ABC SERIES: The Basics of Christianity

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

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” Hebrews 5:11-Hebrews 6:2.

Foundations are very important. Landslides occur and buildings crash because of faulty foundations. Foundations are important in all areas of life. An Accountant must at least have an appreciation for numbers and Musicians need to distinguish the difference in Do-Re-Mi. Life is temporary by we go through so much training. How much more must we train in the eternal things in life?

“We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn” Hebrews 5:11.

2 MYTHS ON SPIRITUAL MATURITY:

1. Myth of Time Element.
Many Christians base their spiritual maturity is based on the length of time they have been with the church. They think that years of attendance make them more mature than others who have only been in church for a shorter time.

2. Myth of Association.
Some Christians gauge their spiritual maturity based on who they hang out with. They treat their friendships with the pastors and staff as they would an elite club or an inner circle.

PRINCIPLES OF SPIRITUAL MATURITY:

Principle #1: Spiritually mature Christians know the elementary truths of God’s word.
“In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food!” Hebrews 5:12.

We live in a time when people are into “Consumer Christianity”. We expect to be amazed, entertained and served. We have so many criticisms, finding fault in the church. So-called Christians have been attending church for so long but never take part in the purposes of God for the church. They are there for the religious purpose of attending the weekly worship services only.

Principle #2: Spiritually mature Christians are acquainted with the teachings about righteousness.

“Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness” Hebrews 5:13.

Are we acting like babies? Whining about the smallest of things? There is no distinction between worldly Christians and the worldly people except that the Christians go to church every Sunday. The worldly Christians are as unfamiliar with the teachings of righteousness.

Principle #3: Spiritually mature Christians can distinguish between good and evil.
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” Hebrews 5:14.

How does a Christian train? We read the bible and put into practice what we have learned. We learn the basics and train ourselves with it. Do we really know the standards of integrity? Can we distinguish between good and evil?

Principle #4: Spiritually mature Christians can move on from the basic tenets of Christianity.

“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” Hebrews 6:1-2.

Repentance, faith in God, baptism, laying on of hands, resurrection and eternal judgement these are the basic tenets of our faith. In order for us to understand the more advanced teachings, we must first have a solid foundation of the basics of our faith.

IT’S TIME TO GROW

Growing old is not the same as growing up. We all need the grace of God to grow up in our faith in Him. Which areas of our lives is the grace of God evident in? Which areas in our lives do we need more knowledge of Him?

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” 2 Peter 3:18.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” 1 Corinthians 3:11.

Jesus is the main foundation of our faith.