Moving Forward with God Part 2/2.
Hebrews 6:1-3 Maturity Requires Movement
Introduction
In Part 1, we explored the foundations of the Christian life and the writer's call to spiritual maturity. We saw that foundations are essential, but they are not the destination. A building is not completed when the foundation is poured. The foundation exists to support everything that follows.
The same is true spiritually.
God never intended believers to remain permanently at the level of spiritual infancy. Salvation is the beginning of the journey, not the end. Every believer is called to continue growing in faith, obedience, character, and usefulness to the Kingdom of God.
The writer of Hebrews urges us:
"Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection."
Hebrews 6:1 NKJV
The Christian life is not simply about where we began.
It is about where God is leading us.
9. Maturity Requires Movement
Growth always involves movement.
A seed must break open before it can become a tree.
A child must learn to walk before becoming an adult.
An apprentice must develop skills before becoming a master craftsman.
Likewise, a disciple must move beyond spiritual infancy toward maturity.
One of the greatest obstacles to spiritual growth is comfort. Many believers become settled in familiar routines. They enjoy hearing truth but become reluctant to act upon it. They appreciate spiritual encouragement but resist spiritual challenge.
Yet throughout Scripture, growth occurs when God's people respond to His call to move:
Abraham left his homeland.
Moses left the wilderness.
Joshua crossed the Jordan.
Peter stepped out of the boat.
Paul embarked upon missionary journeys. In every case, movement followed obedience.
Faith and movement are inseparable.
Many Christians ask God to reveal the entire journey before taking the first step. More often, God reveals only enough for the next step.
Maturity develops when we obey the truth we already know.
Application
Ask yourself:
Where is God asking me to move forward?
What act of obedience have I delayed?
What comfort zone have I protected?
What step of faith am I avoiding?
''Growth begins where excuses end.''
10. God Himself Is Involved in Our Maturity
Hebrews 6:3 contains a remarkable statement:
"And this we will do if God permits."
The writer recognises an important truth. Spiritual growth is not merely a human effort. God Himself is involved in the process.
Paul teaches the same principle:
"He who has begun…’’
The God who saved us continues to shape us.
He teaches.
He disciplines.
He strengthens.
He encourages.
He corrects.
He transforms.
Sometimes Christians become discouraged because they see their weaknesses more clearly than before.
Yet increased awareness of weakness is often evidence that God is continuing His work within us.
A sculptor sees the finished statue before anyone else does.
God sees what we are becoming while we are still under construction.
He is committed to completing what He has begun.
11. God Uses Difficulties to Develop Maturity
Most people would choose growth without difficulty.
God often chooses growth through process.
James writes:
"Count it all joy when you fall into various trials."
James 1:2 NKJV
Trials reveal, strengthen, and refine faith.
Hardships become God's classroom.
We discover:
His faithfulness in uncertainty.
His peace under pressure.
His strength in weakness.
Joseph was shaped by imprisonment.
David was prepared in the wilderness.
Job learned profound lessons through suffering.
Even our Lord endured suffering and demonstrated perfect obedience.
God never wastes a trial.
What appears to be an obstacle may actually become an instrument of spiritual growth.
12. The Difference Between Knowledge and Character
Knowledge is important.
Sound doctrine matters.
Biblical literacy matters.
However, knowledge alone is not the measure of spiritual maturity.
God's goal is not simply to fill our minds with information.
His goal is to transform our character.
The true test of maturity appears in everyday life.
How do we respond when criticised?
How do we treat difficult people?
How do we respond when disappointed?
How do we behave when nobody is watching?
Character reveals spiritual growth.
The fruit of the Spirit becomes increasingly visible:
Spiritual maturity is not accumulated information.
It is transformed character, becoming more like Jesus.
13. From Self-Focus to Kingdom Focus
Spiritual infancy naturally focuses upon receiving.
Spiritual maturity increasingly focuses upon serving.
The immature believer asks:
"What can God do for me?"
The mature believer asks:
"How can God use me for His purposes?"
Jesus provides the perfect example.
He came not to be served, but to serve.
