The original recipients of the epistle to the Hebrews had become dull of hearing (5:11). The writer was deeply concerned about them (5:12-14). Rather than grow in Christ, they had regressed to the point of needing again to be taught the elementary truths of God’s word (milk) and were not able to understand the deeper things of God’s word (solid food). Paul had the same concern for the Corinthians. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able (1 Corinthians 3:2).

The author of Hebrews exhorted his Christian readers to leave the discussion of the basic teaching about Christ and to go on to spiritual maturity (6:1-3). The basic doctrines of the Bible are important for they are foundational to our spiritual growth, but we must add to that foundation the knowledge of more advanced Biblical truths. Each of us are at different places in the spiritual progress we have made since becoming Christians. But let us never become content with the progress we have made, but continually strive to grow in our knowledge of God’s word and in our likeness to Christ.