Series on the Epistles of Paul (137) - Hebrews 5:1-14

Well, good evening, brethren. The theme of Hebrews is the superiority of Jesus Christ and the New Covenant relationship which is made possible through Him. Before I start with Hebrews chapter 5, we need to understand why God established the priesthood under the Old Covenant. I would like to cover that really briefly. The covenant made at Mount Sinai included three major components. First, God's moral commands and principles. Secondly, they included laws governing Israel as a nation in words of civil law, let's call it that. And thirdly, it included provisions for sacrifices and priestly mediation, what we normally call the ceremonial law. The sacrificial and priestly system, particularly as we read in Leviticus, addressed a very, very basic question.

How could sinful human beings approach God holy and righteous and obtain forgiveness?

And so God established various elements. I'll highlight a few here of particularly noteworthyness.

One was a sanctuary which was a designated place where God's presence was manifested among Israel. And we see that in Exodus 25. Then there were a number of sacrifices.

There were offerings associated with basically atonement and forgiveness.

And we see that in Leviticus, particularly around the first few chapters of Leviticus.

And then we had priesthood. Priests appointed to represent the people before God.

We could easily refer to Exodus 28 verse 1, where God appointed the priesthood through the Levitical priesthood through Aaron. And then there was a very important annual day, a holy day, the day of atonement, which is an annual occasion when the high priest entered the most holy place with sacrificial blood to make atonement. And we read that every year during the day of atonement in Leviticus 16. The high priest was therefore essential to Israel's system of worship and reconciliation. However, as we understand, the entire system was limited. Limited because the priests were mortal and sinful and the sacrifices had to be repeated and repeated and repeated.

So these limitations therefore pointed forwards to the need of one, a greater high priest, and to a perfect sacrifice. So in Hebrews chapter 4, we saw and the Paul, yeah, in Hebrews, concluded by and identifying Jesus Christ as that great high priest, our great high priest. And that's through whom we can approach God's throne of grace to obtain mercy and help. Now in Hebrews chapter 5, and now Paul explains why Christ is qualified to hold that office. And so let's go on onto that and start in verse 1.

For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. And so they appointed to represent human beings before God. In other words, they are representing the people before God, and it says, yeah, they are to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. And also they are to serve as a mediator in the relationship between God and his people. And so under the Old Covenant, Aaron and his descendants for full these responsibilities through the Levitical priesthood, as we read, for instance, in Numbers 18 verses 1 through 7. And then this is particularly evident on the annual holiday, the Day of Atonement ceremony, which is described in Leviticus 16, and which we refer to it annually every year on this very solemn annual holy day. And on that day, under the Old Covenant, Aaron entered the Most Holy Place, which is the only day that he could enter that with the sacrificial blood representing the people. And Aaron, therefore, representing the people before God with that sacrificial blood. And so, as we see and as we read throughout the Old Testament, the Levitical priesthood and the Levitical high priest offered annual sacrifices repeatedly.

But Jesus offered himself as a perfect sacrifice once for all. We read that, for instance, in Hebrews chapter 7 verse 27, 7 verse 27, where it says, who does not need daily as those high priests to offer up sacrifices first for his own sins, you know, as those high priests had to offer first sacrifices for their own sins and then for the people's. But this he Christ did once for all when he offered up himself. We also in Hebrews chapter 9 verse 12, we read that he came not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, he entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. And then we also read in 10, Hebrews 10 verse 10, 10 10, we read, by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the blood of Jesus Christ once for all. And then continue reading there in verse 11 through 14, and every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But this man, obviously referring to Christ, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. And from that time, waiting till his enemies are made his fruits too, for by one offering, Christ by one offering, he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. And so Jesus Christ offered himself as the perfect sacrifice once for all. And so that's as we read in verse one of chapter five, that these high priests from man, you know, were human beings, they were appointed to represent the people, and they offered these sacrifices for sins continuously. And now we get to verse two, Hebrews five verse two, talking about Christ. And he, Christ, can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.

