Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But strong meat - The high and sublime doctrines of Christianity; the atonement, justification by faith, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the fullness of Christ dwelling in the souls of men, triumph in and over death, the resurrection of the body, the glorification of both body and soul in the realms of blessedness, and an endless union with Christ in the throne of his glory. This is the strong food which the genuine Christian understands, receives, digests, and by which he grows. By reason of use - Who, by constant hearing, believing, praying, and obedience, use all the graces of God's Spirit; and, in the faithful use of them, find every one improved, so that they daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. Have their senses exercised - The word αισθητηρια signifies the different organs of sense, as the eyes, ears, tongue, and palate, nose, and finger ends, and the nervous surface in general, through which we gain the sensations called seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling. These organs of sense, being frequently exercised or employed on a variety of subjects, acquire the power to discern the various objects of sense: viz. all objects of light; difference of sounds; of tastes or savours; of odours or smelling; and of hard, soft, wet, dry, cold, hot, rough, smooth, and all other tangible qualities. There is something in the soul that answers to all these senses in the body. And as universal nature presents to the other senses their different and appropriate objects, so religion presents to these interior senses the objects which are suited to them. Hence in Scripture we are said, even in spiritual things, to see, hear, taste, smell, and touch or feel. These are the means by which the soul is rendered comfortable, and through which it derives its happiness and perfection. In the adult Christian these senses are said to be γεγυμνασμενα, exercised, a metaphor taken from the athlete or contenders in the Grecian games, who were wont to employ all their powers, skill, and agility in mock fights, running, wrestling, etc., that they might be the better prepared for the actual contests when they took place. So these employ and improve all their powers, and in using grace get more grace; and thus, being able to discern good from evil, they are in little danger of being imposed on by false doctrine, or by the pretensions of hypocrites; or of being deceived by the subtleties of Satan. They feel that their security depends, under God, on this exercise - on the proper use which they make of the grace already given them by God. Can any reader be so dull as not to understand this?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
strong meat--"solid food." them . . . of full age--literally, "perfect": akin to "perfection" (Heb 6:1). by reason of use--Greek, "habit." senses--organs of sense. exercised--similarly connected with "righteousness" in Heb 12:11. to discern both good and evil--as a child no longer an infant (Isa 7:16): so able to distinguish between sound and unsound doctrine. The mere child puts into its mouth things hurtful and things nutritious, without discrimination: but not so the adult. Paul again alludes to their tendency not to discriminate, but to be carried about by strange doctrines, in Heb 13:9. Next: Hebrews Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:14 Being able to recognize the difference between right and wrong is a defining characteristic of spiritual maturity.
Milk and Solid Food
13For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness.14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
02 How Our Minds Can Be Transformed
By Zac Poonen2.7K1:01:47LUK 4:40HEB 5:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ, highlighting the need for a transformation in our thinking to discern good and evil according to God's perfect will. It stresses the significance of obedience to God's guidance, even when it goes against the advice of others, and the value of living a life that aligns with God's will, focusing on personal sanctification rather than just external ministry achievements.
(Genesis) - Part 2
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:00:04GenesisGEN 1:4PSA 119:130MAT 6:33JHN 1:12CO 6:14HEB 5:141JN 1:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of God's declaration that His creation is good. He points out that there is one day in the creation account where God does not say it is good, which is the end of the second day. The speaker then highlights the first message given by the Apostle John, which emphasizes that God is light and there is no darkness in Him. The sermon also emphasizes the theme of separation between light and darkness, both in the physical creation and in the spiritual realm.
Spiritual Discernment - What Is Spiritual Discernment?
By Stephen Kaung1.8K1:16:12Spiritual DiscernmentMAT 6:33JHN 13:34ROM 12:21CO 2:14EPH 5:8PHP 1:9HEB 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love in the life of a believer. They highlight how the love of God fills the heart of a believer and is expressed in practical ways. The preacher also mentions the story of Paul and Silas being imprisoned and how their love for God led them to pray and praise Him even in difficult circumstances. The sermon emphasizes the need for love to continually grow and for believers to have spiritual discernment in order to choose what is excellent and to love even their enemies.
