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Hebrews 5:11-14 “Building Spiritual Muscles”

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4–7 minutes

Hebrews 5:11-14 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

The author previously mentioned that Jesus is not a high priest in the Aaronic line but instead in the order of Melchizedek (verses 6, 10). To the readers, Melchizedek seemed to appear suddenly, out of nowhere. The author felt the need to explain Melchizedek in detail, but he was unsure if the readers would understand it correctly. This was because their “ears had become dull” (verse 11). The phrase “ears had become dull” means their understanding had weakened.

This expression implies that they were not always this way in the past. They “ought to be teachers by now” (verse 12), yet they are in a position where they must learn from the beginning once again. The “elementary principles” refer to basic knowledge, similar to learning multiplication tables in arithmetic. The topic of Melchizedek is like advanced mathematics, but since they haven’t even mastered the basics, the author finds himself in a difficult position.

The term “solid food” (verse 12) refers to something that only adults with strong digestion can consume. The readers, however, have weak spiritual digestion and can only handle “milk.” “Solid food” is a metaphor for difficult teachings that require intellectual effort, while “milk” symbolizes basic teachings. The phrase “the teaching of righteousness” (verse 13) can be translated literally as “instruction in righteousness.” This can be understood as “teaching that leads to righteousness.” The expression “unfamiliar with” means “unable to understand.” Such teachings can only be understood and accepted by “mature individuals” (verse 14).

Mature individuals possess a “refined sense of discernment between good and evil.” This ability is developed through the process of distinguishing between good and evil. Unfortunately, the Greek word gymnazō — from which the English word “gymnasium” is derived — is not clearly reflected in the Korean translation. Spiritual maturity, much like an athlete’s training, is acquired through consistent practice in discerning good and evil.

Meditation:

Accepting Jesus Christ as Lord and being restored as God’s child marks the beginning of a new life. Believers move forward from the moment of “acceptance” to a life of “walking with” the Lord. Acceptance is an event, but walking with God is a lifelong journey. This is why the author of Hebrews uses the Israelites’ forty-year wilderness journey as a metaphor for the life of faith. If accepting Jesus as Lord is like escaping Egypt, then living a life of walking with him until we fully enter eternal life is like journeying through the wilderness. On this journey, we sometimes laugh, sometimes cry, sometimes feel discouraged, and sometimes rejoice. We must go through all these experiences with the power of salvation that we have already received. When we do, the salvation given to us reaches its completion.

The gospel that leads people to accept Jesus Christ as Lord is something that anyone can understand. Since it is a message for all people, it is accessible to everyone. However, that alone is not enough to sustain us through the long journey ahead. As we live out our walk with the Lord, we must continue to learn about God, His plan of salvation, and His teachings. This process is similar to how an athlete gradually trains and competes to improve their skills. Just as the saying goes, “the heart needs muscles too,” our spirituality also requires strengthening. Through the daily practice of reading and meditating on the Lord’s Word and applying it to our everyday lives, we develop a “refined sense of discernment between good and evil.” This is what it means to build spiritual muscles.

Saying, “I’m not the kind of person who studies,” and settling for basic knowledge is like saying, “I’m not the kind of person who exercises,” while refusing to move. That is laziness. Just as a lack of physical muscle makes a person prone to weakness and illness, a lack of spiritual muscle makes one vulnerable to falling away or becoming prey to false teachings. This is why we must diligently read, meditate on, and strive to obey God’s Word consistently.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for helping us cast off laziness and complacency so that we may engage in spiritual training today. The wilderness journey was likely not always joyful and exciting. More often, it was exhausting, bothersome, and uncomfortable. Our spiritual journey is much the same. When we face such moments, help us recognize them as opportunities for You to strengthen our spiritual muscles. Empower us to train even more diligently so that we may gain a “refined sense of discernment between good and evil.” In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Just like our bodies need exercise to grow stronger, our faith grows when we practice trusting God, learning His Word, and making good choices every day. Spiritual muscles are built through consistent prayer, Bible reading, and following God’s teachings.

  • For Preschool-Lower Elementary
    • Have you ever learned something hard at first, like tying your shoes or riding a bike? How did you get better at it? How is that like learning to follow Jesus?
    • What’s one kind of thing you can do this week that shows you’re growing stronger in your faith?
  • For Upper Elementary-Middle School
    • Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough choice between doing what was right or what was easy? How did it feel afterward?
    • Building “spiritual muscles” takes time and effort. What’s something that challenges you in your faith right now? How can you take small steps to grow stronger in that area?
  • For High School
    • The Bible says mature believers can “discern between good and evil.” What does that mean in your daily life — at school, with friends, or online?
    • Athletes train even when they don’t feel motivated. How can this idea help you stay consistent in your relationship with God?

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