How can we ensure we are not "unskilled in the word of righteousness"? Setting the Context “For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.” (Hebrews 5:13–14) What “Unskilled in the Word of Righteousness” Means • “Lives on milk” – remaining at the most basic level of Christian teaching • “Inexperienced” – lacking practice in applying Scripture to real-life choices • “Word of righteousness” – the whole counsel of God that reveals and produces righteous living (Psalm 119:9–11; 2 Timothy 3:16–17) • The danger – spiritual immaturity that leaves a believer vulnerable to deception (Ephesians 4:14) Daily Habits That Move Us From Milk to Solid Food • Regular, systematic Bible reading – through entire books, not random verses (Acts 20:27) • Studying with diligence – comparing passages, looking up key words, tracing themes (Proverbs 2:1–6) • Memorizing Scripture – hiding the Word in the heart for ready recall (Psalm 119:11) • Meditating – lingering over the text until its truths shape thoughts and actions (Joshua 1:8) • Obeying promptly – application cements understanding (John 13:17) Gaining Skill Through Sound Doctrine • Seek clarity on core truths: creation, fall, redemption, resurrection, Christ’s return (1 Corinthians 15:1–4) • Test every teaching against Scripture (Acts 17:11) • Use trustworthy resources—conservative commentaries, study Bibles, concordances (2 Timothy 2:15) • Commit to a local church that teaches the whole Bible verse by verse (Hebrews 10:24–25) Training the Senses by Constant Use • Practice discernment in everyday choices—media, relationships, finances (Philippians 4:8) • Invite accountability; mature believers sharpen one another (Proverbs 27:17) • Share the Word—teaching others reinforces your own understanding (2 Timothy 2:2) • Respond to conviction quickly; confession and repentance keep the heart soft (1 John 1:9) Guardrails That Keep Growth on Track • Beware complacency—spiritual growth is never automatic (Hebrews 2:1) • Resist novelty that contradicts Scripture—“new” is not always true (Galatians 1:8) • Avoid selective obedience—partial submission stunts maturity (James 1:22–25) • Keep Christ central—He is the focus and fulfillment of all Scripture (Luke 24:27) Marks of a Skilled Believer • Stability in trials—confidence anchored in God’s promises (James 1:2–4) • Discernment between good and evil instinctively exercised (Hebrews 5:14) • Love that acts—truth expressed through service and sacrifice (1 John 3:18) • Hope that endures—looking for the blessed appearing of Jesus (Titus 2:13) Pressing On to Maturity Growth in the Word is lifelong. Keep tasting, chewing, and digesting Scripture until it shapes every thought, motive, and deed. Then you will not remain “unskilled in the word of righteousness,” but will stand as a mature, fruitful disciple whose life displays the righteousness of Christ. |
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