(Hebrews 5:11-14)1NIV New International Version Translations – “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. 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.”
These passages in Hebrews make a thought-provoking statement, challenging Christians to reflect on their spiritual growth and maturity. The author of Hebrews uses the metaphor of infants needing milk versus mature believers requiring solid food to emphasize the importance of continually advancing in one’s faith. Solid food, in this context, refers to the expectation that the faithful should be teaching God’s Word rather than just being served God’s Word by others. A mature believer’s life should be built upon the fundamental truths of God and their commitment to share and live the Gospel’s message. This study will explore how mature believers, through constant practice, train themselves to discern good from evil, setting an example for others.
In the context of Hebrews 5:11-14, “solid food” refers to the more advanced teachings and understanding of the Christian faith that mature believers should be seeking. Here are a few examples of what could be considered “solid food“:
Understanding What it is to be Righteousness: Understanding what it means to be righteous is an essential aspect of spiritual maturity. In a biblical sense, righteousness is not simply about following a set of rules or conforming to external standards; it is about aligning one’s life, thoughts, and actions with God’s will. This involves learning to see right and wrong not through the shifting perspectives of society, but according to the unwavering principles outlined in God’s Word.
To live righteously is to continually seek God’s guidance, allowing His teachings to shape one’s character and choices. It means striving to do what is right even when it is difficult or unpopular, and letting one’s actions reflect one’s faith and trust in God. As we grow in understanding of righteousness, we become more equipped to make wise decisions, influence others positively, and remain steadfast in our faith regardless of life’s challenges.
Understanding righteousness is a journey that calls us to embrace “God’s definition of good and evil,” and then apply His truths in our daily lives, and to pursue a life that honors Him in all circumstances. The Apostle Paul, however, gives us a dose of humility. In Romans 3:23, he states, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Discernment: To truly live a Christian life is to anchor every decision and action in the discernment that comes from God, not the world. The ability to distinguish good from evil and to make wise choices is not derived from personal opinion or changing cultural standards but from a deep and abiding understanding of God’s Word. For Christians, this discernment is essential. It is God alone who defines what is right and what is wrong, and it is through devoted study, prayer, and application of His truths that believers can grow in spiritual maturity.
Living according to Christian principles means striving daily to align one’s thoughts, words, and deeds with the teachings of Scripture. Rather than relying on fleeting feelings or popular trends, the Christian life is built upon the solid foundation of God’s unchanging standards. This way of life calls for humility, perseverance, and an eagerness to learn from God, knowing that true wisdom and righteousness flow only from Him.
Ultimately, the Christian life is not just about knowing what is right, but consistently doing what is right, regardless of difficulty or opposition. By continually seeking God’s guidance and allowing His Word to shape one’s hearts, we become equipped to live lives that honor Him, serve others selflessly, and bear witness to the transformative power of faith.
Understanding the Gospel and its Doctrines: In the context of being a mature Christian, “the Gospel” represents the profound, comprehensive truths of the Christian faith, along with the “Doctrines” that go beyond the basic foundational teachings. It means understanding core biblical concepts, such as the nature of God, the work of Christ, the ministry of the Holy Spirit, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan.
For the mature believer, engaging in understanding the Gospel is not merely an intellectual exercise. Instead, it is an active pursuit of wisdom and discernment that shapes one’s character and conduct. Mature Christians apply their knowledge to their daily lives, allowing such truths to inform their decisions, relationships, and responses to the world. This maturity is evidenced by the ability to teach others, to apply scriptural principles wisely, and to remain steadfast when facing challenges, always distinguishing good from evil through the lens of God’s eyes.
The Gospel and its Doctrines are the “solid food” described in Hebrews, nourishment for those who seek to deepen their relationship with God and live out their faith with conviction, responsibility, and discernment. It also comes with the joy of knowing that if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Exemplifying Practical Application: For the mature Christian, this is not merely an admirable pursuit, but the deepest purpose and calling in life. Embracing and living out God’s word in tangible actions transforms character, shapes relationships, and provides a steadfast foundation through life’s challenges. By making biblical values the bedrock of decisions, interactions, and attitudes, believers reflect Christ’s love and wisdom to others, fulfilling their highest mission. This daily commitment is how faith becomes real and enduring, leading to a life marked by meaning, impact, and spiritual fulfillment. In doing so, mature Christians not only honor God but inspire those around them, embodying the very essence of what it means to walk faithfully and purposefully in His truth.
It is essential to clarify that salvation itself does not depend on consuming “solid food” or attaining advanced spiritual knowledge. Instead, the benefit is that growing in a more profound understanding and maturity equips believers to live out their faith more fully and stand firm against challenges. Those who remain on spiritual “milk” can still experience true salvation, but may find themselves less prepared to navigate complex issues or resist misleading teachings. Developing a firm grasp of the foundations of faith provides greater assurance, confidence, and stability in one’s relationship with Christ, helping believers to flourish and remain steadfast in the journey of faith.
A clear understanding of one’s faith also equips believers to share the gospel and defend their beliefs effectively. Without this understanding, believers may struggle to articulate their faith and answer questions from others, hindering their ability to witness and evangelize.
(2 Peter 1:3-11) – “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The Apostle Peter highlights the importance of adding to one’s faith qualities such as goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love. Without these qualities, believers risk becoming ineffective and unproductive in their understanding of Jesus Christ. The passage also warns that those who lack these qualities are nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins.
The Greek word (epignosis) is often translated as “knowledge” or “full knowledge.” It is derived from two root words: “epi,” meaning “upon” or “over,” and “gnosis,” which means “knowledge.” Therefore, “epignosis” can be understood as “full knowledge” or “precise knowledge“. This term implies not just a superficial understanding but a deep, thorough comprehension of a subject. It goes beyond mere intellectual knowledge to indicate a relational aspect, suggesting that one knows something fully and engages with it in a meaningful way.
In the New Testament, “epignosis” is used to denote an experiential, relational, and transforming knowledge. It is more than data acquisition; it embraces recognition, acknowledgment, and personal appropriation of truth revealed by God. This concept is further illustrated in several passages:
- Colossians 1:9: “For this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge (epignosis) of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.” Here, knowledge of God’s will is seen as crucial for spiritual growth.
- Ephesians 1:17-18: Paul prays that “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge (epignosis) of Him.” This highlights that spiritual insight and understanding are gifts.
“The function of wisdom is to discriminate between good and evil.” ~ Marcus Tullius Cicero
Marcus Tullius Cicero (106–43 BC) was a renowned Roman statesman, lawyer, scholar, philosopher, and orator. He was celebrated as one of Rome’s greatest writers. Cicero’s contributions have profoundly influenced Western philosophy and literature. He believed that wisdom was more than just accumulating knowledge; it was about possessing moral clarity. For Cicero, true wisdom lies in the ability to discern right from wrong and to act upon that understanding.
Contemplations
- How can you ensure you are continually advancing in your faith and not just relying on the “milk” of elementary teachings?
- Idea to Explore: Reflect on the metaphor of infants needing milk versus mature believers requiring solid food. How significant is spiritual growth and maturity, and how can you actively seek more profound understanding and application of God’s Word in your daily life?
- What role does discernment play in living a righteous life according to Christian principles?
- Idea to Explore: Consider the significance of discernment in distinguishing good from evil and making wise choices. How does a deep understanding of God’s Word guide believers in aligning their thoughts, words, and actions with His will, and what impact does this have on one’s spiritual maturity and ability to influence others positively?
- 1NIV New International Version Translations