When a child grows and milk is no longer sufficient and the child can digest meat, we can say the growth process is normal and well for the child. The child is maturing, growing and is able to handle meat. Gods Words is also likened unto meat. Meat is for someone of full age and mature. Milk is mentioned in 1 Peter 2:2 and is metaphoric to the simplicity of Gods word to a new believer. New Christians need the milk of the word, the fundamentals, the basics, so they may grow and mature in Christ and then will be able to digest the meat of Gods word. The meat of the Word is for those believers that are mature. Sometimes Gods Words will offend you when you are wrong and your life in not inline with it. Believers that are consistently offended by the Word of God are more than likely not ready to handle the meat of the word and require milk. Hebrews 5:14 & 1 Peter 2:2
I question a study group or a church, still serving milk to the same members year after year. Basic lessons, basic theology, still using the Daniel in the Lions den metaphors, when do you move on to the meat of Gods word? I understand the simplicity of the gospel, but if adults are still drinking milk (spiritually) something could be wrong with their spiritual health. There is a time when all believers should reach the age of maturity where the pastor can give the meat of the word without believers getting offended and leaving the fellowship because they do not believe whats being preached. There is a time in which members can teach and even exhort others with out the constant need and attention from church leadership. If more believers would perform a Acts 17:11, they would become more accepting to Gods word exposing the sin and short coming in their lives.
When pastors and evangelist have to preach and teach to the same members with much tenderness and they cannot handle solid food and discern what the spirit of God is saying, its a strong possibility these believer are not ready for meat. Too much sensationalism and entertainment is bought into fellowships, people like to have their senses stimulated with a good song, a singing choir, a praise team or a step team and a preacher that can split a verb and formulate words to make them flow like no other, and we say…”man did he preach” and we cannot remember what the sermon was about.
So, what will you have? The Steak or The Milkshake?
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