In the latter part of Hebrews 5 the author of Hebrews describes those who are spiritually immature.
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” (v.12)
In contrast here is the description of the believer who is mature. We will gain a few insights from this verse.
“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (v.14)
First off, “solid food belongs to those who are of full age.” Full age here means to be “full grown, perfect.” Not perfect as in flawless but perfect in maturity. Second, and the main point of this devotional, “by reason of use have heir senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” In other words, these people have had their spiritual senses strengthened by using them again and again.
The Greek word for “exercised” here is gymnazō, meaning to exercise naked. We get our word gymnasium from this word. So we see that we are able to strengthen our spiritual discernment by reason of use. We can have the big muscles of discernment.
Lord, I don’t want to be be a babe who drinks only milk and not solid food. Train me to strengthen my spiritual muscles of discernment. I choose, by reason if use, to strengthen this gift you have given me.
The Need for Discernment – Pt.5
Subtitle: Exercise to Discern
By Roderick Breem
In the latter part of Hebrews 5 the author of Hebrews describes those who are spiritually immature.
“For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” (v.12)
In contrast here is the description of the believer who is mature. We will gain a few insights from this verse.
“But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (v.14)
First off, “solid food belongs to those who are of full age.” Full age here means to be “full grown, perfect.” Not perfect as in flawless but perfect in maturity. Second, and the main point of this devotional, “by reason of use have heir senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” In other words, these people have had their spiritual senses strengthened by using them again and again.
The Greek word for “exercised” here is gymnazō, meaning to exercise naked. We get our word gymnasium from this word. So we see that we are able to strengthen our spiritual discernment by reason of use. We can have the big muscles of discernment.
Lord, I don’t want to be be a babe who drinks only milk and not solid food. Train me to strengthen my spiritual muscles of discernment. I choose, by reason if use, to strengthen this gift you have given me.
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