Growing or Coasting: Comfortable Christianity vs Real Maturity - Hebrews 5

BIG IDEA
Under the priesthood of Christ, spiritual maturity is not optional.

OPENING CONTEXT (Hebrews 1 to 4 Summary)

• Jesus is greater than angels, Hebrews 1

• Jesus became fully human to destroy death, Hebrews 2

• Jesus is greater than Moses, Hebrews 3

• Do not harden your heart in unbelief

• The Word exposes the heart, Hebrews 4:12

• We have a great High Priest, Hebrews 4:14 to 16

• Therefore, draw near with confidence

Transition: If Jesus is our High Priest, what kind of priest is He, and what kind of people should we become?

SECTION 1
The Role of a High Priest
Hebrews 5:1 to 4

• Chosen from among men

• Appointed to represent men before God

• Offers gifts and sacrifices for sins

• Deals gently because he shares weakness

• Must offer sacrifice for his own sins

• Must be appointed by God, not self appointed

Key Truth: The priesthood reveals the seriousness of sin and the necessity of mediation.

SECTION 2
Jesus, The Greater High Priest
Hebrews 5:5 to 10

• Christ did not exalt Himself, Hebrews 5:5

• Declared Son, Psalm 2:7

• Priest forever, Psalm 110:4

• After the order of Melchizedek

• Royal and eternal priesthood

• Appointed by the Father

Key Truth: Jesus is divinely appointed, eternally qualified, and uniquely superior.

SECTION 3
Obedience Formed in Suffering
Hebrews 5:7 to 9

• "In the days of His flesh"

• Loud cries and tears

• Prayed in suffering

• Heard because of reverence

• Learned obedience through suffering

• Made perfect, fully qualified as Savior

• Source of eternal salvation

• Salvation connected to obedient faith

Key Truth: Suffering is not wasted, it forms obedience and reveals allegiance.

SECTION 4
The Warning, Spiritual Immaturity
Hebrews 5:11 to 14

• Hard to explain because of dull hearing

• By now you should be teachers

• Need milk, not solid food

• Unskilled in the word of righteousness

• Spiritual infancy

• Solid food is for the mature

• Discernment trained by constant practice

• Ability to distinguish good from evil

Key Truth: Growth requires intentional practice, not passive exposure.

APPLICATION STEPS

Step 1: Examine Your Growth

• Am I growing or coasting?

• Has time in church produced maturity?

Step 2: Train Discernment

• Practice applying Scripture daily

• Learn to define good and evil biblically

• Engage the Word actively, not passively

Step 3: Embrace Obedience in Pressure

• Do not interpret suffering as failure

• Obey when it costs something

• Trust your High Priest in hardship

Step 4: Move from Milk to Meat

• Pursue deeper understanding

• Take responsibility for spiritual development

• Become someone who can teach and disciple others

CLOSING CHALLENGE

• Do not become dull of hearing

• Do not waste spiritual years

• Lean into Christ, your eternal High Priest

• Refuse spiritual stagnation

• Grow up under His priesthood