And so a high priest, not just Christ, but any high priest, a high priest, he says, he, the high priest, must have compassion on those who are ignorant. And so the job of a high priest, regardless who he is, must be able to deal compassionately with those who are ignorant for going astray. That is, in a sense, a pastor's job to help people as they struggle, because people are at different levels of growth, and we are here to help, not to criticize, not to speak bad, but to help them through their walk. And likewise, the human high priest could sympathize, because the human high priest himself was weak. However, Christ's compassion is far superior.

In Hebrews chapter 4 verse 15, we read, Hebrews chapter 4 verse 15, we read, for we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. So we really are. Jesus experienced, experienced weakness, and temptation, yet inefficient.

So, we have here that situation that Christ has a complete understanding of human struggles, not based on his sinful failures, no, because he never sinned, but on his genuine experience of human suffering and temptation. He suffered, and he was tempted, but he never sinned. So he has genuine experience of what that and what it feels like, and what it feels like having to overcome.

And so, yeah, it's a very important point to emphasize that as leaders in God's Church, and particularly spiritual leaders, we need to have compassion, understanding, patience, and a commitment to helping people overcome whatever problems they have, whatever trials. People have trials because of their perception. Their perception is reality. For some, the perception is higher. For others, the perception is lower, is at different levels, but we need to help people through their difficulties. In Hebrews chapter 2, verse 17 and 18, Hebrews 2 verse 17 and 18 says, Therefore in all things he had to be made like his brethren, that's Christ, that he might be a merciful and faithful eye priest in things pertaining to God to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

And 18, for in that he himself has suffered being tempted, he is able to aid those who are tempted. He can understand us and therefore is able to help us. Even his physical life. We know, for example, for instance, in Matthew chapter 9 verse 36, we see a situation where he was moved with compassion. Matthew chapter 9 verse 36. Matthew 9 verse 36. And this is because he saw the people that they were like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9 verse 36. But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved. Christ was moved with compassion for them because they were weary and scattered like sheep having no shepherd. So Christ has a lot of feeling and compassion for people as they are struggling with different issues. And so, continue also another example is in Hebrews chapter 10 verse 19 through 22. Hebrews chapter 10 verse 19 through 22.

And he says, therefore brethren, having boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus. Why? Because when we see and understand that Christ had to go through these things and to understand that he's a compassionate high priest, that helps us to understand and therefore approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that we can fully depend on him.

And we can find comfort when we have heavy burdens and trials. That's why he says we have boldness to enter the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way which he consecrated for us through the veil that is his flesh and having a high priest over the house of God. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

So having that understanding that God is with us, that Christ understands and has compassion for us, helps us to have that boldness to approach God's throne of confidence. Continue now in Hebrews chapter 5 verses 3 and 4.

Because of this, he's required as for the people, so also for himself to offer sacrifices for sins. In other words, the physical high priest, he is required as he has to do for the people, so also for himself to offer sacrifices for sins.

Why? Because the physical high priest himself is a sinner. The Levitical high priest himself was a sinner and that's why we're reading Leviticus 16 verses 6 and verse 11 that he had to offer that bull offering for himself, for his own sins. But Christ was sinless and needed no sacrifice for himself. If we read in Hebrews chapter 7 verse 26 and 27, Hebrews chapter 7 verse 26 and 27, it reads, Therefore, oh, bigger part of verse 26, for such a high priest was fitting for us who is only, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens, who does not need daily as those high priests, those physical high priests of the old covenant, to offer up sacrifices which they had to offer first for their own sins and then for the peoples.

But Christ, this Christ, he only offered sacrifice once for all when he offered up himself because he was sinless.

So continuing in Hebrews chapter 5 verse 4 that he says, And no man takes this honor to himself, but he that is called by God, just as Aaron was. You see, the priesthood was not self-appointed.

The priesthood was not self-appointed, was appointed by God. Look at Exodus 28 verse 1. I made reference to that a little earlier, but I did not read it, but let's now read it there in Exodus 28 verse 1. Exodus 28 verse 1. Now, take Aaron your brother and his sons with him from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to me as a priest, Aaron and Aaron's sons, made up by Eliezer and Ethamar. And so, they did not appoint themselves.

