Maturing in Christ

Written by: Will Graham

"And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest ‘according to the order of Melchizedek,’ of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 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. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil" (Hebrews 5:9-14).

There’s still work to be done after someone has accepted Christ. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association works hard to follow up with each new believer, plug them into a local church, and help them grow—from “baby” believers to strong Christians as they apply Scripture to their faith.

Some, however, simply choose not to develop their new walk with Christ.

In Hebrews 5:11-14, we see characteristics of believers who are not maturing in their faith:

Lazy or Dull—A person’s faith is immature because they are lazy or “dull of hearing” (verse 11). They listened but were not paying attention and applying God’s Word.

Refusal to Grow—These people were refusing to grow (verse 12). They had a knowledge of Jesus and identified with Him but refused to mature in their faith. They had not progressed from “milk” (basics) to “solid food” (applying Scripture).

Unskilled—Some people are spiritually underdeveloped because they are inexperienced in the Word (verse 13). By this time, they should have been teaching but could not because they had refused to be trained in spiritual matters.

Do Not Exercise Discernment—Some believers remain spiritually immature because they do not exercise their mental and spiritual senses (verse 14) and therefore cannot discern between good and evil.

So how can we become mature Christians? The following verses offer guidance:

“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits” (Hebrews 6:1-3).

First, we must build on the teachings we know (verse 1). The foundation has been laid. We need to develop our spiritual structure, adding depth and understanding.

Second, we must set our minds to grow (verse 3). “This we will do” shows the determination required.

Third, we must realize that we are totally dependent upon God for growth. “If God permits” shows that we cannot grow apart from His strength.

Scripture quotations are taken from The Holy Bible, New King James Version.

Will Graham: Maturing in Christ