Hebrews 4 & 5
By Pat Kenney1.2K1:03:14Hebrews2TI 3:16HEB 3:7HEB 3:11HEB 4:12HEB 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not taking the word of God lightly. He warns against simply being inspired by the message without truly internalizing and applying it to one's life. The preacher encourages trust in the Lord and not relying on our own resources. He also highlights the concept of rest, both in the future heavenly sense and in the present through a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. The sermon references the history of God's people, particularly the Israelites in the wilderness, to illustrate the consequences of not fully trusting in God's word.
Christ, Our Great High Priest
By Paris Reidhead1.2K36:23Jesus ChristROM 8:282CO 5:21HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 5:14HEB 7:251PE 1:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the theme of holiness throughout the Bible. He highlights that God desires a holy people and that the Bible is a holy scripture that reveals the holy Son of God who died and rose again. The preacher explains that Jesus came to save his people from their sins and to deliver them from the bondage of Satan. He emphasizes that God's purpose in grace is to conform his people to the image of his Son, and this is achieved through the intercessory ministry of Jesus Christ, our great high priest.
The Real or the Plastic
By Reuben Walter1.2K41:47CounterfeitDEU 4:9MAT 6:33MRK 13:22ACT 20:312TI 3:16HEB 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being watchful and prayerful, as we do not know when the time of the Lord's return will be. He encourages the congregation to examine teachings and beliefs closely, using the light of God's word as a guide. The sermon also highlights the need to discern between truth and lies, and between what is genuine and what is fake. The preacher emphasizes the importance of constantly being alert and on guard against deception and false teaching.
Discernment in the Church
By Vance Havner1.0K25:18ISA 29:13JHN 3:3ROM 8:81CO 1:181CO 2:14EPH 5:8COL 3:11TH 5:21HEB 5:14JAS 1:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment in a time of confusion and uncertainty within the Church. It contrasts the clear, unwavering beliefs of past leaders like Spurgeon with the current trend of ambiguity and compromise. The speaker highlights the need for believers to have discernment to distinguish truth from falsehood, to understand the times, and to recognize the spirits at work. The sermon also addresses the shallowness of worship, the danger of idol worship, and the necessity of being spiritually reborn to truly grasp divine truth.
Will They Follow
By Peter Maiden46341:57LeadershipNEH 1:1NEH 1:6MAT 3:13HEB 5:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear objective in the work of God. He encourages the audience to think about their long-term and short-term goals in their Christian union, school union, or church responsibilities. The speaker references the example of Nehemiah, who assessed the damage to the walls of Jerusalem and took responsibility for rebuilding them. He also mentions a letter he received challenging leaders to seek God's guidance for the objectives and goals of their organization. The sermon concludes with the importance of leading by example, using the Apostle Paul as a model for inspiring and influencing others through his way of life.
How Much Does Your Spirit Weigh
By Bob Phillips3501:08:23Christian LifePRO 16:2MAT 7:17JHN 4:24ROM 8:162CO 7:1GAL 5:22HEB 5:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the spirit in a person's life. He refers to various biblical passages that mention the spirit as the inner man or the heart. The speaker shares his personal experiences and emphasizes the need to prioritize the spiritual aspect of life. He also mentions a survey conducted by a church to understand the preferences of the community, resulting in a church that avoids controversial topics and focuses on non-theological issues. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to draw people closer to Him and address every area of their lives.
Four Characteristics of the Carnal Life.
By F.B. Meyer6Spiritual GrowthDiscernmentMAT 5:14JHN 15:5ROM 8:71CO 1:121CO 3:2GAL 5:17EPH 4:14PHP 2:13HEB 5:141PE 2:2F.B. Meyer discusses the four characteristics of the carnal life, emphasizing that a carnal Christian remains in a state of spiritual infancy, relying on others for spiritual nourishment instead of growing in their own understanding of God and the Bible. He warns against sectarianism, where believers identify more with their denominational labels than with the universal Church of Christ. Meyer also highlights the inability of carnal Christians to discern good from evil, likening their spiritual immaturity to a lack of sensitivity to moral issues. He calls for self-examination to determine whether one is living a Christ-centered life or a flesh-centered existence, ultimately urging believers to depend on God rather than themselves.
