<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="1252"%> Untitled Document Growing to Maturity

We want the church everywhere to grow to be mature. The Hebrew writer encouraged, “therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection;” (Heb. 6:1). What is meant by “principles”?

The word for principles was used of a basic element in speech; a syllable, or part of speech; letters in the alphabet. Therefore, it means “rudiments,” “beginnings,” “first principles,” “elementary principles,” or “ABC’s.”

The idea is to encourage the Hebrew readers (and us) on to maturity. The writer of Hebrews had just been critical of some in the church for being dull of hearing (Heb. 5:11-14). He had set forth four consequences of being dull of hearing:

a. It is hard to explain things to people who are dull of hearing. (vs. 11)

b. Those who are dull of hearing fail to develop as teachers. (vs. 12)

c. These people are unskillful in the word of righteousness. (vs. 13)

d. These people do not know how to tell the difference between right and wrong. (vs. 14).

In view of these consequences we must grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. (II Peter 3:18)

When we were in grade school, we studied simple grade school books. When we went to junior and senior high our books were more advanced. When we went to college they were even more advanced. Just so, we must continue to more advanced levels in our understanding of Christianity. We are not to neglect growth to the point where we need to lay the foundation again, or to where we have “need that some one teach us again” these foundation principles (Heb. 5:12).

How do we implement, in a practical way, this going on to maturity? One way is to attend every Bible Class where the Word is being taught. Another is to study on our own. Still another is to discuss Bible thoughts and ideas with those who have a good understanding of the Bible. Pray for God’s help, and especially for wisdom.

Let us go on to spiritual maturity!

By– Max Patterson

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