From Here To Maturity

We have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.
–Hebrews 5:11

The “Vancouver Sun” published a list of actual answers people gave on a Bible knowledge quiz:

• Noah’s wife was Joan of Arc.
• Lot’s wife was a pillar of salt by day and a ball of fire by night.
• Moses went to the top of Mount Cyanide to get the Ten Commandments.
• The seventh commandment is “Thou shalt not admit adultery.”
• Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol.
• The epistles are the wives of the apostles.
• Solomon had 300 wives and 700 porcupines.

We find those answers humorous when they come from unbelievers. But unfortunately, we get the same kind of responses from people who have been in the church for 10, 20, or more years. What is the result of not knowing basic biblical principles? A lack of maturity in our Christian faith has devastating consequences.

Let’s look at the problem of spiritual immaturity. Hebrews 5:11 says, “We have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.” The writer was saying, “I have much more truth I would like to share with you, but you are spiritually immature. You cannot handle the truth of God’s Word because you have become dull of hearing.”

That phrase “dull of hearing” comes from two Greek words that referred to an animal’s limbs that became sluggish because of illness. Let me point out here that those of us who are preachers and teachers of God’s Word have a responsibility to make our teaching as interesting as we can. My seminary professor used to say, “It is a sin to bore people with the Word of God.” We should not present God’s truth in a boring way.

You say, “It does not matter how you present it. The power is in the Word.” Let me give you an illustration of that. Just imagine somebody invites you over to dinner. And on the menu is steak, baked potato, salad, and strawberry shortcake for dessert. Now, your hostess could serve it one of two ways. She could serve it by different courses, beautifully presented on the plate, or she could mix all the items together in a blender and serve it to you as a drink. The food has the same nutritional value both ways, but which way are you likely to enjoy it more? It is the same way with God’s Word. We should not bore people with God’s Word.

Yet having said that, ultimately it is the responsibility of the hearer to receive the Word of God. And one reason people do not receive God’s Word is that they are spiritually immature.

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Today’s devotion is excerpted from “From Here To Maturity” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2018.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.