The Reality of Manifestations
By John Fletcher1Spiritual SensesDivine ManifestationPSA 34:8MAT 5:8JHN 3:3ROM 8:161CO 2:142CO 4:4EPH 1:18PHP 1:9HEB 5:14REV 3:18John Fletcher emphasizes that the Lord Jesus Christ desires to manifest Himself to all born-again believers in a spiritual manner, which is essential for experiencing the fullness of His salvation. He argues that spiritual senses, akin to physical senses, are necessary for perceiving divine truths and that these senses are awakened in those who are regenerated. Fletcher supports his claims with scriptural evidence, asserting that the ability to discern spiritual realities is a gift from God to His followers. He warns against the dangers of being spiritually blind and encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ through these spiritual senses. Ultimately, Fletcher's message is a call to recognize and cultivate the spiritual faculties that allow for a genuine experience of God's presence.
Introduction
By J. Vyrnwy Morgan1PRO 14:15MAT 7:15ACT 17:111CO 2:142CO 13:5EPH 5:101TH 5:21HEB 5:141JN 4:11JN 4:6J. Vyrnwy Morgan delves into the history and impact of revivals, emphasizing the need for discernment in evaluating their authenticity and lasting effects. He explores the various types of revivals in Wales, highlighting key figures and their contributions to spiritual awakenings. The sermon touches on the evolution of theological views, from puritanic legalism to a focus on character and conduct, and the shift in emphasis from fear-based inducements to repentance to a deeper understanding of righteousness and retribution. Through historical accounts and reflections, the sermon challenges traditional perceptions and encourages a more critical examination of religious experiences.
Sanctification and Ethics
By Daniel Steele1PSA 86:112CO 7:11TH 5:23HEB 5:141JN 1:7Daniel Steele delves into the relation of entire sanctification to man's moral nature and habits, addressing misconceptions and errors surrounding the doctrine of evangelical perfection. He explains that while there may be hypocritical professors and those deceived about their spiritual state, true sanctification involves a complete alignment of the soul's forces towards God, resulting in perfect love and obedience. Steele emphasizes the impulsive and discriminating power of conscience, highlighting the need for progressive sanctification and the continuous development of moral discernment through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The Saint's Path to Eternal Glory
By J.C. Philpot1PRO 28:13ROM 8:172CO 6:17PHP 1:29HEB 5:14JAS 1:61PE 5:10J.C. Philpot preaches about the God of all grace who calls His people to suffer for a while to make them perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle them. He illustrates how different ministers and writers of the New Testament, though taught by the same Spirit, have unique emphases in their preaching. Philpot emphasizes the importance of suffering in the Christian walk, as it leads to maturity, establishment in faith, spiritual strength, and a settled conviction of God's truth. He encourages the congregation to look to the God of all grace for comfort, revival, and guidance through trials and afflictions, knowing that suffering ultimately leads to a deeper experience of God's mercy and love.
This Body Fashioned Anew
By C.H. Spurgeon1PSA 119:66PRO 2:31CO 2:14PHP 4:8HEB 5:14John MacArthur emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment, which is the ability to distinguish divine truth from error and half-truths, essential for the Christian life. The writer describes discernment as the power to see beyond what is evident to the average mind, enabling one to differentiate between truth and falsehood, virtue and vice, good and evil. The sermon highlights the need for believers to cultivate discernment through the study and application of Scripture, enabling them to distinguish light from darkness, truth from error, and righteousness from unrighteousness.
Dealing With Difficulty
By Chip Brogden0PSA 27:14PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 26:41ACT 16:61CO 10:131TH 2:18HEB 5:14JAS 4:71PE 5:8Chip Brogden discusses the importance of spiritual discernment, emphasizing the need to distinguish between the leading of the Holy Spirit and the hindrances of the enemy. Using examples from Paul's experiences, he highlights the necessity of developing discernment through spiritual maturity and exercise. Brogden stresses the significance of discerning whether obstacles are from God, the devil, or natural circumstances, urging believers to resist the enemy and submit to God's will in various situations. He cautions against presumptuous actions and emphasizes the value of waiting on the Lord for clear direction, rather than relying solely on dreams or visions.