Aaron did not appoint himself. Christ did not appoint himself to the office of high priests.

Now, we read in...

or before we go into that, I mean, it is important to see that they were appointed by God, these priests' children of Aaron. And then, we remember the rebellion of Korah. Remember in Numbers 16. In Numbers 16, we read about the rebellion of Korah. Let's just go to Numbers 16. And yeah, in Numbers 16, we see that they said, hey, you know, Moses, you're making yourself greater than what it should be. You see, look at verse 1 and 2. Now, Korah, the son of Israel, the son of Coath, the son of Levi. So, they were Levites. But they said, no, you are making yourselves high priests. We also should be, you know, the son of Levi with Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Elieab and on, the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben took men. And they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel. In fact, 250 leaders of the congregation, representatives of the congregation, men are renowned. So, these were men with, let's call it, they were leaders. They are in their own tribes. And it says, they gathered together against Moses and Aaron and said to them, you take too much upon yourselves. For all the congregation is holy. Every one of them. We all, we all should be doing this role, not just yourself. It should be kind of like we would probably say today. This is a democracy. We want to be part of it. God is amongst us, amongst all the whole congregation. Why do you then exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord? And so, this rebellion of quarter was a situation was very serious because they were trying to self-appoint themselves. And we can see the end result of that. We know the story, but we can see the end of result of that in verse 49, Numbers 16, verse 49. Because then there was a plague besides the earth opening up, then there was a plague. And he says, now those who died in the plague were 14,700. Besides those who died in the quarter incident, you know, was when the earth opened itself. So we can see it is very serious when people try to self-appoint themselves. Very serious. So, the moral of the lesson is that spiritual authority comes from God, and that spiritual authority, whoever that has been given to by God, must be done in humility and a spirit of service, not for personal ambition, not for personal ambition. And so, continue now in Hebrews 5, verse 5. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a priest, but it was He who said to Him, You are my Son, today I've begotten You. And so, now we have a quote from Psalm 2, verse 7, which says, You are my Son, today I begotten You. So Christ did not appoint Himself, just like Aaron did not appoint Himself. Christ does not claim the office of high priest, but God did. And the eye says, You are my Son, today I begotten You. It's interesting that this is also quoted in Acts 13, verse 33, and I want to look at that particularly because it brings an interesting point about when Christ, according to the statement from God, when the statement was made. At what point? Because some people say that was when He was begotten, and other people say at the resurrection. And so, Acts 13, verse 33, it's very enlightening, as far as that little point between brackets, yeah, Acts 13, verse 33.

It says, God has fulfilled this for us, the children, in that He raised up Jesus, as it was also written in the second psalm, as I mentioned, that was Psalm 2, verse 7. You are my Son, today I begotten You. And so, yeah, it connects this statement to when Christ was resurrected. But yeah, we can see in this, particularly looking at Hebrews 5, verse 5, that says, You are my Son, today I begotten You. It sees in first place a unique relationship with the Father, and He's the Divine Authority. And we also can see from this, that the appointment of Christ as High Priest is rooted in His identity as God's Son. So, it says, so in verse 5, so Christ did not glorify, and He says Himself to become my Priest, but it was, He will say to Him, You are my Son, today I begotten You. So, He's connecting the appointment of as being High Priest to Him becoming God's Son. So, Christ's appointment, once again, was not based on human ancestry, or personal ambition, or the regulations governing the Levitical priesthood.

It was based on God's Divine Authority. And so, continue now in verse 6, as He also says in another place, You're a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek. And that is quoted from Psalm 110 verse 4. This is a very important turning point or key point here in Hebrews, because Jesus Christ was not from the lineage of Aaron, in other words, of the tribe of Levi.

He descended from Judah. We read that in Hebrews 7 verse 14. Obviously, we know that, but it's emphasized in Hebrews 7 verse 14. He says, For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning the priesthood. You see, the Old Testament physical priesthood was from the tribe of Levi, not from the tribe of Judah. And so, from a physical point of view, Christ would have not qualified for the priesthood according to the line of Aaron, the Aaronic priesthood. And yet God appointed Christ as I priest, because it is to a different and superior priesthood. And so, this was also, as we've seen by the fact that it was quoted in Psalm 110, was prophetically declared centuries before Christ's human birth.

