A brief review of chapter 5:

  • Beginning in Hebrews 4:14, the writer revisits the subject of the priesthood of Jesus. He wants to persuade his audience that Jesus is a more superior High Priest than Aaron.
  • God the Father appointed Jesus to the be High Priest of His people under the new covenant (Hebrews 5:1-6). Jesus can genuinely sympathize and help us with our weaknesses because He lived as one of us.
  • Through His sufferings, Jesus learned obedience (Hebrews 5:7-8). He also was made a perfect (complete) Savior. He also became qualified to be a High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek.”
  • While the Hebrew writer will continue talking about the subject of Melchizedek later in the book, in verses 11-14, he pauses on the subject and offers a rebuke. He expresses frustration that these Christians probably couldn’t grasp an issue as complicated as this because they were not growing in the Lord.

Chapter 6:

  • In 6:1-8, the writer continues the rebuke he began in Hebrews 5:11ff. Many consider this section to be the most severe criticism in the letter (some even say the entire Bible).
  • Instead of growing and being equipped to handle difficult subjects (like how Jesus is a priest comparable to Melchizedek), these Christians were still on the elementary principles of the gospel (Hebrews 6:1-2). Make a list of these elementary principles.
  • If Christians don’t grow, they put themselves on a path to eventually drift away from God (Hebrews 6:4-8). Some could even reach a point where they no longer desire to repent when they begin reveling in sin (Hebrews 6:6). These people “again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame.”
  • Just as God sent rain and expects a product from the ground, He also expects the same from His people (Hebrews 6:7-8). Christians that don’t grow will eventually be on the receiving end of the wrath of God!
  • After offering a stern rebuke, the Hebrew writer begins trying to encourage these Christians (Hebrews 6:9-20). He lets them know that God is noticing their work for Him, and He will be faithful to reward them (like he did with Abraham). Instead of falling away, these saints needed to continue hoping and trusting Jesus.