Anorexic Christians

Milk and Strong Meat

Q: Paul in 1 Co. 3:1-2 wrote that he fed babes in Christ with milk and not meat. Heb. 5:12 also speaks of strong meat. What is this meat that Christians should eat?

A: Wonderful question!

“Meat” here means solid food, not only animal flesh.

The Holy Ghost uses milk and meat as figures to describe the basic and the deeper teachings of Christ: The Word of God. Heb. 5:12-14 KJV;

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.

Infantile Adults

Fat babes become fat adults and both suffer greatly

God chastises the Corinthian believers for being carnal, fleshly, worldly and ungodly, 1 Co. 3:1-2 KJV;

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

The word of God continues this line of rebuke by addressing the problem and its manifestations within their fellowship; quarrelling, envy, pride, and division.

Father has included these scriptures in His word for all Christians, not merely the Corinthian and Hebrew believers, because it’s a common finding in fellowships.

Saved to Grow

We are born again in order to mature and develop the character of God, so we can demonstrate what He is like to this condemned and hurting world.

Let us examine ourselves continually to ensure we do not fall short, because it is easy to stumble, and miss the mark of our high calling in Christ.

We have life, zoe, God’s Life in us, leading and empowering us to do His will always. Our aim is to be true to our Lord, and honour His Word, not grieve and disappoint Him.

Fasting for Christians?

Suckling Christians

For a short time after you were born of God, He nourished you with milk, and bathed you in His Grace, teaching you the elementary principles of Jesus’ doctrine.

In Heb. 6:1-2, the Holy Ghost describes these basics as the foundation of faith in Christ, and they are;

Repentance from dead works (Sin, religion etc.)
Faith toward God (Jesus is the LORD: Believe in Him)
Baptisms
Laying on of hands (To receive the Holy Ghost or healing Mth. 9:18, Mk. 5:23)
Resurrection and Judgment (What happens after we die?)

You lapped up God’s milk and grew rapidly in the Lord.

Then He weaned you onto solid food and strong meat.

Image of Christians dieting at Born-Again-Christian.Org

Should Christians Diet to Lose Weight?

Weaning Christians

He began by making you aware in the Spirit that, because God has been merciful to you, then you have a responsibility to follow Him wholeheartedly.

Watch carefree toddlers playing; they know nothing of this.

That is why good parents teach their children to be completely obedient, and how to behave properly. Instructing their offspring what is expected of them, and training them with gentle discipline.

This is the strong meat God speaks of.

Growing Christians

The new born Christian has understood the basics of repentance from sin, and the futility of self-justification by works and religion.

They have comprehended who Christ is, and how to really believe in Him.

They readily receive water baptism, and the power baptism in the Holy Spirit.

The importance of laying on of hands in healing and receiving from God is apparent to them.

Finally, they look forward to the resurrection and judgment after they finish their walk on Earth, and what this means for those who die outside of Christ.

Eating strong meat, means putting into practise all that Jesus taught.

Can you imagine a teenager consuming only milk?

A nineteen year-old nourished on milk alone would be a weak blob of wobbling flesh.

Physically bloated, whilst spiritually scrawny, malnourished, nutritionally deficient: Spiritually Anorexic Christians, grieving their Father’s Heart by rejecting His food.

Eating strong meat is far more than simply knowing Christ’s teachings.

Only by doing His will can believers properly understand.

Comprehension comes by practising His doctrine, and experiencing the results. Jn. 7:16-17 KJV;

Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Christians’ Food

It’s solid food that makes you grow spiritually. You know Him better as you follow His leading in your heart.

You learn to love and show mercy to the unlovely and vile, because that is how God won your heart, isn’t it?

You instantly forgive whatever sins are committed against you.

Holding a grudge is a very costly sin, so you quickly forgive others as you have been forgiven.

The first time you; turned the other cheek, went the extra mile, and were kind to the wicked and ungrateful, was a revelation, wasn’t it?

You discovered the joy of being godly, the inner confidence, perfect assurance, and knew Father was thrilled with you.