What is the meaning of 1 Peter 2:2? Like newborn babies Peter’s opening picture is vivid—we are to come to God’s Word with the same fresh expectancy and helpless dependence that a newborn shows at feeding time. Babies don’t debate whether they need milk; they instinctively reach for it. Likewise: • Matthew 18:3: “unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” • 1 Peter 1:23 reminds us we have been “born again… through the living and enduring word of God.” Our new birth in Christ means we start life in His family as infants who must be fed. Rejecting that need leads to stunted growth; embracing it launches a lifelong pattern of eager receptivity. crave pure spiritual milk Peter commands desire, not mere casual interest. “Pure” tells us the Word is uncontaminated—no worldly additives, no false doctrine. “Milk” stresses nourishment right for every stage of life. Practical ways to cultivate this craving include: • Setting regular, unrushed time in the Scriptures (Psalm 119:103: “How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey to my mouth!”). • Approaching the Bible prayerfully, trusting Hebrews 4:12: “the word of God is living and active.” • Letting all of Scripture speak (2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching…”). The more we taste, the more we want; the less we taste, the duller our appetite becomes. so that by it Growth does not happen by sheer willpower; God ordained a means—His Word. Just as milk supplies protein, calcium, and immunity-boosting nutrients, Scripture supplies: • Truth that sanctifies (John 17:17: “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.”) • Strength that builds (Acts 20:32: “the word of His grace… is able to build you up”). Remove the means, remove the growth. you may grow up in your salvation Salvation is both status and journey. We are fully saved the moment we trust Christ, yet we must mature into the likeness of the One who saved us. Growing up involves: • Obedience and cooperation (Philippians 2:12-13: “work out your salvation… for it is God who works in you”). • Increasing Christlikeness (Ephesians 4:15: “we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself”). • Expanding knowledge and grace (2 Peter 3:18: “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior”). The goal is not spiritual superiority but fuller enjoyment and display of the life already given. summary Peter’s simple directive packs weight: approach God’s Word with the helpless hunger of a newborn, intentionally crave its pure nourishment, depend on it as God’s chosen instrument, and keep growing until every part of life reflects the salvation Christ secured. Daily, eager intake of Scripture is the God-ordained pathway from spiritual infancy to mature, fruitful adulthood. |
    |