the basic message #E28
Hebrews 5:12-14
In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
OK, let’s have a show of hands: Who completed the first grade? Good- it looks like everyone raised their hand. Now, how many never went further? How many adults in the work world have a first grade education? Sure, it’s a silly question, but consider your education as a Christian. Have you ever progressed from the first grade in your Christian life? I don’t know many adult hunters who still shoot a “410” and I don’t know many adult fishermen who still use a little Zebco “202” fishing reel, but I do know hundreds of adult Christians who are still in Jesus kindergarten. There are very few areas in our lives that we would tolerate a infantile level of knowledge and progress, but we’ll do it without question in our Christianity. Why should we push for greater knowledge and understanding?
Hebrews 6:7-8
Land that drinks in the rain often falling on it and that produces a crop useful to those for whom it is farmed receives the blessing of God. But land that produces thorns and thistles is worthless and is in danger of being cursed. In the end it will be burned.
Do you produce a useful crop, or thorns and thistles? I go to a local business often and have a young man wait on me that has “God” tattooed on his arm. It’s a beautiful tattoo, but the young man seems to be void of God. If he's going to be bitter and sullen, why not wear a long-sleeved shirt?
James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.
Words to live by, but how often do we? Are we still trudging along in the Christian first grade? When we stand before Jesus and he asks, “Why didn’t you try to become more knowledgeable about me and my teachings?”, what will be our answer? Will we claim a lack of time? Anyone who can tell you the player’s names and stats in any sporting event has extra time on his hands. Anyone who reads the National Enquirer has extra time on his hands. I spend a fair amount of time reading and studying the Bible. How do I expect Jesus to rate me in my study? At the very best, a C-. I spend very unproductive time reading the newspaper, not to mention the hours of wasted time watching TV. Even people who claim they don’t have even a minute of extra time often spend too much time on meaningless pursuits. How many hours do you spend gossiping each week? The next time someone comes up to you and wants to gossip, pull out a Bible and start reading it. Do you think the gossip will continue? Rate yourself honestly on your grade level in your Christian education. Isn’t it time to get busy doing some homework? If your teacher wouldn’t believe your dog ate your homework, do you think God will?