Adult Bible Study: Hebrews Lesson 12

Adult Bible Study: Hebrews Lesson 12

Hebrews Lesson 12

Learn: Colossians 2: 2-3

2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

3 In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

Read: Hebrews 5:1-14

NOTE: Hebrews 5:11 begins the third warning passage in Hebrews. It continues through Hebrews 6:20. 

  1. What is the 1st warning, which is given in Hebrews 2:1?
  2. What is the 2nd warning, which is given in Hebrews 3:12-13?
  3. What is the 3rd warning which is given in Hebrews 5:11c?NOTE: This warning relates to spiritual growth.
  1. What does the “dullness” of hearing prevent the author from doing? v 11a
  2. What is the “dullness” of these people towards, so that the author is limited in what he is able to teach them?  found in a 3 word phrase in verse 12  
  3. In Ephesians 4:13-16 Paul discusses the spiritual growth that all believers are to strive for so that there be no dullness in us. What are some specific things that we need to have complete understanding of?
  4. In I Peter 2:1-2, Peter speaks of spiritual growth, what does he tell us is to be the mark of our lives so that we may grow?
  5. If that sincere desire for the Word of God is not in a person’s life, given the example of a baby which desires and needs its mother’s milk, what conclusion does this point to? 
  6. Back in Hebrews 5:11-14, the author uses “milk” in a different way than Peter did in I Peter 2. In this passage milk is contrasted with strong meat (food). According to II Peter 3:18, what is the real issue of spiritual growth?

NOTE: Spiritual growth is so important in the believer’s life, but these believers are called “dull of hearing” The Greek word nothroi, translated “dull” in this verse11, is used in Hebrews 6:12, translated “slothful.” It can also be “slow’ or “idle” or “lazy.”

  1. Verse 11 begins with the word “of whom”, this ties back to verse 10. What is it that the author wants to talk to the Hebrews about?
  2. According to verse 11 how much is there to be learned about our Lord that can be easily ignored or neglected because people are dull of hearing?
  3. What does Colossians 2:3 tell us about the knowledge of Jesus our Saviour?
  4. The text says “seeing ye are dull of hearing.” The Greek text uses the word gegonate which means “you have become.” What does this indicate about their dullness? 
  5. What are 2 results that verses 12and 13 indicate as a result of the Hebrews becoming dull of hearing?
  6. And yet, throughout the Bible we are taught that we are to be teachers of the Word. Record Scriptures that remind us of this command to teach.
  7. Because of their dullness these Christians are in what position rather than they themselves being teachers of God’s truth? v 12
  8. So now that they are in the position of again being babes in Christ, what is also evident? v 13
  9. If a person is unskilled in righteousness, they will be lacking in ___________________ .
  10. The word used here in verse 13 for “babe” is nepios which refers to a very small child who cannot put words together in meaningful sentences. This word is used in I Corinthians 3:3 of those who are__________________. In Ephesians 4:14, this word babe is used for those who are _______________________   ___________________________.
  11. Looking at our present “Christian” culture in the US, what people who claim to be Christians do and accept as Christian, and the lack of discernment, what conclusion can we reach?
  12. Verse 14 brings us a solution to the problem of dullness. What are these Hebrew Christians and all believers called to be?  v 14a
  13. This maturity in Christ should be the goal of every believer. How can it be attained? v 14b

NOTE: Our senses are to be exercised. The word ”senses” is the Greek term gegumnasmena, a word referring to gymnastics. This is the idea of discipline and hard work.

  1. What are we commanded to do in II Timothy 2:15, 16?

24. As believers we are to be mature and to be able to discern good and evil. Use the following Scriptures to explain some areas of our life that this discernment will be seen.

    • I John 4:1
    • I Corinthians 6:5
    • I Corinthians 14:20, 23, 32, 33, 40
    • I Corinthians 15:33, 34
    • Matthew 7:13, 14
    • Matthew 7:15-20
    • Matthew 7:21-24Notes and commentary taken form THE MESSIAH OF ISRAEL-STUDIES IN HEBREWS by Dr. David Hocking