As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby . . .
1 Peter 2:2
I knew a child who, at six years old, would come home from school and pour himself a bottle. I chuckle about it now, but I am reminded of 1 Peter 2:2. If the Word is like spiritual milk, how long should believers stay on the bottle? How do we know if we are growing in Christ?
Rebirth
Jesus revealed the mystery of spiritual rebirth to Nicodemus, a curious member of the Sanhedrin. To be saved, men and women must be born again. The revelation troubled the Pharisee, who wondered how it was possible to reenter a mother’s womb. He was a scholarly, religious man yet could not grasp spiritual things. Jesus explained that to enter the kingdom of God, we must be born of water and Spirit (John 3:1-7). What a privilege to be born of God, having our sins washed away! What a joy to reminisce on those moments of conversion and baptism! As babes in Christ, we nursed on the sincere milk of the Word, being nourished in the faith.
Children in Christ
Decades pass, and some believers remain children in the Spirit. They refuse to let the bottles go. Instead of maturing in Christ, they stunt spiritual growth with carnality—living mainly to satisfy their appetites. Demanding instant gratification, they throw temper tantrums when they don’t get their way. Their prayers are usually self-centered requests for special treats. Being drawn away by lust, they fall into temptation again and again.
Consider how Apostle Paul addressed the carnal church at Corinth:
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1 Corinthians 3:1-3
Paul had to minister to the Corinthians at their maturity level. They knew the truth but were not growing because they walked in the flesh, not the Spirit. Likewise, many believers today are like stubborn children unable to experience the deeper things of God because of perpetual sin. Sin—repent—sin—repent—rinse—repeat: they keep re-sanitizing sour bottles.
But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
2 Peter 3:18
To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Adolescents in Christ
Not all believers are childish. Many, indeed, grow in the faith. Spiritual adolescence could be described as the discipleship years—when a believer decides not just to believe in Christ but to follow him. During this period, the youngster takes up his cross while increasing in knowledge and faith. He recognizes the wondrous works of the Lord and hides the Word in his heart. He practices self-discipline and disavows worldly allegiances. Even though this path could cost him his life, he forsakes all to follow Jesus Christ.
Unfortunately, some believers get too comfortable in adolescence. Unwilling to come out of the world, they whip spiritual milk into a milkshake of false doctrine. They craft their own version of Christianity using ingredients from popular culture. Having a sweet tooth for false prophecy and prosperity, they mix a bit of name-it-claim-it with a dash of self-help and positive thinking. Next, they stir in a few breath prayers and good works, then sprinkle some church attendance on top for good measure. Voila! Spiritual adolescents who stop growing seek a religion that is palatable to their carnality. However, those separate from the world, worshipping the Lord in Spirit and truth, mature in the faith.
Maturity in Christ
How do we determine if we are growing in Christ? Will the Lord find us in the nursery or the soda shop? Has our relationship with the Lord developed, or have we become stagnant? Brothers and sisters, we gauge our growth by God’s Word. Notice how the author of Hebrews distinguishes immature believers from mature believers:
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 unskilful 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 5:12-14
At that point, the Hebrews should have been experienced enough to teach others! However, still lacking knowledge and discernment, they were not ready to transition to the solid meat of the Word—much less the ministry.
In contrast, note the disciples’ spiritual development. They followed Jesus, learning the truth and recording his mighty works. With increasing knowledge, faith, and grit, they were no longer babes in Christ. In due time, Jesus sent them to witness abroad. Like sheep among wolves—carrying no money, script, or shoes—they would proclaim the gospel (Luke 10:1-12). Certainly, they had to be disciplined and spiritually prepared for such a journey. Likewise, mature Christians today seek to please God, not themselves. They faithfully walk in the purpose for which they were called.
From Spiritual Milk to Strong Meat
Spiritual maturity is a process, so we must keep growing. If we live in habitual sin, we are like children in Christ. If we live on junk food gospels, we are like adolescents in the faith. On the other hand, mature believers are living witnesses to Christ’s power.
Be encouraged: at every stage of spiritual development, there is hope.
I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.
1 John 2:12-13
Are we maturing? True disciples are imperfect but continue to press toward the mark (Philippians 3:13-17). They crucify the flesh, walk in the Spirit, accept correction, and submit to God’s will. They are renewed, transformed, and obedient. They fervently seek God, having a hunger and thirst for righteousness. They are steadfast and unmovable, rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Their prayers are effectual; their alms are discreet, and their faith pleases God. Mature disciples thrive on the strong meat of the Word while serving sincere milk to the lost and weary.
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
1 Corinthians 13:11