"Growing in Jesus" to "Close to Jesus" | Randy Frazee | Westside Essentials

Essentials

Jan 23

Teaching Notes

Hebrews 5:11-6:3

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 
Hebrews 5:11

In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 
Hebrews 5:12

6 fundamentals (Hebrews 6:1-3)

Repentance – The change of mind that causes one to turn away from sin
Faith in God – Turning to God and trusting him with your life
Baptism – Why it is important to go public for Jesus

Laying on of Hands – The importance of corporate prayer.
Resurrection of the dead – The ultimate hope of believers
Eternal Judgment – There is a heaven & a hell and Jesus is returning to judge the earth.

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.  But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:13-14

Beliefs

Personal God – I believe God is involved in and cares about my daily life (Psalm 121)

Authority of the Bible – I believe has decisive authority over what I say and day. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Church Activities

Essential Classes – Moving from the Sanctuary to the Classroom

ALL ESSENTIALS EXPERIENCES

A2 Community – Living on mission with a small band of believers

a2 communities

Practices

Bible Engagement – From getting started to Frequently engaging God’s Word

Prayer – From getting started to frequently talking and listening to God.

Going Deeper Discussion

"We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
Hebrews 5:11-14

As one transitions from the growing in Christ stage to the close to Christ stage of your spiritual growth, the primary shift is in personal responsibility for your own growth.

1. From verse 11, is it difficult to teach someone who isn't "trying to understand?" Why are some people teachable and others not?
2. From verse 12, what are some of the elementary truths of God's word that we need to be grounded in? (hint:Randy covered 6 of them in his message.)
3. From verse 14, how does the author describe someone who is taking responsibility for their spiritual growth?
4. What would it look like for you to make that shift in your own life? Have you already done so? How would you encourage someone else?