The reading For Tonight Hebrews 6:1-3

Moving to PERFECTION in Northside Moving to PERFECTION in

Let Us Go On To Perfection Hebrews 6:1

Let us go on to perfection! What is perfection? And The mind of a Christian Spiritual growth! Attitudes and actions that promote growth! What is a Christian? Examine yourself – spiritual indicators Dealing with sin Worshipping God in spirit – attitudes Living a moral life

Discerning between good and evil Let us go on to perfection! Discerning between good and evil Challenges of Christians – discouragement, rejection, apathy, persecutions, etc. Our example to others Relationships – caring about others We are brethren

Hebrews 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God,”

Let A word in English meaning, To permit or allow Hebrews 6:1 Let A word in English meaning, To permit or allow An imperative expression to a request or command These instructions are NOT optional! Cf. Heb. 5:12-14

Hebrews 6:1 Us all of us! EACH of us! Individually, we must each do this. Cf. 2 Corinthians 5:10 ALL of us together as the body of Christ Ephesians 4:16 Romans 12:4-5

Go on to – action in a positive direction Hebrews 6:1 Go on to – action in a positive direction In context, these brethren had not matured as they should have. FAILED to meet reasonable expectations! MOVE AHEAD! 2 Peter 3:18, Col. 1:10 Philippians 3:12-14 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Τελειότης, (teleiotēs) Hebrews 6:1 Perfection Τελειότης, (teleiotēs) Can mean: 1) Free of defect or flaw (Matt. 5:48) 2) Complete, fully mature 1 Cor. 13:10 Col. 3:14, 1 Cor. 2:6 Eph. 4:13 Heb. 5:14, “full age”

Marks of Maturity Heb. 5:12-6:1 “You ought to be teachers” Enough time had passed, they should identify error and be able to expose it 1 Peter 3:15 Ephesians 4:14 Ephesians 6:11

A grasp of “first principles” Marks of Maturity Heb. 5:12-6:1 A grasp of “first principles” Knowing the basics (milk, elementary principles) of the utterances of God How is your level of understanding now?

Marks of Maturity Heb. 5:12-6:1 Grown up (of full age) Again, indicates maturity! Acting mature, etc. 1 Corinthians 2:6 1 Peter 2:2 Ephesians 4:15, “may grow up…”

Able to digest “solid food” Marks of Maturity Heb. 5:12-6:1 Able to digest “solid food” Can we “eat” a stronger spiritual diet? (Both application and understanding) Cf. 1 Corinthians 3:1-2

“Skilled” in the word of righteousness Marks of Maturity Heb. 5:12-6:1 “Skilled” in the word of righteousness 2 Tim. 2:15, Handling the word accurately Romans 6:13, instruments of righteousness 2 Tim. 2:21, useful for the Master

Marks of Maturity Heb. 5:12-6:1 Able to discern good and evil Senses exercised. We know right and wrong (even when not directly stated – i.e. applying principles, etc.) Philippians 1:9-11 Includes exposing false doctrine Ephesians 5:11

James 3:2, Controlling the tongue Matthew 5:44-48, Loving your enemies Other Marks of Maturity James 3:2, Controlling the tongue Matthew 5:44-48, Loving your enemies Philippians 3:11-15, Realizing imperfections 2 Peter 1:5-11 Putting Him first, cf. Matt. 19:21

Am I growing as I ought to?