Hebrews 5:12—“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.”

The Hebrew Christians had possessed God’s Word and received instruction for a considerable time. Therefore, they “ought to be teachers”. This does not mean that every believer must hold an official teaching position. Rather, mature Christians should understand Scripture sufficiently to instruct their families, encourage younger believers, explain the Gospel, and defend the faith.

Regrettably, these believers had not advanced as they should. They needed to be taught again “the first principles of the oracles of God”, which are the foundational truths of God’s revealed Word. Their problem was not that they were new believers requiring patient instruction. They had “become” spiritually immature, suggesting regression through neglect and dullness of hearing (v. 11).

Milk is suitable and necessary for infants, but continued dependence upon it indicates a failure to mature. Likewise, foundational doctrines must never be despised or abandoned because mature understanding is built upon them. Yet Christians must proceed from elementary knowledge to a fuller grasp of Christ’s person, priesthood, sacrifice, and the whole counsel of God. “Strong meat” represents the deeper understanding that comes through diligent study and obedient application of Scripture.

How long have you heard God’s Word? Has that privilege produced spiritual maturity? Years of church attendance do not automatically make anyone mature. Growth requires attentive hearing, careful study, prayerful meditation, and obedience.

Do not remain content merely to receive instruction. Seek to become capable of strengthening others. Ask God to deliver you from spiritual laziness and give you an increasing appetite for His Word, that you may grow in knowledge, discernment, obedience, and usefulness.