Brief summary of Hebrews 1:2-5:10 There are so many places to look for spiritual guidance–even the Bible is difficult to completely master! The good news is that we God has definitively shown us what He is like by sending Jesus. Jesus is completely sympathetic with all the challenges and difficulties of human life because He is fully human. Incredibly, though, He is more than just a great guy, He is the single greatest authority in all of creation. It may not always look like it but every spiritual entity (angelic, demonic, human) answers to Jesus. He uses His power and authority to care for the greatest needs of people who trust Him. We should continue to surrender our lives to Him even when we feel like life only gets harder if we follow Jesus – He is worthy and He will help. Hebrews 5:11-6:3 Six Basic Principles of Christianity (Hebrews 5:12): Repentance from dead works (Hebrews 6:1) Faith [in Jesus] (Hebrews 6:1) Washing [ceremonies: baptism & communion] (Hebrews 6:2) Prayer [for others] (Hebrews 6:2) [The hope of] Resurrection (Hebrews 6:2) Eternal[ly binding future] judgment (Hebrews 6:2) Spiritual maturity corresponds with a of the (Hebrews 5:12) Mastery of the Word is evidenced by of the Word (Hebrews 5:14) Our spiritual growth should the of (Hebrews 5:12) Our spiritual growth is ultimately God’s activity (Philippians 2:12-16a) Hebrews 6:4-8 today could be a symptom of yesterday Parable of the Soils (Luke 8:4-15) We bless others with our faith (Galatians 6:1-10) Hebrews 6:9-12 are also rooted in God’s (Hebrews 5:10) Remember that He is able to ! (Hebrews 4:14-5:10) Jesus’ gentle sympathy with us grows our faith to enrich our neighbors. REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Where do we look for spiritual growth? How are others being blessed by our growing walk with Jesus? What goodness have we tasted from God? What wisdom from Him are we unwilling to digest? How might our attitude change if we trusted that God delights in our growth?