Go! And Grow in Spiritual Maturity! Hebrews 5:11-14
Introduction: The Call to Spiritual Growth
Life is a journey of growth. From infancy to adulthood, we are meant to mature physically, emotionally, and intellectually. But spiritual growth is just as essential. God does not want us to remain stagnant in our faith. Instead, He calls us to grow into maturity, becoming more like Christ.
Hebrews 5:11-14 presents a challenge to every believer—are we still drinking spiritual milk, or have we moved on to solid food? The writer of Hebrews addresses an issue of spiritual stagnation and calls believers to greater depth in their faith.
Hebrews 5:11-14 (NLT):"There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognise the difference between right and wrong."
Today, let’s explore four key aspects of spiritual growth: the danger of spiritual stagnation, the need for deeper understanding, the call to live out our faith with maturity, and the importance of perseverance in growth.
1. The Danger of Spiritual Stagnation
The writer of Hebrews warns about the danger of becoming “spiritually dull” (Hebrews 5:11). The Greek word here is nothros, meaning sluggish, lazy, or slow to understand. This is not an intellectual problem but a heart issue—a failure to actively engage with God’s truth.
The Israelites in the Wilderness
The Israelites saw God’s miracles—manna from heaven, water from a rock, victory over enemies—yet they remained spiritually immature. They constantly doubted and disobeyed.
Psalm 95:10 (NLT):"For forty years I was angry with them, and I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts turn away from me. They refuse to do what I tell them.’"
Are there areas in your life where you have become spiritually sluggish? Are you resisting God’s call to grow in faith? Don’t let complacency keep you from deeper fellowship with Him.
Pastor Charles Stanley once said, “Spiritual maturity does not come by accident. It is a daily choice to seek God, obey His Word, and walk in faith.”
2. The Need for Deeper Understanding
Hebrews 5:12 rebukes believers for still needing “milk” when they should be teaching others. The Greek word for “teach” here is didaskalos, implying both instruction and discipleship. Mature believers should not only understand the faith but also be able to help others grow.
Paul’s Instruction to the Corinthians
Paul faced a similar issue in Corinth:
1 Corinthians 3:1-2 (NLT):"Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn’t talk to you as I would to spiritual people. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in Christ. I had to feed you with milk, not with solid food, because you weren’t ready for anything stronger. And you still aren’t ready."
The Corinthians were stuck in immaturity, unable to grasp deeper spiritual truths because they were still entangled in worldly thinking.
We must not be content with just knowing the basics of Christianity. We need to pursue deeper understanding—studying Scripture, engaging in discipleship, and growing in wisdom.
John Piper says, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.” Our satisfaction in God grows as we grow in understanding of Him.
3. The Call to Live Out Our Faith with Maturity
Hebrews 5:14 declares that “solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.”
The Greek word for “training” is gumnazo, from which we get the word “gymnasium.” It conveys the idea of rigorous discipline and exercise.
Growing in Christlikeness
Ephesians 4:14-15 (NLT):"Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church."
Spiritual maturity is not just about knowledge but about transformation—living out our faith with wisdom, love, and discernment.
Make time for daily Bible reading and prayer.
Engage in discipleship—both being discipled and discipling others.
Apply God’s Word in your daily life, making choices that align with His truth.
Pastor Rick Warren reminds us, “Maturity is produced through practice. The more we apply God’s truth, the more we grow.”
4. The Importance of Perseverance in Growth
Spiritual growth is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey. We must be committed to pressing forward in faith, even when challenges arise.
Running the Race with Endurance
Hebrews 12:1-2 (NLT):"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith."
The Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. Growth requires patience, persistence, and unwavering faith in Christ.
Stay committed to your spiritual disciplines.
Surround yourself with fellow believers who encourage and challenge you.
Keep your focus on Jesus and trust His plan for your growth.
Conclusion: A Call to Spiritual Growth
God is calling you to grow beyond spiritual infancy into maturity. Will you respond?
Avoid spiritual stagnation by actively seeking God.
Go deeper in your understanding of His Word.
Live out your faith with maturity, becoming more like Christ.
Persevere in your spiritual growth journey.
Invitation to Faith in Christ
If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus, today is the day to start your journey. He offers you new life, forgiveness, and eternal hope.
Romans 10:9 (NLT):"If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."
Will you take the step of faith and begin your journey of spiritual growth today?
Will you commit to growing deeper in your faith today?
