Slices
Prepare
Do you have an understanding of the levels of growth you need to achieve in your Christian journey?
Bible passage
Warning against falling away
11 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
6 Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, 2 instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3 And God permitting, we will do so.
Explore
It may be a cozy feeling to become a Christian. Many of us have cherished memories of the born-again experience, when we realised the saving power of Jesus Christ. On that occasion, we invited him into our lives as our Saviour and Lord. Looking back to this experience may help us keep going in our faith and life. Others of us will have experienced a growing awareness that we were choosing to follow Jesus.
Let’s evaluate our present walk in Christian faith on the basis of verse 11 in chapter 5: ‘We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.’ Are we Christians of stunted growth, with no capability to take in solid food? Do we still thrive on the basics alone?
Today’s passage evidently points to the need for growth. Speaking to the readers of the times, the writer says: ‘by this time you ought to be teachers’! (v 12). Thus, chapter 6 opens with this demand to move on towards maturity. It takes effort and perseverance. But let’s share the confidence stated in 6:3: ‘And God permitting, we will do so.’
Respond
God’s desire for us is to grow up from the basics. Today, prayerfully decide on the areas you are going to invest in, to contribute towards your spiritual maturity.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Samuel 21,22; 1 Corinthians 9
Pray for Scripture Union
Thank God that the solar panels installed two years ago at the national office have resulted in significant energy savings, thus releasing funds to be used directly in mission to reach children and young people.
