We’ve been studying through the book of 1 Peter. We’re now in the second chapter. We last looked at verses 2-3.
Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
1 Peter 2:2-3 NIV
I’ve been talking about what a spiritual baby is as well as the spiritual milk that they need to grow to maturity. We last looked at what the writer of Hebrews had to say about this level of growth.
He made it clear that spiritual infants are ignorant of the Word of righteousness. He continues with that thought.
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God, instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And God permitting, we will do so.
Hebrews 6:1-3 NIV
While the Apostle Peter simply says that the baby needs spiritual milk, the writer of Hebrews describes it for us. This list of teachings is what spiritual milk is all about.
But that should get us thinking. How often are new believers put through a course of study on these topics? Maybe that’s why there’s such an epidemic of immature Christians in the body of Christ in our generation.
The first thing he says young believers need to understand is repentance. This is the act of totally turning around, away from dead works. They need to stop focusing on their old way of living.
Then, they must have faith toward God. It’s a whole change of worldview. You cannot say you trust God while chasing the world.
Then they must learn about the different baptisms available to them; both in water and in the spirit. They need to learn about the truth of the laying on of hands. That’s where the power of God is transferred, one to another.
All of these things must be taught so the new believer can learn responsibility in the family of God. In that way they can discover their purpose in the body of Christ. Mature Christians understand purpose and responsibility.
It’s like what you see if a toddler is playing with a broom. You may tell them, “That’s not a toy.” But they won’t understand.
The child sees a broom as something to play with – for their own pleasure. An adult sees it with purpose – the broom is something to make the house cleaner for their family.
That’s the different perceptions between immature and mature believers. Are the things of God for my pleasure or to build up the body of Christ.
Mature Christians understand the eternal effects of what they do. Spiritual babies only know what they want right now.
The fact is that there are rewards to maturity. Knowing this should spur us on to keep growing in the Lord. In the above verse, Peter says that you crave growth now that you’ve tasted that God is good.
We should want to grow up. With that comes responsibility, rewards, good times, and challenges. There are struggles and victories. So, as Peter, Paul, and Hebrews all agree to exhort us – GROW UP!
Question: What are some things you’ve experienced that point to your spiritual growth?
© 2025 Nick Zaccardi
The Spirit and the Word 