Livestream

1. Hebrews says spiritual sluggishness shows up when we stay on “milk” instead of moving to solid food (Hebrews 5:11–14). What practical habits (or lack of habits) reveal where you currently are in spiritual maturity? What would “solid food” look like for you this week?

2. The author urges believers to “go on to maturity” rather than constantly relaying foundations already laid (Hebrews 6:1–3). In what areas of repentance, faith, or obedience do you sense God calling you to build on the foundation rather than simply revisit it?

3. James warns about hearing God’s Word without putting it into practice (James 1:22–25). Where might you be listening to sermons or reading Scripture but not actually obeying? What is one concrete step of obedience you can take right now?

4. Hebrews 6:4–6 gives a sobering warning about falling away. Apostasy is contempt of the cross (v. 6). R. Kent Hughes says, “They stand with the crucifiers. They treat Christ, in effect, as only a man.”

5. See back page to see the argument for assurance for those who are truly saved.

6. Read Hebrews 6:7-8. This soil analogy is common in the OT to describe Israel (Isa. 5:1–10; Jer. 2:21; Ezek. 19:10–14). It also echoes Jesus’ Parable of the Sower (see Matthew 13:20-21). How does this strengthen the author’s warning against falling away?

7. We highlighted three causes of sluggish Christianity: materialism (Matthew 6:24), sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3–5), and lack of discipline (1 Timothy 4:7–8). Which of these is the biggest threat in your life to cause sluggishness? What will you do this week to help you fight this tendency?

8. The writer encourages us to imitate those who inherit God’s promises through faith and perseverance (Hebrews 6:11–12). Who is a mature believer you can intentionally learn from, and what specific way will you imitate them this week?

9. God’s promises are guaranteed because it is impossible for Him to lie (Hebrews 6:17–18). How does remembering God’s faithfulness to Abraham (Genesis 22:16–17) strengthen your trust in God during seasons of waiting or uncertainty?

10. Hebrews describes our hope in Christ as “an anchor for the soul” (Hebrews 6:19–20). When storms hit your life, what does it look like practically for you to cling to that anchor through prayer, Scripture, and community?

Roger Nicole provides assurance to true believers in Christ. For deeper study, read the following arguments below along with Scriptures:

1. Scripture asserts that “He who has begun a good work . . . will perfect it until the day of Christ” (Phil. 1:6; cf. Luke 14:28–32).

2. Scripture asserts that “life” shall not separate believers from the love of God in Christ (Rom. 8:38, 39).

3. Scripture asserts that the golden chain of God’s purpose is not thinning out toward the end, but that the very people who are known, foreordained, called and justified are also glorified (Rom. 8:29, 30). 

4. Scripture asserts that believers are “kept by the power of God through faith unto final salvation and for an incorruptible inheritance” (1 Pet. 1:4, 5; cf. Jude 24, 25; 2 Tim. 1:12).

5. Scripture asserts that true believers are “sealed by the Spirit unto the day of redemption” (Eph. 4:30).

6. Scripture asserts that apostates were never true members of Christ because otherwise they would not have fallen away (1 John 2:19).

7. Scripture asserts again and again that the new life in Christ is “eternal” (aionios). What kind of eternity would that be which could be brought to an end in our own life-span? 

8. Jesus asserts that it is impossible “to lead the elect astray” (Matt. 24:24).

9. Jesus asserts that “everyone who beholdeth the Son and believeth on him shall have eternal life, and he will raise him up at the last day” (Jn. 6:40; 54). Jesus asserts, “I know my sheep, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:27, 28).