“Brothers and sisters, when I was with you I found it impossible to speak to you as those who are spiritually mature people, for you are still dominated by the mind-set of the flesh. And because you are immature infants in Christ, I had to nurse you and feed you with “milk,” not with the solid food of more advanced teachings, because you weren’t ready for it. In fact, you are still not ready to be fed solid food,” (1 Corinthians 3:1-2)
So what is the milk Paul is referring to here? We find it in Hebrews, and they are what’s called the elementary principles of Christ.
“Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.” (Hebrews 6:1-3)
- Repentance
- Baptisms
- Laying on of hands
- Resurrection of the dead
- Eternal judgment
So something useful to examine ourselves in, is have we been taught these? Do we truly understand them? If not, then trying to move on and build will produce a faulty structure!
It is the misunderstanding of these elementary principles that has caused division, and led to denominations being formed. This is truly sad and reveals a spiritual infancy at play.
It is good to have reminders of these as we all mature, it’s always tasty to take a drink of milk and wash down some bread and meat. However, if the teachings are continually here and never going further then a couple of things are possible.
- the people who think they are ready to mature are not
- the leadership has not matured and so cannot take anyone further
Paul also expands on the mind-set of the flesh, which also reveals spiritual infancy, he says “for you are living your lives dominated by the mind-set of the flesh. Ask yourselves: Is there jealousy among you? Do you compare yourselves with others? Do you quarrel like children and end up taking sides? If so, this proves that you are living your lives centered on yourselves, dominated by the mind-set of the flesh, and behaving like unbelievers. For when you divide yourselves up in groups—a “Paul group” and an “Apollos group” —you’re acting like people without the Spirit’s influence.” (1 Corinthians 3:3-4)
Again we must examine ourselves, and be willing to be honest before the Lord and others where we really are.