From Milk to Meat: Maturing in Understanding

Central Idea: Spiritual maturity involves moving beyond basic doctrines to a profound comprehension and practical application of God's Word, enabling discernment and teaching.

INTRODUCTION

As Christians, we are called not just to be born again, but to grow.

Just as a physical child matures from a diet of milk to solid food, so too must a disciple of Christ progress from the basic principles of faith to a robust understanding and application of divine truth.

Our spiritual journey is one of continuous development, and today, we turn to the book of Hebrews to understand this vital process of maturation.

OBJECTIVES

The Milk Stage

Reasons for Stagnation

Pathway to Maturity

1. Understanding Spiritual Immaturity: The "Milk" Stage

Spiritual immaturity is characterized by a reliance on basic principles and an inability to process deeper spiritual truths, much like an infant's need for milk.

1 Peter 2:1–2 ESV

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation—

Hebrews 5:11–14 ESV

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Marks of Spiritual Immaturity

Inability to handle solid spiritual food

Dullness of hearing

Inability to teach others

Lack of discernment

2. Reasons for Stagnation: Why Christians Remain on "Milk"

Several factors can prevent born-again Christians from moving beyond the initial stages of faith to spiritual maturity. These include:

A. Spiritual Laziness and Complacency

The Hebrews had become "sluggish" or "dull" in their hearing, suggesting a loss of urgency and zeal to live according to the Gospel

This complacency can lead to a state where faith is not a priority, resulting in spiritual regression.

If Christians do nothing to grow, they are promised to eventually abandon their faith

B. Insufficient Engagement with Scripture

While attending church and hearing sermons is important, true spiritual growth requires actively engaging with the Bible independently outside of church.

Many churches focus on teaching about the Bible rather than fostering personal biblical engagement.

When individuals "know" a scripture too well, they might skip over it, missing deeper meanings that God intends to convey.

C. Lack of Personal Discipline and Practice

Spiritual maturity is not an automatic process;

it demands intentional, deliberate effort and consistent practice.

It is a matter of personal decision and willingness to read, study, and apply God's Word daily.

D. Misconceptions about Spiritual Growth

Some may believe that more church activity leads to growth, but increased activity does not necessarily translate to spiritual formation.

Reading the Bible is important, but it must be coupled with understanding and application:

Proverbs 4:5–9 NET

Acquire wisdom, acquire understanding; do not forget and do not turn aside from the words I speak. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will guard you. Wisdom is supreme—so acquire wisdom, and whatever you acquire, acquire understanding! Esteem her highly and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place a fair garland on your head; she will bestow a beautiful crown on you.”

3. Pathway to Maturity: Embracing "Solid Food"

This stage involves a deeper understanding and application of God's Word, moving beyond foundational truths to more complex theological concepts and practical righteousness.

Cultivating Spiritual Maturity

Diligent Study and Engagement with God's Word

2 Timothy 2:15 ESV

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Developing Discernment

Transitioning to Teaching and Serving

Mature Christians are expected to progress to the point where they can teach and disciple others in the basics of faith and deeper truths.

This involves not only understanding but also actively applying God's teachings to their lives and helping others do the same.

Pursuing Christ-likeness

1 John 1:6–7 ESV

If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

CONCLUSION

The call of Christ is not simply to salvation, but to sanctification and spiritual maturity.

Let us examine ourselves today. Are we still on milk, or are we actively pursuing the deeper truths that will allow us to grow in skill, discernment, and ultimately, to become teachers ourselves, capable of guiding others in righteousness?

Let us commit anew to diligent study, humble application, and fervent prayer, pressing on to maturity in Christ.