I have spent most of my life in school. The transition from Kindergarten to Primary school and the rest all gave me the opportunity to learn something new. It would have been weird if I was still learning how to recite the alphabet at the University. Educational curricula are designed to give one a progressive experience in studying. The expected outcome is a student matured at every level of his or her studies. Students who fail to progress at the expected rate are given extra attention and some are given to special teachers and educational experts to help them be at par with their colleagues.
Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity (Hebrews 6:1a)
For most believers, the Christian journey is not structured like the school curricula. Most believers cannot boast of the knowledge of the things that should mark their spiritual growth. Such people have not moved beyond the elementary teaching about Christ. The author of the book of Hebrews categorize these elementary teachings as foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about cleansing rites, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. ‘ (Hebrews 6:1-2 ). We are admonished to move beyond to mature teaching.
Can we blame believers who are still struggling to understand the elementary teachings of Christ? The answer is either Yes or No. If a new believer refuses to go through discipleship, we cannot blame the church for the stunted growth of such a fellow. On the other hand, if the church does not develop a structured discipleship training for new believers, then we cannot blame such believers for still holding on to the elementary teachings about Christ. Just as neither of us could have graduated from one academic level to the other without the help of a teacher, so is a new believer. The church has been mandated by our Lord Jesus Christ to teach the believers who come to faith. Jesus’ approach to teaching is discipleship. Jesus Himself used this approach to groom 12 Hebrew men and these men have transformed the world by their gospel.
So, for us to move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ, we should make a conscious effort to teach new believers so they also grow in faith. Just as the school curriculum is designed for exponential growth, so must churches desire to see their members growing spiritually. We should consciously teach, train and impact others.
Let ponder about this: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).”
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