However, the author of Hebrews does not let his readers off the hook because of their spiritual immaturity rather, he points out their culpability and exhorts them to grow. 5:11–12)īecause the Hebrews have not grown as they should have, they are not in a position to receive further instruction that would otherwise benefit them. 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. Similarly, you can hear the frustration of unfulfilled expectations in the words of the author of Hebrews as he gently rebukes his readers for their ongoing spiritual immaturity:Ībout this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. He commands us to desire that which will enable our spiritual growth ('milk of the word' NASB) so that by it we mature into the salvation that is ours in Christ. Peter writes, 'Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation' (1 Peter 2:2). Scripture encourages such desires and expectations for believers.

When they fail to develop and mature, it is abnormal and therefore cause for concern. Whether that involves going to school or getting a driver's license, the privileges and opportunities that attend maturity lead children to aspire to growth.Īdults expect children to grow as well. They look forward to being big and experiencing life from the perspective of someone who has advanced beyond childhood. One thing most children have in common is a desire to grow up.

Verses about growing up