THE SOLID FOOD OF GOD’S WORD

“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” – 1Corinthians 3:2

In addition to Milk and Bread, the Bible uses the analogy of the SOLID FOOD of GOD’S WORD: “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” (1Cor.3:2). Paul noted that some Christians were falling short of God’s desire for their personal growth.  He could speak to them only as babes or infants in Christ (v.1). God’s Word as “Solid Food,” “Meat” or “Strong Meat” indicates the desire for personal growth and appetite for spiritual maturirty: “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” (Heb.5: 12).

‘Solid Food’ refers to the deeper and more profound truths of the Gospel, meant to feed stronger, more matured Christians – “the deep things of God” (1Cor.2:10). Solid Food is not suitable or convenient for babies; if they could eat it, they’ll require unique grace to digest it. However, if children having grown up into maturity, refuse solid food or strong meat and cannot feed upon any thing but milk, there may be cause for concern that they are somewhat defective or diseased. Solid Food is meant for those who hunger to grow, yearn for a deeper awareness of truths, and stronger faith for living. God wants His children to grow beyond the elementary stages of milk into maturity. There are however some insights into growing and maturity we should remember and live by.

First, our place or location may not be the primary driver of spiritual growth. There are people who spend their entire lives jumping from church to church seeking for what is not lost, never recognizing that they already possess God’s Word. It isn’t so important whether we are growing under the leadership of an Apollos or a Paul. Both play a part in God’s plan; but God gives the increase! What matters is keeping our life in touch with Christ (vv.3-8). Without Him we can do nothing (Jh.15:5).

Second, if we have grown in some areas beyond milk, into meat, we should nurture those who are less mature, rather than merely seeking more meat for ourselves. However, meat doesn’t always have to be something new or strange. Cults often grow out of inordinate appetite for something different, esoteric or extraordinary. Usually, it is the simple childhood faith that God intends as the meat for our lives. Growing for the sake of growing is not God’s intention. Growth should lead us to deeper Christ-like living.

Third, one person’s meat may be another person’s milk. Paul identified those who need milk, by their actions. He saw and reported among the believers: carnality, jealousy, quarrelling, pride of experience and background, and blindness to God’s wisdom and God’s intention. He seemed disaapointed that many in his audience were’t ready for meat, only milk. In any church, there are people spiritually mature in one area and childish in another. The ideal message would therefore contain milk for some and meat for others; and we who are ready for strong meat may need to pray for others, and ask God to develop their taste for meat.

Ultimately, growth builds on foundations already in place. To grow into strong meat will require more than sermons and teachings. Both can give elements of meat and directions to maturity. However, growth will come through our willingness to read, study, and practice in our daily lives: “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” (Heb.5:14). Solid Food provides richer, fuller, more balanced nourishment.