Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity.
“be taken forward” – spiritual maturity does not come by our own efforts but rather by being taken forward by God’s Spirit as we depend on him.
v.1 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity.
“be taken forward” – spiritual maturity does not come by our own efforts but rather by being taken forward by God’s Spirit as we depend on him.
v.4-6 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened…and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.
There is a long description about these people: “who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age”. These were not casual believers but rather those who knew the truth well, over a long period of time. And it is not that God would not forgive them but rather they get to the point where they can’t repent.
Often we sing, nothing is impossible with God but actually there are some impossible things besides here in v.4-6. There is: “it is impossible for God to lie” (v.18); “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (10:4); “without faith it is impossible to please God” (11:6) and “it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” (Jesus)(Acts 2:24).
(Interesting to note: Numbers 14:40-45 where the Israelites confessed their sin but weren’t allow to enter the Promised Land.)
v.4-6 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened…and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance.
There is a long description about these people: “who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age”. These were not casual believers but rather those who knew the truth well, over a long period of time. And it is not that God would not forgive them but rather they get to the point where they can’t repent.
Often we sing, nothing is impossible with God but actually there are some impossible things besides here in v.4-6. There is: “it is impossible for God to lie” (v.18); “it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins” (10:4); “without faith it is impossible to please God” (11:6) and “it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” (Jesus)(Acts 2:24).
(Interesting to note: Numbers 14:40-45 where the Israelites confessed their sin but weren’t allow to enter the Promised Land.)
v.10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
I find this greatly encouraging.
v.10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.
I find this greatly encouraging.
v.8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
In that day, land was sometimes burned in order for in to be more productive in the future. So burning could be taken to mean disciplined.
v.8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
In that day, land was sometimes burned in order for in to be more productive in the future. So burning could be taken to mean disciplined.
v.15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
“waited patiently” seems to be a bit of an understatement. Abraham went through some very difficult circumstances before he received God’s promises.
v.15 And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.
“waited patiently” seems to be a bit of an understatement. Abraham went through some very difficult circumstances before he received God’s promises.
v.19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
The writer gives us the picture of an anchor to illustrate hope. Apparently anchors (along with fishes) were popular symbols in the early church.
v.19 We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
The writer gives us the picture of an anchor to illustrate hope. Apparently anchors (along with fishes) were popular symbols in the early church.