Amid persecution in the early church, the Hebrews author is
concerned about the perseverance and spiritual maturity of his readers. In
this passage the author confronts his readers about their lack of spiritual
growth and their negligence to pursue it. He underscores the necessity of
diligence. Considering how long they had known the Lord, they could have grown
to a point of effectively teaching others.
The author then illustrates their condition: “You need
milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is
not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness “(5:12b-13). Spiritual
growth is a choice. Spiritual immaturity is also a choice. The author attempts
to nudge them out of their rut: “Therefore let us leave the elementary
teachings about Christ, and go on to maturity” (6:1).
Spiritual failure to thrive is neither a comfortable nor an
inspirational subject to address. But it is necessary none the less. There
are people in many churches who have been saved, but have never grown. Such
spiritual immaturity shows up in various ways. The “controller”
who insists on having his/her own selfish way, the “ego-driven”
person who only participates when recognized, or the individual for whom church
attendance is less of a priority than a ball game or nail appointment, are
a few examples.
It will never be corrected if it is not confronted. In this Scripture the
author of Hebrews displays the courage to say the difficult things to people
he cared about. In a day when nominalism and mediocrity are so prevalent,
there is tremendous benefit in an honest review of this corrective passage.
(For the full manuscript
of this sermon go to www.preachermagazine.org and click on “Sermons”)
Preaching this passage, where people will obviously be confronted
about spiritual growth, brings to mind Paul’s advice to Timothy: “For
the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead,
to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of
teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their
ears away from the truth, and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head
in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge
all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:3-5).
Sometimes the preacher must say the uncomfortable thing. But
because of a fear of criticism or rejection, there is often a temptation to
avoid these challenging subjects. However, a tough passage can be handled
in a tender way.It will be most helpful if the preacher caringly confronts
his hearers with a prayer and a tear.
A verse-by-verse explanation of this passage can be used by the Lord to lead folks to a decision to change. You can’t call this passage “seeker sensitive,” but it is certainly “seeker searching”. And if individuals and congregations are to maintain spiritual health, this kind of check-up is occasionally required.
