Pressing On: The Call to Spiritual Maturity

Devotional

Day 1: Pressing Beyond the Basics to Spiritual Maturity

In the journey of faith, believers are encouraged to move beyond the elementary teachings and press on to maturity. This maturity is not merely about acquiring more knowledge but about embodying the character of Christ in daily life. Many Christians find comfort in foundational teachings such as repentance, faith, and baptism, but the call is to grow into the fullness of Christ. This growth leads to a life free from quarrels, covetousness, and the pursuit of empty honors, reflecting the true nature of Christ. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of not remaining stagnant in our spiritual journey, as stagnation can lead to falling away from the faith. Instead, believers are urged to be diligent and proactive in their pursuit of spiritual growth, ensuring that their lives bear fruit that reflects Christ's character. [02:33]

Hebrews 6:1-2 (ESV): "Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment."

Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to move beyond the foundational teachings and grow in spiritual maturity?

Day 2: The Peril of Spiritual Stagnation

The danger of stagnation in faith is a real threat to believers. If one does not build upon their spiritual foundation, there is a risk of losing even the foundational elements of faith. The call is to be diligent and not sluggish in the pursuit of spiritual growth. This involves actively seeking to embody the character of Christ and ensuring that one's life bears fruit that reflects His nature. The writer of Hebrews warns that a life that does not press on to maturity risks falling away from the faith. Therefore, believers are encouraged to be proactive in their spiritual journey, continually seeking to grow and mature in their relationship with Christ. [06:38]

Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV): "For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Reflection: Identify one area of your spiritual life where you feel stagnant. What practical steps can you take to reignite growth in this area?

Day 3: Embracing the New Covenant

The New Covenant offers a better way of living, characterized by God's laws written on our hearts, a personal relationship with God, and complete forgiveness of sins. This covenant is not about human effort but about God's work in us, enabling us to live out His will. It calls believers to a life of intercession, trust in God's provision, and a focus on spiritual blessings rather than material ones. The New Covenant is a promise of transformation, where believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that reflect the character of Christ. This transformation is not achieved through human effort but through the work of God in the believer's life. [54:19]

Jeremiah 31:33-34 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."

Reflection: How can you allow God's laws to be written on your heart today, and what changes might this bring to your daily life?

Day 4: Following the Model of Melchizedek's Priesthood

The priesthood of Melchizedek, which Jesus embodies, serves as a model for believers. Unlike the Levitical priesthood, which was based on earthly requirements and rituals, the priesthood of Melchizedek is based on the power of an indestructible life. This priesthood calls believers to a life of intercession, trust in God's provision, and a focus on spiritual blessings rather than material ones. As followers of Christ, believers are encouraged to live with the hope that they will be like Him, anchoring their souls in this promise and allowing it to guide their lives. This hope prevents believers from drifting and keeps them focused on becoming more like Christ in character and action. [45:15]

Hebrews 7:15-17 (ESV): "This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, 'You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you focus more on spiritual blessings rather than material ones in your daily life?

Day 5: Anchoring Hope in the Promise of Christlikeness

The hope of being like Jesus is a powerful anchor for believers. This hope should guide their lives, preventing them from drifting and keeping them focused on becoming more like Christ in character and action. The promise that believers will be like Jesus is a source of encouragement and motivation to press on in their spiritual journey. This hope is not just a future expectation but a present reality that shapes the way believers live their lives. By anchoring their souls in this promise, believers are empowered to live lives that reflect the character of Christ, continually growing and maturing in their faith. [30:26]

1 John 3:2-3 (ESV): "Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure."

Reflection: How does the promise of becoming like Christ influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?

Sermon Summary

In our journey through Hebrews, we are called to move beyond the elementary teachings of faith and press on to maturity. Just as in our earthly lives, we don't remain in nursery school or live in a house with only a foundation, our spiritual lives should also progress beyond the basics. Many believers are content with foundational teachings like repentance, faith, and baptism, but the call is to grow into maturity, reflecting the fullness of Christ in our lives. This maturity is not just about acquiring knowledge but about embodying the character of Christ, which leads to a life free from quarrels, covetousness, and the pursuit of empty honors.

The writer of Hebrews warns of the dangers of stagnation and the potential to fall away if we do not build upon our spiritual foundation. A life that does not press on to maturity risks losing even the foundational elements of faith. The call is to be diligent, not sluggish, in our pursuit of spiritual growth, ensuring that our lives bear fruit that reflects the character of Christ. This involves a deep commitment to living out the principles of the New Covenant, which is characterized by God's laws written on our hearts, a personal relationship with God, and the complete forgiveness of sins.

