From Milk To Food: What is Christian Maturity?

Hebrews 6

“Without faith, proximity to God in the fellowship of His covenant is no blessing, rather it subjects apostates to more sever judgement.” (R.C. Sproul).

What a sobering warning the author of Hebrews is giving his audience in chapter six. Contrary to the popular teachings of Sunday Schools, Children’s Church and Youth Groups across the globe, merely professing faith in Jesus doesn’t automatically result in a person’s change eternal destiny. You do not get to repeat some magic words of a preacher and get an instantaneous change in your judicial standing before the Creator of the universe. There will be plenty of people in hell who at some point in time said with their lips “Jesus is Lord.”

I am in no way suggesting that salvation is earned by works. We are saved by faith alone. The only work that saves is the work completed by Christ on the cross, but Jesus Himself taught us that you can learn a lot about a person by their fruit (Matthew 7:21). There will be plenty of people who stand before Him, professing Him to be their Lord. And His response to them will be “I never knew you; depart from me.” (Matthew 7:23).

The author of Hebrews wants the church to demonstrate the genuineness of their faith through perseverance. Specifically, being a mature Christian. He had a higher expectation for them. They should have been further along than they were. They should have a better understanding of Jesus. They should have understood the priestly ministry of Christ, after the order of Melchizedek, but it has become “hard to explain.” (5:11a). Why? Because “you have become dull of hearing.” (5:11b)

Progressing in our faith, allowing the Holy Spirit the sanctify us and increasing in our knowledge of God is a noble task. In fact, it is a necessary task if you are a disciple of Jesus. Our goal should be maturing in our faith. Moving on from milk to solid food (5:12).

But what does maturity look like in the life of the saints? Is it having some kind of rich understanding of all things theological? Is it being an expert in all areas of apologetics? Does it require stopping everything you are doing in life to go to seminary?

In chapter six, the writer makes it clear. Being a mature Christian means demonstrating patient faith.

“And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:11-12)

He gives us the example of Abraham who “patiently waited” and thus “obtained the promise.”

What does a persevering, patient faith look like in the life of the believer?

It trusts in God’s promises.

God made a promise to Abraham. “Surely I will bless you and multiply you.” (6:14) Abraham persevered in the faith because he trusted that if God swore to do something, he could rest in the hope that it will be done. Scripture is full of rich promises from God to His people. Promises of provision, protection, salvation, hope, joy… The list could go on forever! An essential part of demonstrating your perseverance and faith, is to truly rely on His promises. Trust in Him through prayer. Seek His guidance through the word. Rest in knowing that “he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6)

It trusts in God’s person.

God reveals to His people the “unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath, so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie…” (6:17-18) When God makes a promises, He does through two unchangeable things: His word (promises) and Himself. The value of His oath is found in His being. His character provides for us a reason to be encouraged and hopeful (6:18b) in any and all circumstances. The world around us is always changing. The season of life you find yourself in is always changing. The people around you are always changing. But God Himself does NOT change. That means He never ceases to love you. He never ceases to be sovereign over all matters in your life. He never ceases to be there for you. And He never ceases to be faithful to you. “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6).

It trusts in God’s path.

Jesus is the forerunner through which we get to receive an eternal inheritance. (6:19-20). That means if He does not go before us, it is impossible for us to get the place where He goes. If He goes before you, follow Him! Sometimes that path is difficult. Trials arise. Your faith takes a hit. Loved ones get sick. You experience physical turmoil. You lose your job. Your car breaks down. You experience depression and loneliness. These things are real. And your difficulty to endure them is just as real. But do not let that stop you from following Jesus! “We have this sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain.” (6:19). When all else fails, there is one anchor alone worthy to be relied on. Stay close to Jesus.

The mature Christian life is more simple than we often think, it is staying close to Jesus. Be a person of patient faith, waiting on Jesus to deliver you. Trust in all His promises. Trust in the nature of His person. And trust in the path He has set before you in this life. Receive the promise of the complete and perfect work of Christ.

Pastor Liam Grzasko
Living Word Church
Elmira, NY