Useful Bible Studies > Hebrews Commentary > chapter 6
This is a short verse, and it does not say much. But it does show us something important about the author’s method. And there is a lesson that we can learn from it.
In Hebrews 6:1-2, the author gave a list of 6 subjects that he did not intend to explain further. He knew what he wanted to write about. He would teach his readers how to be more mature as Christians.
And that was his intention, if God permitted it. The author did not desire to do anything that God did not permit. His readers could only become mature as God permitted it. The work of God in a person’s life really is God’s work. In other words, it is something that God does. It is not something that we can achieve by powerful words or clever arguments.
That was how all the Bible’s authors wrote. They did not write what they themselves wanted to write. Perhaps they had their own ideas about the things that they needed to say. But they let the Holy Spirit guide them (Jude 3; 2 Peter 1:21). That was essential, because the Bible is God’s word.
The Bible is now complete. We can add nothing to it (Revelation 22:18). But the work of God in our lives is not yet complete. So we should follow the same method. We may have plans for our lives. But we should only do those things if God permits (James 4:13-15).
A mature Christian is someone whom the Holy Spirit guides. Other people allow their plans, desires or imagination to guide them. But, like Paul, we should be ready to change our plans if God wants us to do that (Acts 16:6-7). Paul told us that we should not allow our desires to rule our lives (Galatians 5:24). And we must learn not to confuse our imagination with our master’s voice (John 10:27).
Next part: Is there anyone whom God cannot forgive? (Hebrews 6:4-6)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 450 page course book.
© 2014, Keith Simons.