July 10, 2022

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. Hebrews 5:12

OUCH! This address to the Jewish believers of the first century is a stinging rebuke, for the Jews had the decided advantage of exposure to the Scriptures from birth. After accepting Jesus as Savior, instead of growing and maturing in their faith, some were becoming less mature! Paul had earlier highlighted their advantage:

What advantage then has the Jew, or what is the profit of circumcision? Much in every way! Chiefly because to them were committed the oracles of God.  Romans 3:1-2

Paul also had high expectations for the Gentiles converts at Corinth (and all Gentile believers) to grow up in their faith. Corinth was one of the worldliest of cities, over-run with corruption of every sort. Their advantage was having in plain view the marked contrast between the godless culture from which they came and the pure gospel teachings of God’s love, forgiveness, and a new, wholesome life of living for Him as a testimony of His grace to change hearts.

And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able.  1 Corinthians 3:1-2

God’s Word clearly teaches that He is saving people individually. It is up to the individual to continue in the faith. A pattern of growth comes with seeking Him, growing in love for Him, desiring His will, gaining wisdom and understanding, fellowshipping with others who live by God’s Word, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 5:9). Among the foundational principles of God’s government laid down for the benefit of all people, regardless of background, are the concepts of God as Creator, His love for us, our need for intimate fellowship with Him, loving obedience to His words, and the disastrous results of failure to heed His counsel.

Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.  Romans 11:22

. . . to present you holy, blameless, and above reproach in His sight—if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister. Colossians 1:22-23