Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Hebrews 5:11
The book of Hebrews is filled with great truths concerning God’s wondrous grace and promises toward all who believe!! Yet, throughout the book of Hebrews, there are also warnings and exhortations to the believers. As we have already studied some have been: 1. Listen!! (Hebrews 2:1) 2. Don’t let the truth slip away! (Hebrews 2:1). 3. Pay Attention!!-Fear those with hearts of Unbelief who penetrate the Church (Hebrews 3:12) 4. Exhort one another (Hebrews 3:13). 5. Beware of Sin’s deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13) 6. Diligently Hold Fast to Faith (Hebrews 4:11) 7. Look to Jesus (Hebrews 4:14) 8. Come Boldly to the Throne of Grace—run to Jesus our High Priest—don’t stop! (Hebrews 4:16).
Now, once more with great urgency; the writer of Hebrews pleads with his readers to grow in the word!! He presents his case as follows, “There is so much more I want to tell you about Jesus. There is so much more you need to understand so that you might flourish with spiritual maturity and joy. There is so much more I want to tell you; but, you are dull of hearing because you are still spiritual babies needing milk.”
In Christ we are given everything we need to live our life with joy, hope, faith, and glory; yet, all too often we don’t grow. We wait to be fed whatever the preacher might tell us on Sunday—that is if we go. Even then, we only half-heartedly listen. To grow, we need to desire the word; listen with ears wide open to learn truth; seek God in prayer every morning, every evening and throughout our days call out to Him.
BABIES CAN’T STAY BABIES FOREVER
There is nothing wrong with being a spiritual baby at first; but, there is something wrong when year after year there is no growth, no strengthening, no transforming. We need to grow, mature, and desire the “meat” of the word so that we might gain discerning hearts knowing what is good and right for our lives. As we grow, we no longer have to depend on others feeding us!! When we spend our entire Christian lives dependent on others to feed us milk; we don’t even mature enough to discern if the milk is good or spoiled milk. Beware of false teachers who will rob you of the truth!! How can I beware of false teachers, if I don’t study the scripture?
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15)
Ok, so what do you do if you are a baby in Christ and haven’t grown? The amazing thing is—it is never too late to start growing now!! Just like a real baby who is hungry—go after the milk with fervent desire. A baby won’t stop crying until it gets what it desires!! Go after the word of God with that same fervor, focus and intent as a small baby until your heart and soul are satisfied.
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 1 Peter 2:2-3
Are you growing in the word? Set aside time every day to prayerfully study your Bible.
Do you want to know more about Jesus? Drink in the word.
[bctt tweet=”To know His promises, to know the truth of your identity in Christ, you must drink the word” username=”effiedarlene”]
The song I chose for you today is; Fullness of Grace
photo used by permission: https://unsplash.com/@samanthasophia
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.