What is the meaning of Hebrews 5:13? For everyone who lives on milk - The writer begins with an all-inclusive “everyone,” making clear that this principle applies to every believer without exception (compare 1 Corinthians 3:2, “I gave you milk to drink, not solid food”). - “Lives on milk” points to believers who remain focused on the simplest truths—salvation, forgiveness, and God’s love—vital realities that form our spiritual infancy (see 1 Peter 2:2, “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk”). - Milk is good and necessary at the start, but staying there limits growth. Scripture consistently calls believers to move forward into deeper understanding (Colossians 2:6-7). is still an infant - Remaining on milk identifies a believer as an “infant,” a tender stage God warmly acknowledges yet expects us to outgrow. Paul warns of this stagnation in Ephesians 4:14, “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves.” - Traits of spiritual infancy: • Dependent on others for every insight • Easily swayed by new teachings or emotions • Limited discernment between truth and error - God’s design is maturation into Christlike adulthood (Galatians 4:19). inexperienced in the message of righteousness - The “message of righteousness” embraces the full counsel of God—what Christ has accomplished for us and how we now live it out (2 Timothy 3:16-17). - “Inexperienced” means unskilled, unfamiliar with applying truth to real-life choices. Solid food—deeper doctrine and practiced obedience—builds that skill (Hebrews 5:14 continues, “solid food is for the mature”). - Marks of experience in righteousness: • Regular, thoughtful engagement with Scripture (Psalm 1:2) • Habitual obedience, not mere knowledge (James 1:22) • Discernment that recognizes good and rejects evil (Romans 12:2) - The verse therefore urges every believer to press beyond elementary teachings toward practiced, lived-out righteousness (Matthew 5:6; Romans 14:17). summary Hebrews 5:13 warns that believers who remain on spiritual “milk” remain spiritual infants, lacking practical skill in God’s righteous ways. The call is to grow—moving from basic truths to deeper doctrine and obedient living—so that our senses are trained, our discernment sharpened, and our lives increasingly reflect Christ. |
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