Hebrews 5:11-14 & 1-3

Hebrews 5:11-14 & 1-3 We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.

Sadly, some experienced Christians remain in need of milk, not solid food. Their lives are often indistinguishable from the world, producing bitter fruit: fleshly and unloving thoughts, actions, and interactions. They constantly need the first works of repentance: faith in God, instruction about baptisms, receiving the Spirit, and knowledge about God's plan for the future to keep them on the straight and narrow. Such Christians seem immature, constantly needing support rather than supporting others. They depend upon good teachers, captivating authors, and empathetic Christian friends to keep the fire of Christ aglow in their lives. They often experience Christianity vicariously through someone else's testimony or through inspiring books, and other people's knowledge of Christ. Although experienced believers, they still function as newborn Christians, unable to depend wholly upon Christ' work within them. Therefore, they easily become discouraged and fall into sin when faced with temptation. They need continued prayer and support just to maintain the semblance of a Christian walk and fail to grow in their faith or to share their faith with unbelievers. Oftentimes unsaved family and friends identify them as one of their own, not part of the living church of Christ, for their activities tend to be fleshly and self-serving without evidence of God's Spirit in their lives.

The writer of Hebrews does not negate our need for others as members of the body of Christ, for we all require prayer and support. Today's verses are for people who should have matured into stalwart people of faith who offer strength and encouragement to others rather than functioning as babies themselves. Seasoned believers try to remove themselves from the world; they do not live in doubt, questioning their faith and wondering whether God is with them or not. Shallow people become clouds without rain, people lacking spiritual strength and constantly needing help and supervision. They drink milk when they should seek spiritual meat. Some of us have been in the church many years while others have believed for a very short time. Whatever our level of growth, we all need some milk in our lives, reminders of the beginning works. But experienced Christians rely on meat for strong spiritual muscles, and that meat includes obeying the Lord and living in the Spirit by accepting our place in the household of God. Children of God do good works that glorify God; they know who they are in Christ. They possess confidence in the Lord's work and not their own. Eating meat is casting out every contrary spirit within or without that hinders our relationship with God. Spiritual growth requires hearing the voice of the Lord confirming our relationship with him. Maturity in Christ results in confidence in Christ and hope for the future as we growth in faith and serve others. Desiring meat means desiring a close walk with Christ and wanting to be like He is, full of grace and love for others.

How many of us still try to serve God through the dead letter of the Law rather than the living Holy Spirit? Such a mindset lacks faith in Christ and hope in the power of the Spirit to make us overcomers. Trying to grow spiritually through our human efforts leads to failure and condemnation. Spirit-driven believers listen to God's voice and follow his leading, allowing him to remove the dead letter from our thinking and to write the living WORD in our hearts and minds. To grow in Christ, we must no longer live according to our will, but by seeking God's will. A strong believer does not question God's leading or become fearful and dismayed by difficult circumstances, knowing that God's will produces holy fruit for his sake. A fully committed walk leads to a righteous life, for we live God's life, not ours. The world might not see your actions as godly or validate your behavior, but if God asks you to do something or be somewhere, then it is right and will result in spiritual growth and a harvest of the fruit of the Spirit. Others will detect love in your actions as you willingly serve rather that wanting to be served. As you sacrifice your life for Christ, the Spirit will lead, comfort, and teach you. A life that glorifies God will turn the world upside down, for it is a life of faith and substance, a life of meat not milk, a life of maturity not selfish childishness. Walk in Christ today, hear and obey his voice, and He will satisfy your longing soul in green pastures.