Hebrews 5:11-6:3 “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit.”

Text II Peter 3:18 “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”

Peter’s final word to the Christian is “grow” (II Peter 3:18). The word means to grow up or enlarge one’s self. Five years from now will you show signs of having matured or grown any? Paul writing to the Hebrew believers addressed the subject of growth. He began by speaking of duty; “ye ought to be teachers” (5:12). It is the duty of all God’s children to grow in an understanding of the principles and precepts of God’s Word. If you’re growing, you will have resources to be able to teach others. He then addresses diet; “have need of milk, and not of strong meat” (5:12). Your diet reveals growth; those that continue on milk are babies and those that partake of meat are maturing in the things of God. Milk is a food that is provided by and administered by another, while those with the practice of eating meat have learned to provide and feed themselves. Paul also addressed our destination; “go on unto perfection” (6:1). The word “perfection” means a finisher, to accomplish or complete in character. Paul’s thought is to be a mature or gown-up Christian. The Bible tells us that we are “to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Romans 8:29). The word “conformed” means to be fashioned like unto. The mark of a mature Christian is that they are fashioned like unto the Lord Jesus Christ. While you may not be the best Christian in five years; with growth, you can be a better Christian! Maturity is a sign of spiritual growth!