Our Daily Homily - Hebrews
By F.B. Meyer0God's Unchanging NatureRest in ChristHEB 1:12HEB 2:17HEB 3:1HEB 4:9HEB 5:14HEB 6:6HEB 7:16HEB 8:13HEB 9:28HEB 10:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes the unchanging nature of God in his sermon 'Our Daily Homily - Hebrews', contrasting God's eternal consistency with the transient nature of creation, humanity, and our own emotions. He highlights that while great figures of faith have come and gone, God remains the same, providing a steadfast refuge and a merciful high priest. Meyer encourages believers to consider Jesus in various roles, including Apostle and Priest, and to find rest in Him amidst life's challenges. He reassures that there is a divine rest available for weary souls, which is both a present experience and a future hope. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper connection with Christ, urging believers to be perfected in every good work to fulfill God's will.
Jesus Never Pleased Himself
By Zac Poonen0MAT 16:24LUK 9:23ROM 15:3HEB 5:14JAS 4:7Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of denying oneself and making decisions that please God rather than indulging in personal desires. He contrasts the outcomes of living to please oneself versus living a disciplined life focused on pleasing God, highlighting the significance of small daily choices in shaping one's character and spiritual growth. Poonen encourages believers to exercise their will to consistently choose God's will, illustrating how faithfulness in little decisions leads to maturity and discernment in distinguishing good from evil. He stresses the transformative power of radical repentance, wholehearted commitment to God, and learning from past failures to walk in God's grace.
Purifying Conceptions of God
By A.W. Tozer0Understanding GodPurification of FaithPSA 103:14HOS 6:3JHN 17:3ROM 12:21CO 13:12EPH 4:13PHP 1:92TI 2:15HEB 5:14JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of purifying our conceptions of God, acknowledging that when we first come to faith, our understanding is often clouded by superstition, ignorance, and error. He explains that while conversion brings some clarity, many misconceptions about God remain, shaped by flawed teachings and personal biases. Tozer encourages believers to actively seek a deeper knowledge of God, as this pursuit will gradually refine their understanding and eliminate unworthy notions. He reassures that God is patient with our imperfections, recognizing our human limitations as we grow in faith.
The Gift of Discernment
By G.W. North0DiscernmentSpiritual GiftsROM 12:61CO 2:151CO 12:71CO 12:101CO 13:2EPH 6:12PHP 1:9HEB 5:14JAS 1:51JN 4:1G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the gift of Discernment in the Church, distinguishing it from the grace of spiritual discernment that all believers possess. He explains that while Knowledge provides insight into various subjects, Discernment specifically enables the recognition of spirits, particularly evil ones, thus enhancing the Church's spiritual capabilities. North highlights that these gifts, when combined with Wisdom and Knowledge, empower the Church to be the most understanding community on earth. He warns that without the application of these gifts through love and understanding, they risk becoming mere tools of pride rather than instruments of blessing.
Discerning the Voice of the Lord
By Conrad Murrell0JDG 6:36PRO 16:3MAT 11:29ROM 12:1HEB 5:14Conrad Murrell emphasizes the importance of discerning God's voice from the enemy's deceitful whispers, highlighting the need to develop spiritual senses through experience and learning from mistakes. He stresses the necessity of surrendering self-will to God, knowing the truth through the Bible, trusting the Lord to establish thoughts, waiting for a clear word in important decisions, recognizing the consistent and persistent leading of the Holy Spirit, and looking for God's providence to confirm His guidance.
Perfect Peace
By A.W. Pink0HEB 5:14Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 35967 delves into the meaning of 'gumnazo' or 'gymnazo', emphasizing the rigorous training and discipline it signifies, both physically and morally. The term is used in the New Testament to describe the intense training an athlete undergoes, as well as the self-sacrificing dedication false teachers exhibit in pursuing greed. Believers are called to train themselves in godliness, discernment, and righteousness, contrasting with the worldly pursuits of those who exercise themselves in evil deeds.