The priesthood of Melchizedek, which Jesus embodies, is a model for us. Unlike the Levitical priesthood, which was based on earthly requirements and rituals, the priesthood of Melchizedek is based on the power of an indestructible life. This priesthood calls us to a life of intercession, trust in God's provision, and a focus on spiritual blessings rather than material ones. As we follow Jesus, our forerunner, we are encouraged to live with the hope that we will be like Him, anchoring our souls in this promise and allowing it to guide our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. Spiritual maturity is essential for a healthy Christian life. Just as we don't remain in nursery school in our earthly education, we must not remain at the foundational level in our spiritual journey. Maturity involves embodying the character of Christ, which leads to a life free from quarrels and covetousness. [02:33]
2. The danger of stagnation in faith is real. If we do not build upon our spiritual foundation, we risk losing even the foundational elements of our faith. The call is to be diligent and not sluggish in our pursuit of spiritual growth, ensuring that our lives bear fruit that reflects the character of Christ. [06:38]
3. The New Covenant offers a better way of living, characterized by God's laws written on our hearts, a personal relationship with God, and complete forgiveness of sins. This covenant is not about human effort but about God's work in us, enabling us to live out His will. [54:19]
4. The priesthood of Melchizedek, which Jesus embodies, is a model for us. It is based on the power of an indestructible life and calls us to a life of intercession, trust in God's provision, and a focus on spiritual blessings rather than material ones. [45:15]
5. Our hope as Christians is anchored in the promise that we will be like Jesus. This hope should guide our lives, preventing us from drifting and keeping us focused on becoming more like Christ in character and action. [30:26]
** [30:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:39] - Beyond the Basics
[01:43] - The Problem of Spiritual Stagnation
[02:33] - Pressing on to Perfection
[03:42] - Maturity and Church Health
[05:33] - Building on the Foundation
[06:38] - The Danger of Falling Away
[08:20] - Characteristics of a Born-Again Person
[10:41] - Tasting the Powers of the Age to Come
[12:10] - Crucifying the Son of God Afresh
[14:28] - Personalizing the Gospel
[16:20] - Deliberate Sin and Its Consequences
[19:15] - The Seriousness of Falling from Grace
[22:06] - Encouragement to Press On
[25:24] - Faith and Patience in Inheriting Promises
[29:52] - The Hope of Being Like Jesus
[32:23] - Jesus as Our Forerunner
[34:02] - The Priesthood of Melchizedek
[39:19] - Financial Principles in Ministry
[45:15] - The Power of an Indestructible Life
[50:52] - The New Covenant Explained

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Hebrews 6:1-12
Hebrews 7:1-3
Hebrews 8:6-13

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Observation Questions:

What are the foundational teachings mentioned in Hebrews 6:1-2, and why does the writer urge believers to move beyond them? [01:24]
How does the writer of Hebrews describe the consequences of not progressing in spiritual maturity? [06:38]
What characteristics of Melchizedek's priesthood are highlighted in Hebrews 7:1-3, and how do they relate to Jesus? [34:02]
According to Hebrews 8:10, what is the key difference between the Old Covenant and the New Covenant? [54:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

Why might some believers be content with remaining at the foundational level of their faith, and what are the potential dangers of this mindset? [01:43]
How does the concept of spiritual maturity in Hebrews challenge the common perception of what it means to be a mature Christian? [03:42]
In what ways does the priesthood of Melchizedek serve as a model for Christian living, particularly in terms of intercession and trust in God's provision? [45:15]
How does the New Covenant, as described in Hebrews 8, offer a better way of living compared to the Old Covenant? [54:19]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on your own spiritual journey. Are there areas where you feel you have become stagnant? What steps can you take to press on to maturity in your faith? [06:38]
The sermon mentions embodying the character of Christ as a sign of maturity. What specific character trait of Christ do you feel called to develop more fully in your life? [02:33]
Consider the role of intercession in your spiritual life. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer for others into your daily routine, following the model of Melchizedek's priesthood? [47:04]
The New Covenant emphasizes God's laws written on our hearts. How can you cultivate a deeper personal relationship with God to better understand and live out His will? [54:19]
The sermon warns against the pursuit of empty honors. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking recognition or approval from others rather than focusing on spiritual growth? How can you shift your focus? [04:11]
How does the hope of becoming like Jesus anchor your soul in times of difficulty or doubt? Can you think of a recent situation where this hope provided guidance or comfort? [30:26]
Identify one practical way you can demonstrate trust in God's provision this week, especially in areas where you might be tempted to rely on material resources. [45:15]

