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A Study of Hebrews 6:4-6
Introduction:
1. These verses are somewhat challenging and sometimes misunderstood. 2. A careful study of these verses will help us to understand them properly. 3. Our plan of study: a. We first need to be reminded of several relevant Bible principles. b. We need to be reminded of the theme of Hebrews. c. We need to examine the context of these verses. d. We will examine the verses themselves. 4. Let us first be reminded of several . . . Discussion: I. RELEVANT BIBLE PRINCIPLES A. In order for a child of God to go to heaven, he must be faithful (Revelation 2:10). B. It is possible for a child of God to fall (Galatians 5:4). 1. An example is Demas (2 Timothy 4:10). 2. The condition of a child of God who falls is described in 2 Peter 2:20-22. C. A child of God who falls can be restored. 1. See James 5:19-20; 1 John 1:9 2. Examples: the prodigal son (Luke 15) and Simon (Acts 8:22-24) D. Steps can be taken to prevent falling (2 Peter 1:10). E. The verses we are studying do not contradict these Bible principles. F. Let us turn our attention to . . . II. THE THEME OF HEBREWS A. This letter refers to itself in 13:22 as "the word of exhortation." B. The purpose of this letter is to help Christians remain faithful to the Lord. C. However, it also contains a number of serious warnings. 1. 3:12-15 2. 10:26-27, 31 D. With the theme of Hebrews in mind, let us examine . . . III. THE CONTEXT OF HEBREWS 6:4-6 A. (5:12-14) The Hebrew Christians were rebuked because they had not grown in their knowledge of God's Word. B. We learn from 6:1-3 that the Lord wants us to develop and mature so we can advance past the first principles and go on to perfection. C. From the context of the verses we are studying we see how important it is for Christians to grow and mature. D. Those who fail to grow and mature are in danger of falling away. E. This brings us to . . . IV. HEBREWS 6:4-6 A. (vs.4-5) The people under consideration have become Christians -- they were once enlightened, they have tasted of the heavenly gift, they were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and they have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come. B. If such people fall away, it is impossible to renew them again unto repentance. 1. Note: It does not say that it is impossible for them to be forgiven. 2. It says that it is impossible for them to be renewed again unto repentance. 3. From the principles we covered earlier, can a fallen child of God be restored? (Yes) 4. Under what circumstances would it be impossible to renew a fallen child of God to repentance? 5. (vs.6b) As long as a fallen child of God continues to crucify the Lord afresh and put Him to an open shame, he cannot be renewed again to repentance. 6. If a fallen child of God will come to himself as the prodigal did (Luke 15:17) and stop crucifying Christ and putting Him to an open shame, he can be renewed to repentance. 7. Remember that the Bible warns against developing a hard heart that will prevent a person from returning to the Lord. C. (vs.7-8) An illustration from agriculture is presented. 1. Vs.7 describes ground that will receive a blessing from God [a faithful, productive child of God]. 2. Vs.8 describes ground that will be burned [one who develops a hard heart and falls away and stays away from the Lord]. 3. Let us take this illustration a little further. 4. Can the ground described in vs.8 undergo a change and become like the ground described in vs.7? 5. Yes, but as long as it stays like it is in vs.8, God will not bless it, and it will be burned. Conclusion: 1. I hope that our study has been helpful and that it has encouraged us to want to study the Scriptures carefully so we can grow and mature in the Lord's service. 2. Some good verses for us to conclude with are Hebrews 6:9-15. | ||