Lovingly Truthful
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 5:48ACT 6:1ACT 9:311CO 2:6EPH 4:13PHP 3:15COL 4:12HEB 5:14JAS 1:4Andrew Bonar preaches about Epaphras' fervent prayers for the Colossian believers to stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Epaphras, despite being a prisoner, devoted himself to prayer, laboring fervently and consistently for the spiritual growth and maturity of the Colossians. His main focus was on believers attaining moral maturity, fulfilling God's purpose for their lives, and standing blameless before Him. Epaphras understood the importance of believers being fully assured and persuaded in the will of God, knowing that this assurance leads to spiritual growth, maturity, and the ability to make right decisions in life.
Sense and Nonsense
By Ingimar De Ridder0PSA 34:8MRK 10:52LUK 18:35ROM 10:17HEB 5:14Ingimar De Ridder preaches about Bartimaeus, a blind man who could hear, emphasizing how God works with what we have, not what we lack. He highlights the importance of coming to our senses spiritually, being sensitive to God's presence and purposes, and not letting Jesus pass by without giving Him an audience. Faith is born when we hear God's Word before we see, and following Jesus is the only sensible choice.
The Indispensable Necessity of Spiritual Diagnosis
By A.W. Tozer0Prophetic InsightSpiritual DiagnosisPRO 4:7JER 29:131CO 2:14HEB 5:14JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual diagnosis within the church, urging believers to question the underlying reasons for the current religious activities rather than simply observing them. He points out that many Christians are unaware of the true state of their faith and the relationship between God and their actions, likening the situation to the complacency of Judaism before Christ. Tozer calls for prophetic insight to discern the present spiritual condition, as historical knowledge alone is insufficient for understanding the current state of Christianity. He stresses that it is crucial for believers to seek clarity and understanding in their faith now, rather than waiting for future historians to analyze the past.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But strong meat - The high and sublime doctrines of Christianity; the atonement, justification by faith, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the fullness of Christ dwelling in the souls of men, triumph in and over death, the resurrection of the body, the glorification of both body and soul in the realms of blessedness, and an endless union with Christ in the throne of his glory. This is the strong food which the genuine Christian understands, receives, digests, and by which he grows. By reason of use - Who, by constant hearing, believing, praying, and obedience, use all the graces of God's Spirit; and, in the faithful use of them, find every one improved, so that they daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. Have their senses exercised - The word αισθητηρια signifies the different organs of sense, as the eyes, ears, tongue, and palate, nose, and finger ends, and the nervous surface in general, through which we gain the sensations called seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling. These organs of sense, being frequently exercised or employed on a variety of subjects, acquire the power to discern the various objects of sense: viz. all objects of light; difference of sounds; of tastes or savours; of odours or smelling; and of hard, soft, wet, dry, cold, hot, rough, smooth, and all other tangible qualities. There is something in the soul that answers to all these senses in the body. And as universal nature presents to the other senses their different and appropriate objects, so religion presents to these interior senses the objects which are suited to them. Hence in Scripture we are said, even in spiritual things, to see, hear, taste, smell, and touch or feel. These are the means by which the soul is rendered comfortable, and through which it derives its happiness and perfection. In the adult Christian these senses are said to be γεγυμνασμενα, exercised, a metaphor taken from the athlete or contenders in the Grecian games, who were wont to employ all their powers, skill, and agility in mock fights, running, wrestling, etc., that they might be the better prepared for the actual contests when they took place. So these employ and improve all their powers, and in using grace get more grace; and thus, being able to discern good from evil, they are in little danger of being imposed on by false doctrine, or by the pretensions of hypocrites; or of being deceived by the subtleties of Satan. They feel that their security depends, under God, on this exercise - on the proper use which they make of the grace already given them by God. Can any reader be so dull as not to understand this?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
strong meat--"solid food." them . . . of full age--literally, "perfect": akin to "perfection" (Heb 6:1). by reason of use--Greek, "habit." senses--organs of sense. exercised--similarly connected with "righteousness" in Heb 12:11. to discern both good and evil--as a child no longer an infant (Isa 7:16): so able to distinguish between sound and unsound doctrine. The mere child puts into its mouth things hurtful and things nutritious, without discrimination: but not so the adult. Paul again alludes to their tendency not to discriminate, but to be carried about by strange doctrines, in Heb 13:9. Next: Hebrews Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:14 Being able to recognize the difference between right and wrong is a defining characteristic of spiritual maturity.