Growing Up in Spiritual Maturity

Daily R.E.A.P. Report for Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV)
Growing Up in Spiritual Maturity

Are you a bottled fed or meat eating Christian?

Read

"For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:12-14 (ESV)

The letter to the Hebrews was written to early Jewish Christians facing discouragement and the temptation to revert to old religious practices. The author—possibly Paul, though uncertain—urges them to press onward in faith. Chapter 5 deals with Jesus as the ultimate high priest and the importance of growing beyond spiritual infancy. In these verses, the writer gently rebukes believers for stagnating in basic teachings, calling them to greater spiritual maturity. The heartbeat here is God’s longing for His people to fully embrace maturity, discernment, and active faith—gifts He longs to cultivate in those who seek Him.

Examine

Hebrews 5:12-14 provides a clear challenge: Don’t remain spiritually immature. God desires His children to pursue deeper understanding, cultivating maturity that enables them to handle the “solid food” of His Word and truth. True growth involves moving beyond basics, developing discernment, and living out what we learn with wisdom.

Connection to Jesus: Jesus modeled perfect spiritual maturity. He taught deep truths with grace, responded to every challenge with discernment, and invited His followers to grow beyond surface-level faith. Christ is both the foundation (the “milk”) and the fullness (“solid food”) of our spiritual life—calling us to move forward, just as He did with His disciples.

Main Themes:
1. Spiritual Growth: Pursuing deeper understanding and application of God’s truth.
2. Discernment: Learning to distinguish good from evil by ongoing practice and engagement with God’s Word.
3. Responsibility: Receiving and sharing truth, then becoming “teachers” who help others grow.

Key Word Study:
- "Milk" (Greek: gala): Symbolic of the basic, introductory doctrines of Christian faith—easily digested, meant for spiritual infants.
- "Solid Food" (Greek: stereos trophe): Advanced, substantial teaching that builds depth and resilience; this represents mature wisdom that challenges us to grow.

Apply

Reflective Questions:
- Where in my faith am I still relying on just the “milk”? What deeper truths might God be inviting me to explore?
- In which areas of my life do I need greater discernment to distinguish right from wrong?
- How can I share the truth I've received with someone else, helping them on their journey of faith?

Christ-Centered Practical Steps:
1. Move Beyond Basics: Choose one biblical principle you understand well and explore it more deeply—maybe through a study guide, sermon, or conversation with a mature believer.
2. Practice Discernment: Before making a decision today—big or small—pause and pray for wisdom. Ask God to help you discern His will.
3. Teach and Encourage: Share an insight from your personal Bible study with a friend or family member. By teaching others, you solidify your own learning and ignite growth in your community.

Real-Life Example: Consider a woman who, for years, attended church but remained content with only the simplest teachings. One day, feeling God’s nudge, she joined a small discipleship group, where she wrestled with harder questions and found deeper community. With time, she grew in maturity, made wise decisions in her work and relationships, and began mentoring new believers. Her journey shows that growth starts with a single step of hunger for more.

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You invite me to grow deeper in faith and wisdom. Forgive me for the times I’ve settled for spiritual complacency or neglected the deeper truths of Your Word. Plant in me a hunger for maturity and discernment. By Your Spirit, train my heart and mind to recognize what is good and right, and help me to encourage others in their own journey. Guide me to move from milk to solid food, so I can honor You with every choice and every word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Reflection: Imagine your heart as a garden. At first, you plant only simple seeds, but with care, time, and the nourishment of God’s Word, roots deepen and blossoms appear. The fruit that comes is discernment and maturity, which others can taste and be refreshed by. Each step you take today is preparing the soil for something even greater tomorrow.

Call to Action: Choose one way to move from “milk” to “solid food” today—whether by engaging with deeper Bible study, praying for discernment, or sharing your faith journey with someone else. Trust that God is with you at every stage, cheering you on as you grow into the fullness of His purpose and love.