Hebrews Chapter Five Verses 11-14

HEBREWS CHAPTER FIVE VERSES 11-14 (USING KING JAMES STUDY TEXT, STUDY BOOK WILL REFERENCE A DIFFERENT VERSION FOR READING)

Heb 5:11  Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 

Heb 5:12  For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. 

Heb 5:13  For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 

Heb 5:14  But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. 

Main Point: You are like babies and should be more mature!

4. What does “dull of hearing” mean? Ultimately it means lazy. It contains the thought of non-active hearing. It does not provoke the “listener” to action. The gospel is God’s word which looks to bear fruit in the life of the hearer (in many forms). If it returns to God with nothing, it tells God of the condition of the heart. As referenced earlier, a hardened heart is evidenced by disbelief (and disobedience).

5. List the symptoms given that would identify being “dull of hearing”: Not able to teach (in its broadest forms, not necessarily a formal teaching setting). Needing to be taught “first principles”. Dwelling on the simplest parts of the gospel and not the deeper messages God has ready for discovery. Unskilled in the “word of righteousness”.

6. According to the text, what are the differences between a “babe” and “those who are full of age”? See  #5  - In contrast, “those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” The word “senses” suggests that understanding is obtained via a type of organ that needs to be used to improve. Most likely it is a call to exercise the brain to discern the deeper things of the gospel, and not just rudimentary thought.

7. How can we become what the writer of Hebrews wants us to grow into? Study and pray. That overworked answer is used so much! But it is absolutely true, and imperative to Christian growth. It is not as complicated as calculus, but it enriches life far more than anything else we can pursue. But like calculus, it requires attention and study….read your bible, pray to God.

Additional:

11) Dull: 3576 From a derivative of G3541; sluggish, that is, (literally) lazy, or (figuratively) stupid ---3541 Of uncertain affinity; a spurious or illegitimate son (faker)

13) Unskilled – 552 From G1 (as a negative particle) and G3984; inexperienced, that is, ignorant: - unskilful. From the base of G4008 (through the idea of piercing); a test, that is, attempt, experience: - assaying, trial.

14) Senses – 145 From a derivative of G143; properly an organ of perception, that is, (figuratively) judgment: - senses.  143-- Of uncertain derivation; to apprehend (properly by the senses): - perceive.

140 Exercised- 1128--   From G1131; to practise naked (in the games), that is, train (figuratively): - exercise.  1131 Of uncertain affinity; nude (absolutely or relatively, literally or figuratively): - naked.