What other scriptures warn against spiritual stagnation or immaturity? Starting Point – Hebrews 5:11 “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing.” Echoes from Paul • 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 — “I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly—mere infants in Christ… you are still worldly.” ‑ Spiritual infancy shows up in jealousy, quarrels, and a diet of “milk.” • Ephesians 4:14-15 — “Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves… Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ.” ‑ Growth steadies the believer against deception. • Galatians 4:8-11 — Turning back to “weak and worthless principles” signals regression, not maturity. • Colossians 2:6-8 — “Continue to live in Him, rooted and built up… See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deceit.” ‑ Ongoing rootedness guards against stagnation. • Philippians 3:12-16 — Paul presses on, refusing complacency; believers do likewise. Echoes from Peter • 1 Peter 2:1-3 — “Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” ‑ Spiritual appetite fuels growth. • 2 Peter 1:5-9 — Add virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, love. “Whoever lacks these qualities is nearsighted and blind.” • 2 Peter 3:17-18 — “Be on your guard… grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord.” ‑ Guarding and growing belong together. Echoes from James and John • James 1:22-25 — Hearing without doing ends in self-deception. • Revelation 2:4-5 — Leaving first love demands repentance and a return to “the works you did at first.” • Revelation 3:15-19 — Lukewarm Laodicea: Christ’s rebuke targets comfort that has cooled into apathy. Echoes from the Gospels • Luke 8:14-15 / Mark 4:18-19 — Thorns of cares and riches choke growth; good soil hears, holds fast, and produces fruit. • Matthew 25:24-30 — The servant who buries his talent is called “wicked and lazy”; unused gifts atrophy. Echoes from the Writer of Hebrews • Hebrews 6:1-3 — “Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.” • Hebrews 10:23-25 — Assembling, encouraging, and spurring one another on prevent drift. The Diagnostic Passages • 2 Corinthians 13:5 — “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22 — Do not quench the Spirit; hold fast what is good. • Romans 12:2 — Transformation requires ongoing renewal of the mind. Putting the Pieces Together • Scripture treats growth as normal Christianity; stagnation is abnormal and dangerous. • Spiritual childhood is tolerated only briefly; remaining there invites deception, carnality, and discipline. • Continual intake of the Word, active obedience, fellowship, and Spirit-led self-examination keep believers moving from “milk” to “solid food.” |
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