Posted on 11/20/2020 5:09:35 AM PST by metmom
The writer of Hebrews says to his readers, “By this time you ought to be teachers” (Hebrews 5:12). These are strong, bold words. Who exactly is the writer addressing here? In short, who is he rebuking? The book of Hebrews shows us he is speaking to believers who have been well-schooled in biblical truth. In other words, those reading this letter had sat under powerful preaching by many anointed ministers. Consider all that these Christians had been taught:
They knew about Jesus’ high priesthood and his intercession for them at God’s throne. They knew of Jesus’s invitation to come boldly before the throne to find mercy and grace in their time of need. They had been taught that a supernatural rest was available to them. They knew the Lord was touched with the feelings of their infirmities. They knew Christ had been tempted in all points as they were, yet he remained without sin. They had been exhorted, “Hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (3:6). They had received clear warning of how unbelief grieves the Holy Spirit: “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God” (3:12). All this is found in the first four chapters of Hebrews and now, in chapter 5, the writer addresses those gathered: “After all this sound teaching, you are still dull of hearing and need someone to teach you.”
Does this apply to you? Think of all that has been learned by this present generation of Christians. How many sermons have we heard that challenge us to trust the Lord in all things? How many times have we heard God’s incredible promises preached? And yet, how often are we quickly deflated when a trial comes?
Dearly beloved, what is your life saying to those around you? How does the book of your life read? Are you a teacher in hard times, ministering to others by your example? It is impossible to keep faith without boldly going to the throne in prayer for all you need. I urge you to go to the Lord daily for all the mercy you need. He is calling you forth as one of his teachers!
Excellent word. A main reason and cause for spiritual immaturity is being dependent on the ministry of others for our understanding. I’d guess 95% or more of what most Christians believe comes from others - and not from their direct knowledge of scripture.
We only truly mature in Christ when we learn to be wholly dependent on Him alone, His Holy Spirit, and scripture.
But there is, as usual, a balancing truth to this one - in James 3:1 - “Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we shall incur a stricter judgment.” Desiring to teach others can be a good thing - or a very bad thing.
Do we truly want to help others? Or be over them, above them?
Early in my ministry I was preparing for my Sunday morning message (sermon to some), and I was deeply convicted of this: “The saints will take everything you say as being from God. Few can discern truth from error. I will hold you accountable for anything you teach or preach that is not truly from Me.”
I was so struck with fear - knowing my fallibility - that I could not stand to speak.
That was 50 years ago - and some of that fear remains with me today.
· This came about because I said since CA is wanting to close churches why not meet in people’s home like I was doing. He has a problem with reading comprehension.
· · · 11/11/2020 11:55:08 AM · 66 of 66
· StoneWall Brigade to SkyDancer
I could careless what your leftist statist (sic) ass does you think I give really two shits what anyone else on this forum thinks or anyone else in general? Newsflash Air-slut I don’t at all not even in the very least. The only one who’s psuedo (sic)and a hypocrite is you you’re an immoral worldly self righteous self deluded Paganstic(sic) heathen who outright surrenders and outright compromises all freedoms/liberty at fine tune the drop of a hat out of your pure laziness and weaknesses your also a major forsaker(sic) of Jesus Christ, whom you claim too believe in and serve.
· 11/10/2020 1:11:52 PM · 62 of 67 StoneWall Brigade to SkyDancer
I’m done conversing with you Sky. You’re an evil evil demonic horrid immoral quasi wretched charlatan, if its such great knowledge too forsake the Lord and his bride (The Church) then I want no part of it enjoy your pride bask in your foolishness for the day of judgment will soon be here and it’s you who will answer for standing for evil when you could have and should have stood up for the greater good.
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