Chapter 5

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=hebrews%205&version=ESV

STUDY

  When I first read this chapter, I didn't grasp the first four verses, that introduced the rest of the chapter.  Maybe you understood it right away- that's awesome!  For those who haven't read the first four chapters of Hebrews, I will remind you that the book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who honored Moses more than needed, and they still followed the Law of the Old Testament, although Jesus' death and resurrection created a new covenant.  Obedience to the Law was no longer necessary, as Jesus came to fulfill it.  It was hard for the Jews to make the change of their exaltation of Moses to Jesus.  The first four verses in this chapter describe that in the Old Testament, there were people chosen to be high priests.  High priests would offer sacrifices on behalf of the sinner.   It connects this high priest role with the role that Jesus took on when He came as flesh to the earth.  He offered up "prayers and supplications" as it mentions in verse 7, and then in verse 10, "being designated by God a high priest..." to "become the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him" (verse 9).  How awesome is this!  If you still haven't got it, let me explain.   So before Jesus were high priests who offered animal sacrifices for sin to make one right with God.  When Jesus came, HE became the "high priest" and instead of offering animal sacrifices for our sins, HE gave HIS life so that we might be right with God.  His death paid for sin once and for all- past, present and future, for "all who obey Him" (verse 9).  Isn't our God good?  So the author here was explaining to the Jews that they no longer needed to offer animal sacrifices for their sins- but that believing and obeying Jesus was enough!   That Jesus' death and resurrection replaced many of the laws and customs that they followed.  

Okay, now on to the study questions!!

• The ESV Bible uses the word "supplication" in verse 7.  What is the definition of this word?  

• What is the difference between milk and solid food?

• What does this text say about those who are mature and receive solid food?

APPLICATION

• The Jews were caught up in religious customs and practices.  Today, there are many ways we can be "religious" in our ways.  Jesus says that there is nothing we can do that makes Him love us more, and He didn't die on the cross for all the good things we've done.  It's by His grace and mercy that He died for us- it's all about Him.  Do you find yourself thinking the more you do, the more He will love you?  Are you driven by the things you do, rather than the thing He did?  

• Verse 9 says that "He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him."  Will you inherit salvation based on this verse?  Bluntly, are you obedient to Jesus?

• After reading verses 11-14, do you think you receive milk or solid food (immature or mature)? 

PRUNING ME

     The heading for the last section of the chapter is "Warning Against Apostasy".  Apostasy means "abandonment of one's religious faith".  The author is concerned about the believers who aren't growing in knowledge of His wisdom.   He refers to the immature believers as ones that receive milk (as a child) and mature believers to receive solid food (like an adult).  The majority of people start in their faith as immature, only able to receive milk because they are still futile in their thinking.  You can't expect a baby to understand a book written to a teenager, and I know it sounds silly- but the same is true with our spiritual maturity.  I remember the days when what I read the Bible, didn't make much sense at all.  Not that I understand God's Word completely- because I am very far from that, but I do understand it much better than I used to.  God gives you understanding as you are able to receive it.  As we grow in our faith and in our relationship with Jesus,  God gives us more wisdom, knowledge and understanding of Him.  If you find yourself to be insecure in your faith, take heart- because you aren't born mature, you grow.  And after receiving, understanding and obeying the "basic principles of the oracles of God" you will be able to receive the solid food.  If you think you are receiving milk, ask God to give you more wisdom, knowledge and understanding.  James 1:5- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let Him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him."  The reason I believe the heading of this section is "Warning Against Apostasy" may be that people get frustrated because they don't understand the Word of God or even the basic principles of following Him.  Instead of asking God, they harden their hearts, and become "dull of hearing".  Instead of growing, as God desires, they take steps backward. The last sentence in this chapter says, "But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."  Did you get that? Constant practice.  It doesn't come without effort.  But don't give up, because the rewards of having wisdom and knowledge are well worth the cost!

• Leanne