Sermon Clips

In our earthly life, none of us want to be baby none of us want to stop our education with the nursery class and none of us will want to have a building with only the foundation why is it then that in the Christian life so many believers seem to be satisfied with just drinking milk laying a foundation and living in the nursery class of their life [00:00:56]

Let us press on to perfection and if he is if you yourself have never gone beyond the nursery clock how can you meet other people beyond the nursery class you just still drinking milk how can you need other people to drink more than milk so this is the challenge that comes to us there is adoption that leaves that determines how we lay a foundation and there's a doctrine that leads to perfection [00:02:35]

The danger of not pressing on to perfection see if you lays its foundation like that for a long time it's virtually any way the foundation itself will be destroyed after a while that's the great danger now earthly solid foundations we may say they last for a long time but spiritual foundation if you don't build a superstructure on it if you don't press on to perfection even the foundation will be eroded [00:06:34]

If you want to know what the Bible says when you come to the Bible get rid of all your ideas and all the theology you heard and study and say Lord open my eyes maybe what I studied is all wrong please this is written for simple people this is not her group of scholars this is written for fishermen this is written for babies God has hidden these things from the clever and intelligence come like a baby and you'll understand it very easily [00:07:57]

The hope of the Christian is doubled Christ is coming again and when he comes out be like him and if I have this hope when Christ comes again I actually wasn't it's like a coin you can't get one side of a coin you get both together when Christ comes I'll be like him if not your hope it says an anchor of the soul [00:30:27]

Let this be the anchor all your life not I'm going to bring so many souls to Christ no no no no no I'm going to be like Jesus one day that's the only anchor from that anchor God may use me to bring five Souls film or a hundred coastin that depends on you may be a mother looking after children or you may be an evangelist who brings hundreds hundreds of people of Christ [00:31:21]

Jesus has gone in there inside the veil as a forerunner now this is a title of Jesus which is not very popular in fact most Christians have never even heard of it a lot of Christians have heard of Jesus as the Good Shepherd the door the way the truth and the life the resurrection in the light Savior Lord master King healer but forerunner have you ever heard of Jesus as a forerunner [00:32:23]

The priesthood of Levi is totally different in Levi's as the priesthood of Melchizedek is totally different he came because God led him to bless Abraham said a few words gave him some food at disappears and Abraham gave me something he said well praise lord thank you and he went off so he was not dependent on Abraham yes you think Melchizedek was just any money bruh hands yet that's another thing we can learn from the crease to the mezuzah [00:37:52]

Melchizedek said I trust God for my needs if somebody gives me something I take it and I hope to god will bless enforce Levi was different Levi said I'm dependent on you fellas if you fellas don't give me your time I'm finished there's a lot of difference between the priesthood of Levi in the priesthood of Melchizedek and you can learn a lot about financial principles and Christian work today by comparing Levi with Melchizedek [00:39:19]

The priesthood of Levi was depending on certain earth fleet characteristics earthly qualifications if you think that you can serve God with earthly qualifications you know you get a bible school degree and you can serve god you're back to the priesthood of liebe how do you serve God in the priests to the milk used a it's not by any earthly qualification verse 16 it is by the power of an indestructible life [00:45:15]

The New Covenant is not depending on human ability or human experience it's different he says in this new covenant it's not like the old one I will put my laws into their minds verse 10 I will write them up on their heart what is the big difference between the New Covenant and the Old Covenant and the Old Covenant it was foul shots ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch ouch shall not the New Covenant is God says I will I will I will I will [00:54:19]

The New Covenant is God holding my hand and saying I'll do it secondly the new covenant is knowing God personally as my father verse 11 and verse 12 being completely forgiven with the old my old life completely blotted out so there's no memory of it brothers and sisters let us enter into the new covenant it's much better than the old [00:55:27]

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Pressing On: The Call to Spiritual Maturity

Devotional

Day 1: Pressing Beyond the Basics to Spiritual Maturity

Day 2: The Peril of Spiritual Stagnation

Day 3: Embracing the New Covenant

Day 4: Following the Model of Melchizedek's Priesthood

Day 5: Anchoring Hope in the Promise of Christlikeness

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Pressing On: The Call to Spiritual Maturity

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