Jesus Is Better · Hebrews 5:11–14
When Christians Stop Growing
October 18, 2026 · Pastor Scott Hunsley
Big idea
The longer we have received God's truth, the greater our to understand it, obey it, and grow through it.
1
The ProblemThey Had Become of Hearing
- Spiritual dullness develops when we repeatedly hear God's Word but fail to to it.
- We become less sensitive to correction and more comfortable excusing sin.
- The problem is not merely a lack of knowledge but a failure to respond to the truth we already know.
2
The RebukeTime Should Have Produced
- Spiritual should increase as we receive and apply God's truth.
- These believers had been taught long enough to help others, yet they needed to relearn foundational truths.
- Years of church attendance do not automatically produce spiritual growth.
- Greater spiritual privilege brings greater responsibility.
3
The EvidenceMaturity Is Shown by Trained
- Spiritual infancy depends on basic instruction; maturity learns to handle God's Word with understanding.
- Mature believers develop discernment by repeatedly applying Scripture to everyday decisions.
- God's truth must govern our choices rather than our emotions, desires, or the opinions of others.
- Discernment grows through , not knowledge alone.
4
The ApplicationGod Expects the Truth to Bear
- God expects His truth to produce practical growth in our lives.
- Spiritual strength develops through consistent .
- We learn patience by responding patiently, forgiveness by forgiving, and faithfulness by remaining faithful.
- Spiritual maturity is not sinless perfection; it is continued growth in understanding, discernment, obedience, and faithfulness.