However, it is not the will of God that Christians should continue in spiritual infancy too long. As they begin to grow up, God’s Word offers them more substantial food. When Christ was tempted by Satan to turn stones into bread, He replied:
“It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” (Matt. 4:4)
Christ here indicates that God’s Word is the spiritual counterpart of bread in man’s natural diet. In other words, it is the main item of diet and source of strength.
It is significant that Christ said with emphasis, “every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.” In other words, Christians who wish to mature spiritually must learn to study the whole Bible, not just a few of the more familiar portions.
It is said of George Müller that he regularly read the Bible through several times each year. This explains in large measure the triumphs of his faith and the fruitfulness of his ministry. Yet there are many professing Christians and church members who scarcely know where to find in their Bibles such books as Ezra and Nehemiah or some of the minor prophets. Far less have they ever studied for themselves the messages of such books.
No wonder they continue forever in a kind of spiritual infancy. They are, in fact, sad examples of retarded development due to inadequate diet.
Beyond milk and bread, God’s Word also provides solid food. The writer of Hebrews rebuked the Hebrew believers of his day on the grounds that they had been familiar for many years with the Scriptures but had never learned to make any proper study or application of their teaching. Consequently, they were still spiritually immature and unable to help others who stood in need of spiritual teaching. This is what the writer says:
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles [or elements] of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Heb. 5:12-14)
What a picture of a great mass of professing Christians and church members today! They have owned a Bible and attended church for many years. Yet how little they know of what the Bible teaches! How weak and immature they are in their own spiritual experience; how little able to counsel a sinner or instruct a new convert! After so many years they are still spiritual babes, unable to digest any kind of teaching that goes beyond milk!
However, it is not necessary to remain in this condition. The writer of Hebrews tells us the remedy. It is to have our senses exercised by reason of use. The regular, systematic study of the whole of God’s Word will develop and mature our spiritual faculties.
Lord, thank You for helping me actively stimulate that growth into spiritual maturity by studying Your glorious, rich Word. Give me a new love and hunger for Your Word! I praise You for Your Word of life. Amen.
