By Reason of Use

by William V. Beasley
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 19 No. 2, June 1993

Some, not all, of the Christians who originally received the book of Hebrews were in a state of spiritual infancy (Hebrews 5:11-14). The writer of Hebrews had a real difficulty in writing about Christ ("Whom" Hebrews 5:11) or of the priesthood of Christ ("which" ־ marginal reading of Hebrews 5:11). The problem was not a lack of information; God inspired the writer. The problem was in the spiritual infants to whom he wrote; they had become "dull of hearing." Sufficient time had passed for them to be teachers, but they were, despite their years as Christians, spiritual babies. Maturity came not from time only, but from the passage of time plus use ("by reason of the time" + "by reason of use" - Hebrews 5:12,14). These two (time + use) can produce "full-grown" ("perfect" - marginal reading) men who can "discern good and evil” (Hebrews 5:14).

Some subjects and doctrines are more challenging to understand than others. We are given examples of "first principles" (Hebrews 6:1-3). The problem (Hebrews 5:11-14) was not one of advanced and complex doctrines, but with the attitude and lack of experience of the hearers. We have, in the Lord’s church today, the same kind of problem; sufficient time has passed, but many are still without experience. We will try to illustrate the growth ("by reason of use") with four examples, subjects, or doctrines.

The Teaching of Baptisms

The "teaching of baptisms" (Hebrews 6:2) is one of the first principles. This would not be limited to, but would certainly include, water baptism unto or for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). Baptism is a pre-requisite (i.e., comes before) salvation (Mark 16:16), remission of sins (Acts 2:38), washing away of sins (Acts 22:16) and entry into Christ (Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-4). The first step of growth in this elementary (first principle) subject would be general acceptance. Almost all religious people would say, "I believe in baptism." Of course, this belief may be 1,000 miles removed from what the Bible teaches about it. Personal acceptance follows general acceptance. The first "by reason of use" would be obedience, being baptized unto remission of sins and into Christ. The general acceptance has been personalized and has brought about a change in conduct. The next step in growth would be universal application, or to teach others by making the application of Mark 16:16. A refusal to be baptized is disbelief, and this applies not only to me but also to all others, even my loved ones. A young man in Florida accepted his need to be baptized (lost without it), but rebelled at the thought that his fiancée was lost. The truth finally won out. We must come to the point of making the application to our parents, children (who are of age), friends, neighbors, etc. (Matthew 10:37).

Evangelism

These same three steps (General Acceptance, Personal Acceptance, Universal Application) can be noted in the subject or doctrine of evangelism (Mark 16:15; II Timothy 2:2). Most church members pay lip service to the idea that all Christians ought to be teaching the lost (Hebrews 5:12; Acts 8:4). Often, sadly, there is a long time between general acceptance and personal application. Personal application might begin by inviting others to services or by arranging a Bible class in your home, with someone else doing the teaching, for your friends and neighbors. Eventually, one must get down to (up to) sitting down with a prospect and opening the Book. Some Christians try to make a universal application before making a personal one: They should, but I am not. If one is not actively seeking to share the good news of Jesus Christ, is that one truly faithful?

Giving

Concerning giving (I Corinthians 16:1-2; II Corinthians 9:6-7), there is general acceptance: "Oh yes, people ought to give liberally." Personal application, general acceptance that is put into action, is more difficult. Giving is to be a sacrifice... based on the percentage of income. Are you giving liberally? Would you be embarrassed to divide your contribution by your net income (taken from your income tax form) to get the percentage...and have that printed in the bulletin? I am not advocating such (Did I hear a collective sigh of relief?), but would you be embarrassed? Universal application: By reason of use (personal) plus teaching others the full extent of their duty.

Corrective Discipline

What about the doctrine of corrective discipline (II Thessalonians 3:6)? General acceptance: Sadly, some in the church boldly declare, "I don’t believe in withdrawing or marking." Others, thankfully, answer, "Oh yes, when handled right, corrective discipline is good." Personal application: We need to practice instructive self-discipline (II Timothy 2:15), and cease to be "dull of hearing" (Hebrews 5:11). We also need to uphold corrective discipline when exercised (I Corinthians 5:9-13; II Thessalonians 3:14-15). In fact, we need to exhort, encourage, and push those who are unfaithful to be disciplined. Universal application: Teach others about the duty to exercise corrective discipline. Exhort, push that discipline be exercised reasonably, faithfully, and regularly (as needed). A mother in Montana pushed (without overstepping the bounds of feminine modesty and propriety) the men of the congregation until they withdrew from her son. Why? Because she loved the Lord, her son, and her own soul. We need to acknowledge in word and practice that scriptural discipline ought to be practiced, even if the one disciplined is your mother, or father, son or daughter, brother or sister.

Beloved, can we truly "discern good and evil" (Hebrews 5:14)?