The article "Spiritual Immaturity" by Don Fortner addresses the theological topic of spiritual growth and maturity within the Christian faith, particularly as illustrated in Hebrews 5:11-14. Fortner argues that many believers remain in a state of spiritual infancy, which limits their understanding and usefulness to others, highlighting the loss that results from such immaturity. He emphasizes that true maturity involves moving beyond basic principles of faith, suggesting that without growth, individuals cannot engage with deeper theological truths or discern good from evil. The practical significance of Fortner's argument underscores the need for believers to pursue growth in grace and knowledge to contribute meaningfully to the Kingdom of God.
Key Quotes
“Spiritual immaturity… robs himself of great joy and blessedness and remains unprofitable in the kingdom of God.”
“Brethren, it's time for you to grow up. Stop acting like children.”
“If we would be useful to others we must seek grace from our God to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
What does the Bible say about spiritual immaturity?
The Bible addresses spiritual immaturity in Hebrews 5:11-14, emphasizing the need for believers to grow beyond the basics of faith.
Furthermore, the spiritual immaturity mentioned leads to a significant loss of joy and effectiveness in the kingdom of God. The dangers of remaining in such a state are clear: individuals who are satisfied with being spiritual infants lack true usefulness and can be easily swayed by false teachings. The apostle’s admonition serves as a reminder for all believers to diligently pursue growth in grace and knowledge, ensuring they are not just consumers of the Word but contributors to the body of Christ with a deeper understanding of theological truths.
Hebrews 5:11-14
How do we know the importance of spiritual maturity is true?
The importance of spiritual maturity is affirmed in Scripture, particularly in Hebrews 5:11-14, which contrasts the need for milk with the necessity of strong meat.
Additionally, the consequences of immaturity are dire; they risk being led astray by various doctrines instead of standing firm in the truth. The call to maturity encapsulated in this passage reinforces why it is vital for Christians to progress past basic teachings—this journey allows believers to participate meaningfully in God's plans and witness for Christ. It is through the exercise of their senses, as mentioned in the same passage, that they grow capable of discerning good from evil, enabling them to contribute positively not just to their own lives but to others within the Christian community.
Hebrews 5:11-14
Why is spiritual growth important for Christians?
Spiritual growth is essential for Christians as it enables them to be useful vessels in God's kingdom and discerning of theological truths.
Moreover, when believers stagnate in their spiritual growth, they are left vulnerable to misleading doctrines and unable to discern right from wrong. This lack of maturity not only impoverishes their own spiritual lives but also limits their contributions to the body of Christ, ultimately robbing individuals of joy and the blessings of a richer relationship with God. Thus, seeking growth and maturity is paramount for personal edification and the overall strength of the Church, enabling believers to fully participate in the great commission set forth by Christ.
Hebrews 5:11-14
Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. 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. ...: Gr, hath no experience 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. ...: Or of an habite, or perfection of full age...: Or, perfect use...: Or of an habit, or perfection - Hebrews 5:11-14Spiritual Immaturity
Men and women who should be instruments of usefulness to others are often spiritually immature. They are like babies and small children, who must be constantly instructed in elementary principles of the faith. This is what we see in the latter part of Hebrews chapter five.
Great Loss
True believers lose much by immaturity. The apostle had many things yet to say about Christ, our great Melchisedec. There were many great treasures to be revealed, many great truths to be taught, many great mysteries to be unfolded; but it was difficult for him to plunge into the great, wonders of Christ’s work as our Priest before God and the great mysteries of his Person, because there were many among the Hebrew believers who were still babes in grace, “dull of hearing,” immature. If he gave them strong meat, he knew that they would choke on it. Therefore, before moving on to weightier matters (as he does in chapter 7), the Holy Spirit inspired him to reprove those who continue in immaturity and urge them to grow up.
Unacceptable
It is a sad fact, but a fact nonetheless, that many who have been believers for a long time and ought to be mature in the things of God remain babes (v. 12). Immaturity is acceptable in children; but immature adults are an embarrassment to their families and repulsive to others. The apostle is here saying, “Brethren, it’s time for you to grow up. Stop acting like children.”
Babies require milk, “first principles,” abc blocks, and coloring books. Mature believers need and feed upon the strong meat of the Word. Being unstable in the Word of righteousness, spiritual babies must be spoon fed, lest they be tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine (vv. 13-14). Incapable of discerning good and evil (doctrinal good and evil), such infantile men and women must be constantly given the abcs of the gospel, the first principles of divine truth.
Unprofitable
As long as a person is satisfied with such spiritual immaturity, he both robs himself of great joy and blessedness, and remains unprofitable in the kingdom of God. Babies have childish minds, behave in childish ways, are greatly affected by childish toys, and provide no real usefulness to others. If we would be useful to others, we must seek grace from our God to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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