Scripture Reading: Hebrews 6:1-3
First Principles of Christ
Intro.
1. The danger of new converts falling away is real and apparent. What can be done to help prevent this?
2. Grounding in word of God (personal faith), Col. 2:6-7 (2 Pet. 3:18)
3. Begins with first principles (elementary, fundamental, basic) of the gospel; just the beginning, Heb. 5:12.
4. By learning and living God’s word the new convert will grow to spiritual maturity, Heb. 5:13-14; 1 Pet. 2:2 (Acts 20:32).
5. Some basic principles every new convert (every Christian) must know and live to be strong in Christ. (the church, inspiration of Bible)
I. BASIC PRINCIPLES ABOUT FIRST PRINCIPLES.
A. First Principles are a Starting Point, not the End, Heb. 5:12.
1. Foundation for growth, Heb. 6:1.
2. Putting away past sins prepares the heart to receive and grow in truth, 1 Pet. 2:1-2.
3. Growth comes by being doers of the word, Jas. 1:21-25.
B. First Principles help New Christians become Skilled in the Word of Righteousness, Heb. 5:13.
1. Through learning and use, 5:14; 2 Pet. 3:18.
2. Add to your faith…, 2 Pet. 1:5.
C. First Principles must be Built upon, not Forgotten, Heb. 6:1.
1. “Leaving” is here the idea of advancing to something higher; do not linger, but go onward to higher attainments – Lest by lingering on the fundamentals you recede and fall away through neglect (6:4-6), 6:3 (6:11-12).
2. Never tire/always remember the present truth, 2 Pet. 1:12-15.
3. Growth is not “seeking some new thing”; it is maturing into the image of Christ in all things revealed in His word, Lk. 6:40.
II. THE FOUNDATION: BASICS FOR NEW CONVERTS, Heb. 6:1-2.
A. Repentance from Dead Works (Lk. 13:3, 5; Acts 17:30).
1. A change of mind toward sin that is produced by godly sorrow and produces a change of life, 2 Cor. 7:9-11; Acts 26:20.
2. Repentance is not: Denying sin…sorrow for sin…promise to quit sinning…confessing sin…afraid when we sin…just stopping…just forgetting about the sin.
3. God’s order: Sin -- Godly sorrow -- Repentance -- Turning to God (the fruit of repentance), Rev. 2:5 (Acts 8:22).
4. You repented of your sins; do not return to it! Rom. 6:1-2, 22
B. Faith toward God, Heb. 6:1.
1. Necessity, Heb. 11:6; Jesus, Jno. 8:23-24, 58; 20:30-31.
2. Nature, Heb. 11:1; Rom. 10:17; Jas. 2:14-26.
3. Nurture, 2 Pet 1:5-11; 1 Jno. 5:4.
C. Doctrines of Baptisms, Heb. 6:2.
1. Valid (in force) today: One, Eph. 4:5 (Great Commission).
2. Purpose, Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27.
3. Necessity, Mk. 16:16; 1 Pet. 3:21.
4. Element (water, not Holy Spirit), Jno. 3:5; Acts 8:36; 10:47-48.
D. Miracles: Laying on of Hands, Heb. 6:2.
1. To miraculously heal the sick, Acts 28:8.
2. To impart miraculous gifts (apostles), Acts 8:16-19; 19:6.
3. To set in place (for a work), showing approval or endorsement, Acts 6:6; 13:3; 1 Tim. 5:22.
E. Resurrection of the Dead, Heb. 6:2.
1. Denied by Sadducees, Acts 23:8.
2. Ridiculed by philosophers, Acts 17:32.
3. Clearly taught by the Savior, Jno. 5:28-29; 11:25-26.
4. Bodily, at Christ’s return, 1 Cor. 15:23-24, 35ff.
F. Eternal Judgment, Heb. 6:2.
1. Inclusive (all) and personal, 2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:12.
2. Judged by truth; righteous and impartial, Rom. 2:2-6, 11.
3. Reward and punishment, Matt. 25:34, 41, 46; 2 Tim. 4:7-8.
-Heaven and hell are real and eternal.
4. Hope for the faithful, Rom. 5:1-2.
5. Are you ready for the judgment day?
Conclusion
1. New converts have been added to the church, must continue steadfastly in their faith to grow to maturity, Acts 2:47, 41-42.
2. Desire the pure milk of the word in order to grow, 1 Pet. 2:2.
3. Press on to maturity of your faith, Heb. 6:3. (Eph. 4:11-16: equipped, mature, steadfast, working and strong)