FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE GOSPEL

(Heb. 5:12)

Introduction:
1. Heb. 5:12 First principles precede growth
2. First principles lead to salvation
a. First principles summarized
b. The eunuch saved by first principles
c. Learning how to study the Bible essential
3. The Christian life begins with first principles of the gospel

I. First Principles Summarized
A. Build on First Principles
1. Heb. 5:12-14 Rebuke failure to build
B. Failure to Grow Deadly
2. Heb. 6:1-2 Grow or die!
C. Summary of First Principles
1. Repentance from dead works: turn from love of sin, seek God
2. Faith toward God: trust God’s reality, promises, plan of salvation
3. Doctrine of baptisms: Holy Spirit baptism introduced the gospel age,
water baptism a condition for remission of sins
4. Laying on hands: gospel confirmed by miraculous gifts, servants appointed in the church
5. Resurrection of the dead: Christ guarantees our hope
6. Eternal judgment: final reward in heaven, final punishment in hell

II. The Eunuch Saved by First Principles
A. Knew God as Revealed in the Old Testament
1. Acts 8:26-28 Worshiped under the Law of Moses
a. Believed in reality & promises of God
b. Believed Old Testament was God’s Word
c. Traveled about 1,000 miles in a chariot to worship God!
B. Puzzled about Old Testament Prophecies
1. Acts 8:29-34 Of whom speaketh the prophet?
a. How to properly interpret & apply Scripture
C. Believed & Obeyed Jesus Christ
1. Acts 8:35-38 Believed, submitted, was saved

III. Learning How to Study the Bible Essential
A. Apply Normal Function of Language to Scripture
1. 2 Tim. 2:15 Diligent study, accurate application
a. Rightly divide: “to make a straight cut, i.e. (figuratively) to dissect (expound) correctly
(the divine message)” (Greek Dictionary in Strong’s Concordance).
“A steward who makes a proper distribution to each one under his care
of such things as his office and their necessities require” (Barnes’ Notes).
B. God Designed It to be Understood
1. Eph. 3:3-4 “Ye may understand”
C. Heart Must Desire to Obey God
2. Jn. 7:17 “If anyone’s will is to do God’s will” (English Standard Version)
D. Law of Moses Replaced by New Covenant
1. Col. 2:14-17 Old Law nailed to the cross
E. Text in Context
1. Jn. 15:5-6 Branches: individuals not denominations
2. A text without its context is a pretext for error.
F. Take All the Bible Says on a Subject
1. Lk. 24:25-27 Prophets foretold his death
2. Danger of partial view: blind men touch elephant & report it is a snake, a spear, a fan, a wall,
a tree, a rope!
G. Distinguish Literal & Figurative Language
1. Matt. 26:26-29 Metaphor: bread is “my body,” juice is “my blood”

Invitation:
1. Heb. 5:12 First principles precede growth
2. First principles lead to salvation
a. First principles summarized
b. The eunuch saved by first principles
c. Learning how to study the Bible essential
3. Acts 8:35-38 Sinners receive salvation like the eunuch: believe, repent, confess Christ,
& submit to him in baptism

By Ron Halbrook

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