Sermon Outline July 27, 2008 Morning Service

Topic: The Peril Of Not Progressing  

Text:        Hebrews 6:1-8  

Introduction

I.        The normal Christian life is to be one of spiritual growth and progression.

A.       Starting as “babes in Christ”, we feed on the “milk” of the word.

B        As our senses are exercised we are then able to progress to “meat”.

C.      In this way we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 3:18).

II.       But all do not grow as they should.

III.      Does it really matter if we don’t grow spiritually?

Text

I.        The Duty Of Pressing On To Perfection (1-3)

A.       The perfection we seek is two-fold:

1.       Maturity in religious knowledge, as a means (1 Peter 2:2).

2.       Full development of spiritual life, as an end (2 Peter 1:5-8).

B.       To attain this perfection we need “the elementary principles of Christ”.

1.       This involves continued teaching on basic subjects.

2.       These concepts serve as the “beginning” of spiritual growth!

C.      But we also need to “go on to perfection”.

1.       Laying the foundation is great, but we need to build on it.

2.       With an understanding of basic doctrines we are ready to receive “meatier” knowledge.

3.       By comprehending the “meatier” parts of the word of God, we are more likely to remain steadfast (Philippians 3:7-15).

II.      The Danger Of Irreversible Apostasy (4-8)

A.       Note the privileges some apostates had enjoyed:

1.       They “were once enlightened”.

2.       They “have tasted of the heavenly gift”.

3.       They “have become partakers of the Holy Spirit”.

4.       They “have tasted the good word of God…”

5.       They were formerly believing Christians.

B.       Note how far they had fallen.

1.       It had become “impossible...to renew them…to repentance”.

2.       In this state “they crucify again…the Son of God…”

C.      Note the fearful destruction reserved for them.

1.       Like unproductive branches, they are rejected.

2.       Jesus warned His disciples similarly (John 15:1-8).

Conclusion

I.        From this stern passage, we learn some sobering truths.

A.       Receiving wonderful blessings from God does not preclude the impossibility of giving them up.

B.       For those who fall away to the point of casting off their faith, destruction awaits!

II.       In view of such truths:

A.       “The Peril Of Not Progressing” is very real!

B.       We need to heed the exhortation, “let us go on to perfection”.

III.      None of this means we must live our Christian lives with insecurity regarding our salvation.

IV.      What are you doing with the blessings you have received in Christ?