Hebrews 6:1-8

1 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.
4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age 6 and who have fallen away, to be brought back to repentance. To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace. 7 Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. 8 But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.

Questions to consider:

• What is the significance of “therefore” in verse one?
• What is (a) God’s and (b) your part in your maturing?
• What, do you think, is the purpose of the warning at this place in the Hebrews’ letter?
• What is its meaning to you?

Possibilities for prayer:

The image of land that receives rain and produces good things being blessed by God is a beautiful one. Let’s ask God to make us into that type of people; the type of people who receive from God and take those blessings, lessons, and opportunities and turn them into something powerful and beautiful. Ask God to give you eyes to see the “rain” falling upon you and to show you how best to use that rain for God’s glory.