GUIDE

5. What is another characteristic of maturity in (v. 14)?

Practice in the use of the principals of Christ

DISCUSSION GUIDE

6. How do you practice using the principals of Christ?

DISCUSSION GUIDE

7. What six foundational truths are listed in (Heb. 6:1-3)?

a. Repentance - Changing one’s mind

b. Faith - First repentance then faithc. Baptism - Identify with Christ and

a local body

7. What six foundational truths are listed in (Heb. 6:1-3)?

d. Laying on of hands - Sharing the blessings in the churche. Resurrection of the dead – Everyone will

be resurrectedf. Final Judgment – Everyone will face the

judgment

DISCUSSION GUIDE

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

8. (Hebrews 6:4-6) seems to speak about losing one’s salvation through committing an unpardonable sin, what was the authors true intent of these verses?

The author of Hebrews, did not operate with the theology of Ephesians where ‘being saved’ is

spoken of as a past fact, therefore he is referring to not losing one’s salvation but to

losing the experience of a fresh start that they once enjoyed

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

9. Where are you currently in your spiritual life? Are you

experiencing the excitement of when you first became a Christian or is your current walk dull?

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

10. What was the meaning of the illustration in (vs. 7-8)?

The author is talking about living a productive Christian life or an

unproductive Christian life. The productive life will receive the

blessings of God

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

11. How are you storing up treasures in heaven by living as a productive Christian?

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

12. What are the positive principals of spiritual progress outlined in (vs. 9-12)?

a. (v. 9) We can improveb. (v. 10)God observes and notes our

progressc. (v. 11)Through diligence we can realize

the full experience of salvationd. (v. 12)By not being sluggish we should

imitate faithful models

G et daily food

R egular exercise

O ccupy clean surroundings

W ean yourself

U nconditional love

P eriodic checkups

GROW UP SPIRITUALLY

FLESHING OUT YOUR FAITH

1. Do you spend more time accumulating earthly rewards than spiritual (eternal) rewards?

2. If you were to rate your current spiritual condition (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being terrible and 10 being excellent) how would you rate yourself today?

3. With what spiritual disciplines do you need the most help?

4. What lifestyle changes do you need to make to get disciplined spiritually?