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Scripture Reading – Hebrews 5:12–14 (KJV)
“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.
For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

Devotional
The sermon drew a sharp picture: some believers have been saved for years, but spiritually they are still on milk—babies in Christ. They know just enough Bible to quote a verse or two, but not enough to discern right from wrong in real-life situations. When temptation comes, they act like children chasing a ball into the street, unaware of the truck bearing down on them.

God’s will for you is not perpetual spiritual infancy. He wants you to grow into a “man” or “woman” in Christ—fully mature. That doesn’t mean you become proud or think you no longer need to learn. It means the opposite: you recognize your need for constant growth. You move from needing to be spoon-fed, to feeding on God’s Word yourself, and then helping feed others.

Hebrews says mature believers have “their senses exercised” to discern good and evil. That word “exercised” pictures training, repetition, even sweat. Maturity doesn’t come from owning a Bible; it comes from using it—reading, meditating, obeying, and applying it in daily choices.

Reflection

  • If you’re honest, are you more like a spiritual baby (needing milk) or a growing adult (chewing strong meat)?
  • When temptation or tough decisions come, do you have Scripture you can lean on, or are you mostly guided by feelings and circumstances?

Prayer
“Lord, I don’t want to stay a spiritual baby. Forgive me for being content with just the basics when You’re calling me to grow. Give me a hunger for Your Word. Help me to move from just hearing sermons to personally studying and obeying Scripture. Exercise my spiritual senses so I can discern good and evil and choose Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Action
Pick one book of the Bible (for example, the Gospel of John, James, or Philippians). Commit to reading a small portion each day for the next month. Today, read the first chapter slowly. Write down: (1) One thing you learn about God, and (2) One thing you need to change or obey.