As we mature, our hearts become increasingly concerned with God's Kingdom, God's purposes, and God's glory.
The question gradually changes from:
"How does this affect me?"
to
"How does this glorify God?"
14. Wisdom from C. S. Lewis
"The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, 'Give Me all.'"
Lewis understood that God desires complete transformation rather than superficial improvement.
God is not interested in making minor adjustments.
God intends complete transformation.
The Christian life is not about becoming a slightly better version of ourselves.
It is about becoming increasingly like Christ.
That requires surrender.
15. Wisdom from A. W. Tozer
"It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply."
Tozer recognised that God often uses difficult experiences to remove pride and self-reliance.
Brokenness prepares us for usefulness.
Humility prepares us for ministry.
Surrender prepares us for Kingdom effectiveness.
16. Pressing Forward
The Christian life is a journey, not a destination reached in this life.
Every day presents another opportunity to move forward:
Forward in faith
Forward in obedience
Forward in holiness
Forward in service
Forward in usefulness
Forward in intimacy with Christ
Whatever the next step may be, remember this:
God never asks us to move forward alone.
The same God who calls us also walks with us.
The same God who saves us also matures us.
The same God who begins the work also promises to complete it.
17. Practical Next Steps
All growth requires action.
A builder does not merely admire the plans; a builder begins construction.
A farmer does not simply inspect the seed; a farmer plants it.
Likewise, spiritual maturity requires practical steps of obedience.
Strengthen Your Foundation
Review the six foundational truths listed in Hebrews 6:1-3.
Ask yourself:
"Am I firmly grounded in these foundations?"
Establish a Consistent Time with God
Set aside regular time for:
Bible reading
Prayer
Worship
Reflection
Listening to the Holy Spirit
Small daily disciplines produce long-term growth.
Identify One Area for Obedience
Ask the Lord:
"What is the one thing You are asking me to do next?"
Perhaps it involves:
Forgiveness
Reconciliation
Service
Generosity
Evangelism
Trusting God in a difficult season
Move from Receiving to Serving
Ask yourself:
Who can I encourage?
Who can I pray for?
Who can I help?
How can I serve my church?
Find Fellow Travellers
"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17 NKJV
Growth happens best in Christian fellowship.
Pray for Someone Else's Growth
Choose one person and pray regularly for:
Salvation
Encouragement
Growth
Spiritual maturity
Take the Next Step Today
The greatest danger is not immaturity.
The greatest danger is delay.
Take the next step God has already shown you.
Conclusion
Hebrews 6 is far more than a call to theological understanding.
It is a call to progress.
It is a call to leave spiritual infancy behind and embrace God's ongoing work of transformation.
Every believer is invited to move beyond the foundations and continue growing into the likeness of Christ.
The foundations remain essential, but they were never intended to be the final destination.
God desires that every believer increasingly reflects the character, faith, obedience, and love of Jesus Christ.
So let us move forward.
Let us press on.
Let us grow.
Let us mature.
And let us become everything God intends us to be.
"And this we will do if God permits."
Hebrews 6:3 NKJV
Personal Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the foundations You have established in my life through Jesus Christ.
Thank You that You have not left me where I began.
Forgive me for the times I have resisted growth, preferred comfort, or delayed obedience.
Help me to move forward in faith and trust You more deeply.
Develop within me the character of Christ.
Teach me to serve others, encourage others, and become useful in Your Kingdom.
Where I have become fearful, give me courage.
Where I have become discouraged, give me hope.
Where I have become comfortable, call me forward once again.
Thank You that You are continuing the good work You began in me.
May my life increasingly glorify Jesus Christ and point others to Him.
In His precious name I pray,
Amen.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
What area of spiritual growth is God currently calling me to address?
What comfort zone might be preventing me from moving forward?
Which of the practical next steps do I need to act upon first?
How is God using present circumstances to develop my maturity?
Who can I encourage or disciple during the coming weeks?
Which one step of obedience is God asking me to take today?
What does “moving forward with God” look like in this present season of my life?
Which section of Hebrews 6 has challenged me most and why?
Comments and discussion points are welcome in the comments section of this post.
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