So, it was declared long, long before Christ's very birth.

So, there's another point here to briefly refer to is the expression which says, yeah, to the order of Melchizedek, in other words, order of, which deserves a little extra consideration. This word order is a Greek word 5010, taxes, and it describes a priesthood according to the nature or pattern of Melchizedek's priesthood. The Greek lexicon Bower, Ornt, and Gingrich on page 111 says that the expression can convey the idea of quote, being according to the nature or likeness of something, end of quote. So, Christ's priesthood is not simply a higher rank than that of the Levitical priesthood, but it is an entirely different kind of priesthood.

You see, it was Christ was divinely appointed, not a descendant of the priesthood according to the line or the lineage of Aaron. Christ's priesthood was, is an eternal priesthood, not one of mortal men that die and therefore the next man will do it.

No, it's one, an eternal. Christ is sinless, the man with sinness. Christ continues forever, and those are disturbed. So, it is an entirely different and superior priesthood. Now, in Genesis 14 verses 18 through 20, here's a little bit of background about who this Melchizedek was. Genesis 14, 18 through 20. Let's look at that. Genesis 14, 18 through 20. Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. Interesting bread and wine. Think about the day of Passover, bread and wine. Interesting. And he was the priest of God Most High, and he blessed him and said, blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hands.

And he gave him a tithe of all. So, we see that he was a king of Salem, and he was a priest of the God Most High. He blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave to him a tithe, a tenth. And so, the church believes the Melchizedek, therefore, was the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ.

And this is developed further in Hebrews chapter 7 verse 1. Starting in verse 1, says, Hebrews chapter 7 verse 1, For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High, who met Abram returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom Abram gave a tenth of all, first being translated king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, meaning king of peace, without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the son of God, remains a priest continually. And then in verse 8, we read, "'Yah, mortal man received tithes," speaking about the Levitical priesthood, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. And so Melchizedek is described both as king and priest. And that, in a sense, prefigures Christ's combined offices of king of kings and lord of lords and high priest. Also, Hebrews 7 chapter 3 emphasizes that Melchizedek, and that's what it says, that Melchizedek has neither beginning of days nor end of life, and continues as a priest. And so Melchizedek was not an ordinary mortal high priest.

And yeah, in this description, the priesthood of Melchizedek is characterized by eternal life.

And this subject will be developed further after the warning at the end of this chapter about spiritual immaturity, which we'll cover still today, this warning about spiritual maturity. But then Paul, the writer of Hebrews, is going to go more into the point about Melchizedek and the priesthood. So, so now we have an eternal high priest, which is far superior to a succession of mortal priests, which are sinners, and because of his indestructible life and divine earth, Christ is able to eliminate death, is able to eliminate repeated sacrifices, because Christ offers us a permanent, complete salvation. So continue now in verse 7 of Hebrews chapter 5, who, in the days of his flesh, when he had offered prayers and supplications with the himmit, Christ, and tears to him, was able to save him from death and was heard because of his godly fear.

So, yeah, we can see intense emotion, intense emotion of Christ crying out to the Father with tears, and that we can refer to Matthew 26 verses 36 to 44 about his prayer in the garden of Gethsemane just before he was betrayed, and that is an example of intense emotion crying out to God with tears. Now, it says here, we read here in verse 7, and it says, and was heard because of his godly fear. Now, some people may ask, if God heard Christ's prayer, why did Christ still die? You see, God did not spare Christ from experiencing death, because death was necessary, his death was essential for the plan of salvation.

We read that in various parts of the Bible, and for instance, even in Psalm 16 verse 10. Let's just quickly look at Psalm 16 verse 10. Psalm 16 verse 10.

16 verse 10 says, for you will not leave my soul in shell, that's in the grave, nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption. In other words, his body, physical body, did not corrupt in the grave. In other words, he was resurrected before it actually corrupted. So, yes, the Father did allow Christ to die, because that was essential for the plan of salvation, that was prophesied, but the Father answered his prayer because he delivered him out of death, resurrected him.

