This portion of scripture, Hebrew 5:11-14, gives us insight into how our life in Christ should look. It should be one of growth and understanding. We are to continue to develop and mature, just as Jesus, who kept increasing in wisdom, stature and favor with God and man when He took on flesh (Luke 2:52). We have been born again into the spiritual world. According to Peter, “As newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation” (1 Peter 2:2). But there comes a time when we must be weaned from the spiritual milk of elementary teachings and move on to a deeper understanding of God’s Word. Apostle Paul penned for our encouragement; “And, I brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as infants in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food, for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, for you are still fleshly, for since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men?” (1 Co 3:1-3).
Jesus took on flesh and grew in the likeness of man, we become spiritual beings and are to grow in the likeness of Christ. This is the objective being taught in these few verses. The author of Hebrews here digresses from his teaching on Jesus being our High Priest because of his distress for his reader’s spiritual condition.
Through his observation of their spiritual growth, something is apparently wrong. So, he lays out some of his concerns. First, they had become dull of hearing. They had become so accustomed to the message, it no longer excited them. The piercing Word of God no longer pierced their hearts as to act upon it.
Secondly, their desire to share this new teaching became old, external and ritualistic instead of living on the inside, trying to burst out in praise and adoration for God. Quick to confess Jesus as their Lord, now the praise and teaching of righteousness was being squelched because it was bringing persecution to them and those around them.
Thirdly, they just lost their appetite for nourishment. The author noticed their inability to digest the solid food because they had not moved on from the milk. This is a danger for everyone who wants to grow in knowledge and wisdom in Christ.
These important developmental aspects of being a child of God are what we will examine this Sunday. My prayer is that you have moved from the milk of spiritual food and will be ready for the solid food found in the letter to the Hebrews. I pray you will be here to hear this message and have a heart ready to apply it to your life.
In Christ,
Steve
NOBLE CHURCH OF CHRIST