"Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us PRESS ON TO MATURITY, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God…this we willdo, IF GOD PERMITS.” (Heb. 6:1-6)

This comes like a bucket of ice water in our faces when we read: “This we will do, IF GODPERMITS.” What? If God permits! What is this if? Does it mean God possibly may not permit our pressing on to maturity? In the previous chapter we saw that some were dull (sluggish) of hearing. Their problem was not lack of foundational knowledge, butLACK OF OBEDIENCE IN LIVING OUT (doing)THE WORD…So, if we refuse to live out the Word God will not permit us to go on!!!!

“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name…we desire that each one of you show thesame diligence so as to realize the FULLASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTIL THE END, so that you WILL NOT BE SLUGGISH, but imitatorsof those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Heb. 6:10-12)

OH LORD, GIVE US THE DESIRE AND EMPOWER US TO LIVE OUT YOUR WORD…

-Bill Stockham