Moving Beyond the Basics—Depending on God for Spiritual Growth
The book of Hebrews is a letter found in the New Testament of the Bible, written to encourage and challenge early Christians. It is known for its deep teachings and for urging believers to grow stronger in their faith. One of the most interesting and important sections is Hebrews 6:1-3, which talks about leaving behind the basics and moving toward a deeper understanding of Christian faith. Verse 3 says, “And this we will do, if God permits.” This simple statement holds a profound truth about spiritual growth: it depends not just on our own efforts, but on the guidance and permission of God.
Setting the Scene: The Context of Hebrews 6
To understand what Hebrews 6:3 means, it helps to look at the verses around it. In Hebrews 6:1-2, the writer (possibly Paul or someone else) tells the readers to “leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.” The basics, as listed in these verses, include:
· Repentance from dead works (turning away from wrong actions)
· Faith in God
· Baptisms
· Laying on of hands (a symbol of blessing and prayer)
· Resurrection of the dead
· Eternal judgment (the idea that everyone will be judged by God)
These are all fundamental to Christianity. They’re like the ABCs of faith—the things every believer should know. But the writer wants his readers to go further. He wants them to dig deeper, to learn and understand more complex ideas about God and how to live as Christians.
“And this we will do”: Ready to Move Forward
After listing the basics, the writer says, “And this we will do.” In other words, he is determined to take the next step. He wants to push onward and help others to grow up in their faith, moving from spiritual childhood to spiritual adulthood. He’s ready to lead them into deeper teachings, more thoughtful discussions, and richer understanding.
This is like a teacher telling students, “You’ve mastered the basics of math—now let’s learn algebra.” It’s an invitation to mature, to stretch, and to build on the foundation that has already been laid.
“If God Permits”: Depending on God’s Will and Grace
But the writer doesn’t stop at determination. He adds, “if God permits.” This is more than just a polite phrase. It’s a recognition that growth in faith isn’t just about wanting it or working hard—it’s about God’s help, guidance, and timing.
This idea pops up often in the Bible. For example, James 4:13-15 reminds readers that we shouldn’t boast about our plans, but should say “if the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” It’s a humble acknowledgment that God is in charge, and we are dependent on God for everything—even our spiritual journey.
In John 15:5, Jesus says, “Apart from me, you can do nothing.” That means that no matter how much we want to grow spiritually, we can only do so with God’s help.
Why Is Spiritual Growth Dependent on God?
Spiritual growth is different from learning in school or picking up a new hobby. It’s not just about memorizing facts or practicing skills. It involves our hearts, minds, and souls. It requires the work of the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand, believe, and live out God’s truths. Without God’s help, we can’t truly grasp the deeper things of faith or apply them to our lives.
This does not mean God is unwilling for us to grow. On the contrary, God desires for us to mature and learn more. But the phrase “if God permits” reminds us to stay humble, to pray for guidance, and to be aware that our growth depends on God’s grace.
Going Beyond the Basics: What Does It Mean?
Hebrews challenges us not to get stuck talking about the same things over and over—like repentance, faith, or baptism. These things matter, but if we only focus on them, we miss out on the richness of God’s message.
Imagine a fruit tree that is planted in a garden. The basics are like the roots and trunk—they’re essential for life. But a mature tree also produces leaves, blossoms, and fruit. If a tree never grows beyond its roots, it cannot fulfill its purpose.
The writer wants Christians to bear fruit, and that means moving onto deeper topics:
· How does faith shape our day-to-day decisions?
· What does it mean to fully surrender to God?
· How can we understand suffering, joy, and God’s plan for our lives?
· How should we relate to other believers, showing love, forgiveness, and unity?
These are not simple issues—they take time, effort, and, most importantly, God’s help to understand and live out.
Guarding Against Misunderstanding: Not Discouraging the Weak or Fallen
Hebrews 6 also warns against misunderstanding these verses. Some people worry that if they’ve stumbled or made mistakes, they’re beyond hope. But the passage isn’t about ordinary struggles or mistakes. It’s speaking about a deliberate, open rejection of Christ after truly knowing Him—something rare and serious.
The author wants believers to be careful and to help each other avoid falling away, but also to show compassion and encouragement to those who are weak or repentant. The goal is always to draw people closer to God, not to push them away with fear.
Practical Takeaways for Today
So, what does this mean for us today? Here are a few key lessons from Hebrews 6:3:
· Don’t settle for the basics. Keep seeking to learn, grow, and mature in your faith. The Christian journey is a lifelong process.
· Stay humble and dependent on God. No matter how much you want to advance, remember that true growth comes from God’s will, not just your own effort.
· Encourage others. Help fellow believers move forward, and avoid causing unnecessary fear or discouragement for those struggling in their faith.
· Pray for God’s guidance. Ask God to help you understand deeper truths, and trust Him to show you what you need to know, when you need to know it.
· Watch out for spiritual pride. Remember, everyone is learning and growing. Be patient with yourself and with others.
Conclusion: Spiritual Growth Is a Journey with God
Hebrews 6:3 is a gentle reminder that while we should strive to grow in faith, we cannot do it alone. We need God’s permission, guidance, and grace every step of the way. It’s not just about head knowledge or religious activity—it’s about becoming mature followers of Christ, bearing fruit, and reflecting God’s love in our lives.
As you seek to move beyond the basics, keep your heart open to God. Trust in His timing, pray for His help, and be encouraged: God is always willing to lead you deeper, if you are willing to follow.
afrancinegreen.com 