Mature Christians

[johan777]

The bible make some statements about Christians who can only drink milk and cannot eat "meat"​

1Co 2:6​

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However, when we are among mature people, we do speak a message of wisdom, but not the wisdom of this world or of the rulers of this world, who are passing off the scene. 1Co 2:7 Instead, we speak about God's secret wisdom that has been hidden, which God destined for our glory before the world began.​

Heb 5:12 In fact, though by now you should be teachers, you still need someone to teach you the basic truths of God's word. You have become people who need milk instead of solid food food. Heb 5:13 For everyone who lives on milk is still a baby and is inexperienced in the message of righteousness. Heb 5:14 But solid food is for mature people, whose minds are trained by practice to distinguish good from evil. ​

What is a this meat/solid food/wisdom?​

 

[daveleau]

It is symbolic for young or immature versus mature Christians. The milk is the simple following of the Word, but the meat is learning and applying the Word as principles in situations that are not directly addressed (since the Bible doesn't directly address everything) in Scripture. It is highly possible for a lifetime Christian to still be immature, while someone who was saved for just a short time could be more mature.

 

[LamorakDesGalis]

I agree with Daveleau's statements. One of the key differences between a mature and immature Christian is putting the Word into practice. Its not enough to simply know what you're supposed to do.

Here are some further observations:
Paul said in 1 Cor 2:6 that "we speak a message of wisdom among the mature..." a message revealed by His Spirit (verse 10) and spoken by "words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words" (verse 13). This is then contrasted by 3:1 where Paul said, "Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual but as worldly - mere infants in Christ." It seems the Corinthians lacked the wisdom of the Spirit, clearly shown in the jealousy, quarreling and church divisions about which Paul upbraided them. What does that imply for those on Christian forums who bicker, quarrel, and insult one another??

In Hebrews 5:12-14, the writer mentions that "by this time you ought to be teachers" - meaning they had been believers longer than a new convert. The "elementary truths" are the teachings the author mentioned in 6:1-2. The author's "solid food" is the section beginning with chapter 7 and Melchizedek.


Lamorak Des Galis

 

[Lilly of the Valley]

I agree w/ the previous posts, but also believe milk is the basic fundamentals of the Word, whereas meat is the deeper truths of the Word.

 

[Bizzlebin Imperatoris]

Also, I think meat comes through deep discussion/debate. You are fed milk as an infant, but when you grow up, you actually have to feed yourself. Meat can be tough and hard to chew sometimes, but it will sustain the mature believer.

 

[mythbuster]

Paul labored to present every man full-grown in Christ. Colossians 1:28
Paul travailed until Christ would be formed in the believers.

A mature Christian is one who is full grown in Christ. One in whom Christ lives, not them. One who has the mind of Christ and who does not live by their own soul-life but by the life of God. Such a one is ready to meet the Lord.

 

[CharlesYTK]

What about a slightly different view?

Heb 5:12 In fact, though by now you should be teachers, you still need someone to teach you the basic truths of God's word. You have become people who need milk instead of solid food food. Heb 5:13 For everyone who lives on milk is still a baby and is inexperienced in the message of righteousness.

Two things are in view Righteousness and understanding Gods word and applying it to your life.

Lets look at another verse to se what is being spoken of:

II Tim: [16] All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

So it is the word of God that needs to be understood and acted upon to bring us to righteousness. And what is the result of this? We do good works. Good works are our righteous deeds. What we call Mitvah.

So what is the word of God here? The New Testament? Nope! Was no such thing when this was written. The reference is to the Jewish Bible, or what you call the old testament. It is Torah, the prophets and the writings. We call it the Tanakh. This is where we come to maturity, through studying and applying Gods word, specifically Torah, and the rest of the old testament so that we can Establish doctrine, for reproof and correction and training up in righteousness. You might suprised by this but the word righteous means, "to be obedient to divine law, obeying the commandments of God". The New testament epistles are all about the young church learning to use the old testament and growing in maturity and applying the principles and laws of God to their lives.

I John says 2: [3] And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. [4] He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

 

[daveleau]

Sorry, I thought I was clear in my response, Johan777. I'll clarify some after getting your PM.

What is the meat/solid food/ wisdom?

The meat/ solid food/ wisdom is the ability to move from legalism and only applying the Bible to our lives literally into the ability of correctly apply the principles taught in the Bible to issues that are not covered in the Bible.

Also, the meat/ solid food/ wisdom is freedom within Christ. This goes along with Scriptural application, and again is staying away from legalism.

So, the milk is not knowing or the simple following of the Word without deep understanding, while the meat is deeper understanding and application.