Men's Bible Study Summary: Hebrews 5:11 - 6:20

In our last study, we explored Jesus as our great High Priest—fully God and fully man—who intercedes for us with both power and compassion. The writer intended this truth to anchor and encourage us in the security of our salvation, but as the writer of Hebrews now warns, it also carries a responsibility: we are to grow in maturity and steadfastness in the faith. This passage presents both an exhortation and a warning, reminding us that the Christian life is not one of stagnation but of Spirit-empowered progress toward maturity in Christ.

The Call to Maturity (Hebrews 5:11–14)

The writer of Hebrews expresses deep concern for his audience, stating, “About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing” (5:11). This is a sobering statement. The problem is not that the truths of Christ’s priesthood are too difficult to understand but that the listeners have become sluggish—spiritually apathetic. They ought to be growing in discernment and knowledge, but instead, they still need the basics, like infants who rely on milk rather than solid food.

“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” (5:12). The implication is clear: spiritual growth should be the natural result of a life devoted to Christ. Those who remain spiritually immature struggle to discern right from wrong because they have not exercised their faith through practice (5:14). Growth requires engagement—it requires us to lean in, to seek wisdom, and to apply what we learn.

Pressing On to Maturity (Hebrews 6:1–3)

The call to maturity is urgent: “Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity” (6:1). This does not mean abandoning foundational truths but building upon them. The writer lists basic doctrines—repentance, faith, baptism, resurrection, and judgment—not as things to discard but as a foundation upon which to build a stronger, deeper faith.

Growth in Christ is never passive. It requires intentionality. The writer is urging his audience not to remain in spiritual infancy but to press on, trusting that “this we will do if God permits” (6:3). This last phrase reminds us that while spiritual growth is our responsibility, it is ultimately enabled by God’s grace.

A Warning Against Falling Away (Hebrews 6:4–8)

This passage contains one of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture. The writer describes those who have tasted the goodness of God—who have experienced His blessings and the work of the Holy Spirit—yet turn away (6:4–5). He warns that it is impossible to restore such people to repentance if they persist in rejecting Christ. This does not mean that true believers can lose their salvation, but it does highlight the grave danger of hardness of heart.

The illustration in 6:7–8 reinforces the point: a field that receives rain should bear fruit. But if it only produces thorns and thistles, it is worthless and will be burned. In other words, those who truly belong to Christ will show evidence of His work in their lives. Spiritual fruitfulness—growth in faith, love, and obedience—distinguishes genuine believers from those who merely associate with the faith but do not truly embrace it.

Encouragement and Assurance (Hebrews 6:9–12)

After issuing such a strong warning, the writer reassures his audience: “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things—things that belong to salvation” (6:9). Genuine believers are not defined by fear of falling away but by the confidence that God is at work in them.

God sees the faithfulness of His people—their love, service, and endurance (6:10). The call is to keep going, to “show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end” (6:11). This perseverance is the evidence of a true and living faith.

The Unshakable Promise of God (Hebrews 6:13–20)

To reinforce their hope, the writer points to God’s unbreakable promise to Abraham. God swore by Himself—since there was no one greater—to fulfill His covenant (6:13–14). In the same way, God’s promises to us in Christ are certain. He has given us “two unchangeable things” (6:18)—His promise and His oath—both of which make it impossible for Him to lie.

Because of this, we have a “strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us” (6:18). The Christian hope is not wishful thinking; it is an anchor for the soul, “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain” (6:19). This imagery points to Jesus, who has gone before us into the presence of God as our High Priest forever. Our confidence is not in ourselves but in Him.

Application

Here are some key takeaways for us:

• Spiritual growth is not optional. Just as children are expected to grow into maturity, so too are Christians called to deepen their faith and understanding. We must not settle for spiritual immaturity but strive to grow in wisdom and discernment.
• Faith requires perseverance. The Christian life is a journey of steadfast endurance. While warnings against falling away are serious, true believers are marked by perseverance and fruitfulness.
• Our hope is anchored in Christ. We are not left to rely on our own strength. Jesus, our forerunner, has gone before us, securing our place in the presence of God. Because of Him, we can stand firm.

An Invitation

Men of the church, join us on Wednesday nights from January through March 2025 (6:30–8:00 PM) as we continue our journey through Hebrews. Come and discover the riches of God’s promises, the hope of the gospel, and the confidence we have in Jesus, our great High Priest.