Diagnosis and Remedy

In one paragraph

This message came from Hebrews 5:11 through 6:3, the section the preacher described as a diagnosis and a remedy before the strongest warning in the New Testament arrives next week. Pastor Scott walked the congregation through what the writer of Hebrews says has gone wrong with his original readers, and what the path forward looks like. The two main points were the problem, dullness of hearing, and...

Read together

1. Hebrews 5:11-6:3 the main passage for the sermon, covering diagnosis and remedy for spiritual dullness
2. Hebrews 7:1-10 (implied, Melchizedek context) the him referred to at the start of 5:11, discussed as possibly Melchizedek
3. Hebrews 5:7-10 read aloud describing Jesus offering prayers and supplications and becoming the source of eternal salvation
4. 1 John 1:9 cited to show that confessing sins leads to God forgiving and cleansing from all unrighteousness
5. Hebrews 2:1 quoted to reinforce paying closer attention to what has been heard so as not to drift away
6. Hebrews 3:7-8 quoted as the Holy Spirit saying today if you hear His voice do not harden your heart
7. Hebrews 3:15 quoted again: today if you hear His voice do not harden your heart as in the wilderness
8. James (unspecified) referenced in connection with the phrase if God permits, likening it to James's teaching about not boasting about future plans
9. James (benediction, unspecified) closing benediction: do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself, do what it says, cited as New Living Translation

Talk about it

1. Pastor Andrew pointed out that the Hebrew Christians were being drawn back to what was familiar rather than pressing forward in Christ. When have you felt that pull toward spiritual comfort or familiarity instead of growth? What did that look like for you?
2. The writer of Hebrews says the audience 'had become' dull of hearing, meaning something changed from how they once were. What do you think causes a person who was once sharp and attentive to God's word to drift into that kind of sluggishness?
3. Pastor Andrew described the difference between knowing about Jesus and actually knowing Jesus, and connected knowing Him to loving and obeying Him. How would you describe where you are in that progression right now, and what is one thing that either helps or hinders you in moving deeper?
4. The sermon described solid food as belonging to those who, because of practice, have their senses trained to discern good and evil. What does that kind of practice actually look like in daily life, and where do you find it hardest to stay consistent?
5. Pastor Andrew said the remedy to both legalism and licentiousness is the same thing, trusting Christ, not swinging to the opposite extreme. How have you seen that play out, either in your own life or in a church community you have been part of?