The Foundational Principles of Christ- (1)
“Repentance from Dead Works”
Hebrews 5:12-6:2
Hebrews 5:12-6:2, For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 6:1 Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
INTRODUCTION
The writer of Hebrews speaks of a very relevant and current problem that
exists today. He declares that the believers should be able to teach the things of God to others, but instead, they needed someone to teach them again...the basics of the Word.
He makes distinction concerning the importance of the Scripture and our
involvement with the Scripture. In order for believers to grow strong and
mature in the things of God, we must have a strong foundation. Therefore,
it is imperative that we build on the basic principles of Christ.
I. UNDERSTANDING GROWTH
A. Growing in The Basics.
1. Milk or Meat?
a. Milk.
1) Immature. Paul’s indictment identified their lack of growth.
They should have been able to instruct…but they needed to be
taught the basics…again. They were unable to process the
stronger teachings of the Word.
2) Inexperienced. [unskillful…inexperienced, ignorant.]
a) Babe. [an infant, simple-minded person, immature]
b. Meat.
1) Constant Use. [through the channel…of habit, practice]
2) Continual Training. [trained…their perception]
a) Discernment. [judgment, sensitivity…good from evil]
B. Growing from The Basics.
1. Foundation. The phrase “leave the elementary teachings” is not a reference to
a departure from the Word of God, but it is a plea to learn the basic
principles... And then build on them. Once we have learned the “basics,” then
we can grow beyond them.
a. Doctrine. [Logos = Word of God]
C. Growing to Maturity.
1. Maturity. [completeness, full process, full age] The Scripture is saying that it is
time to get the foundational principles settled and go on to full and complete
growth. We must not continually stumble over the basics.
II. UNDERSTANDING REPENTANCE
A. Repentance.
1. Repenting. Repentance involves turning from one thing to another. It
involves a change of mind, a change of direction and priority. The attitude of
repentance is paramount in importance.
B. Regret…Or Godly Sorrow?
1. There are two Greek words that are used for repentance.
a. Metanoeo. [Godly sorrow (This word is used in Hebrews 6:1)]
b. Metamellomai. [Regret]
III. UNDERSTANDING DEAD WORKS (Self-Righteous Works)
A. Dead Works.
1. Turning from Dead Works. Dead works involve activity outside the realm of
the life of God’s Word. (Hebrews 4:12, John 6:63)
a. We are saved by God’s grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Too many times we
rely on our own works to secure our salvation. These are dead works.
B. Righteous Works.
1. Jesus. Romans 3:20-22
a. Righteousness manifested without the law (Matthew 17:1-8) being
witnessed by the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah).
b. Righteousness…The Conclusion. Romans 3:28, II Corinthians 5:21