And so, yes, he did answer his prayer. So, yeah, we have a profound and extremely important lesson for us as Christians. You see, God hears our prayers, but that does not necessarily mean he will remove the suffering. Sometimes his answer is to strengthen us to endure.

This is how we continue now in verse 8. Though he was a son, yet he learned obedience by the things which he suffered. What does it mean that Christ learned obedience? We know Christ was without sin, Hebrews 4 verse 15. We read, for we know that I, priest, we cannot sympathize with her, but it was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. In 2 Peter 2 verse 22, 2 Peter 2 verse 22, we read that it has happened to them according to the second beg upon the first Peter 2 verse 22. First Peter 2 verse 22, who committed no sin, nor was the seed found in his mouth. So, Christ was without sin. And so, what does it mean that he learned obedience? He learned obedience experientially through trials, hardships, and suffering of his own human existence. In other words, he experienced firsthand what it means to obey God under difficult human circumstances, including suffering, temptation, and even the very prospect of death. So, Christ, as the word before his human birth, as we're reading John 1 verses 1 to 3 and verse 14, Christ had never experienced suffering in the way he did as a mortal man. And therefore, he demonstrated perfect obedience under the most difficult circumstances. As we read, for instance, in Philippians 2 verse 5 through 8, it says that that he left the form of God, he became a human, and he died for us, the most excruciating death. And so, what is the lesson for you and I? Well, the lesson is, obedience is not merely knowing God's instructions. It involves faithfully applying them when your obedience is difficult or costly, so that experiential obedience that Christ had to go through, that we have to go through, changes our character and builds endurance.

And then let's go on in verse 9. And having been perfected, he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him. What does it mean that having been perfected? The Greek word for perfected the eye is teleo, Greek 5048, which means being brought to completion or fulfilling an intended purpose. It does not mean that Christ was previously morally imperfect, but it means that through his complete human experience, his suffering, his obedience, his sacrificial death and resurrection, he fulfilled, in other words, the intended purpose. He brought to completion, he fulfilled that intended purpose, teleo. He fulfilled the mission for which he came, Hebrews 2 verse 10, to bring many men to Hebrews 2 verse 10. Let me quote correctly as it says. It says, yeah, that to bring many sons to glory, that was his purpose, and that's his purpose. And therefore, he was fully qualified for his role as our eternal high priest. And then in the second half of this verse, verse 9, it says, he became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him. You know, first, salvation comes only through Jesus Christ, he's the author. And salvation, secondly, is associated with obedience to Christ. He says, to all who obey him. True faith produces obedience. You know, you think about scriptures like Matthew 7 21, that we all know pretty well. Probably you can float it, or at least semi-quoted by heart, you probably know exactly what it says, but maybe when you quote, you don't say exactly every word correctly. But Matthew 17, he says, not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father, which is in heaven. We are obeying. We are obeying.

John 14 verse 15. John 14 verse 15. Let's get to John 14 verse 15.

John 14 says, if you love me, keep my commandments. I don't think you can be any plainer.

So salvation is God's gift through Jesus Christ. Yes, but faith must be expressed in repentance and obedience. So let's now go on to verse 10 of Hebrews chapter 5, called by God as a high priest, according to the order of Melchizedek. And so, yeah, Paul just closes this little let's call it Christ's qualification, that Christ was appointed by God, but he was sinless. He was perfect through suffering and possesses an eternal priesthood. Now, from verses 11 through 14, we can see now a warning that Paul gives about spiritual immaturity. And so this Paul concluded Christ's qualification. Now he's going to explain more about Melchizedek, but before he does that, he has to issue a very stern warning. So let's read the section from 11 through 14, Hebrews 5, 11. It says, the Melchizedek or Christ, of whom we have much to say, and ought to explain, since you have become a doll of earring, you have become doll of earring. The Greek word there is 3576, nothros, which conveys sluggishness, laziness, or lack of responsiveness. In other words, there was a deterioration of the spiritual state.

They had received instruction, but we are no longer making the progress that was expected of them.

And so what Paul is saying is these people that he was writing to had become spiritually sluggish. Look at Matthew 13 verse 15. Matthew 13 verse 15. Matthew 13 verse 15. It says, for the hearts of these people have grown dull.

The ears are hard of hearing. The eyes, they have closed. You see, they've grown dull.

They're not getting it. They just are slipping backwards. They have stopped progressing spiritually, despite having been associated with the church for many years, because it says you've become dull. You see, years in the church do not automatically produce spiritual maturity. A Christian must do something more than just clock up the ears.

One can accumulate considerable biblical knowledge, while at the same time failing to grow in wisdom, character and obedience. And so here's an important question.

Really, it's a very important question. What causes a Christian or Christians who were once enthusiastic, full of zeal, full of energy, full of fire, to become spiritually sluggish, dull of hearing?

You see, that initial, initial, emotional zeal kind of changes or transitions.

How? Through a neglect of daily habits, daily prayer, Bible study, start neglecting, unconfessed sin, and a shift, however so slight, but a shift from God's way to worldly distractions.

It's not a sudden change. It's not a sudden collapse, but once Christian life starts slowly, slowly growing dull or cold through small, repeated compromises. And that's why then we read here now in verse 12, the first part of verse 12, for though by this time you ought to be teachers.

You ought to be teachers. This is a serious rebuke. You ought to have been mature Christians.

You should be capable of explaining biblical truths, of being able to give sound spiritual advice. You should be demonstrating God's way of life through that example. As we read in 1 Peter 3 verse 15, you should be ready at any moment to give a defense of the hope that lies in you.

But what happened? It says here in the rest of verse 12, it says, but you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food.

In other words, they should have developed further.

They should have stayed mature.

But they didn't. They didn't. And so what does it constitute spiritual milk?

Well, in Hebrews chapter 6 verse 1 and 2 describes foundational doctrines.

And what is the problem is that they fail to build upon them.

And what does constitute solid food? It's understanding of the significance of what Christ has done of his eternal priesthood, of the new covenant, of the spiritual application of God's laws and principles. In other words, the ability to put it to practice and make wise spiritual judgments in everyday life.

That's why it says, for everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the world of righteousness, for he's a babe. And verse 14, but solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

And so spiritual maturity requires practice. Spiritual mature requires growth, coming of full age, spiritual adulthood, maturity. Spiritual mature requires exercise. The word heaphyl exercises, the Greek word 1-128, gymnaso, where we get toward gymnasium. It requires disciplined practice. And spiritual mature requires discernment, the capability to learn to distinguish between good and evil, truth and error, wise and unwise decisions. As we read, for instance, in Philippians 1 verse 9 through 11. Philippians 1 verse 9 through 11. We read, for this I pray that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment. Abound more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve that things are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. And so spiritual maturity means this sort of growth, abounding more and more in love and growing in that way. So let me give a very simple practical example of spiritual development. Consider a Christian who knows the commandment against bearing false witness. At an elementary level, that person understands that lying is wrong.

But at a more mature level, that Christian recognizes what? Recognizes that spreading unverified accusations, that participating in gossip, that exaggerating facts, or passing along damaging information can also violate God's principles of truth and love.

So spiritual maturity requires more than knowing the commandment. It requires understanding its intent and applying it carefully. Are we becoming more skilled in applying God's word to difficult situations in our daily life? A failure to grow is a serious spiritual concern, particularly for Christians who have been in the church for many years. And so, as I conclude and summarize, Hebrews chapter 5 teaches us two inseparable truths. First, Christ is uniquely qualified to serve as our eternal life priest. He was appointed by the Father, he went through and experienced suffering, he remained completely obedient and fulfilled his mission without sin, and he now serves as the perfect mediator between God and man. Second, Christians must now remain spiritual, must not now remain spiritually mature. We must not remain spiritually mature.

The knowledge of God, the knowledge of God's truth, carries a responsibility for us to grow in understanding, obedience, wisdom, and discernment.