Grow Up – Greg Laurie Devotion – February 2, 2026

Biblical Context

The Epistle to the Hebrews is a profound and unique book within the New Testament, often considered a sermon rather than a typical letter. Its authorship has been a subject of scholarly debate for centuries, though traditionally attributed to the Apostle Paul. However, its sophisticated Greek, distinct theological emphasis, and lack of a typical Pauline salutation suggest another, highly educated author, possibly an early Jewish Christian well-versed in both Old Testament sacrificial law and Greek rhetoric. Regardless of the precise author, the message is clear and powerful.

Written to Jewish Christians, likely in Rome or Palestine, who were possibly facing persecution or pressure to revert to the perceived comfort and familiarity of Judaism, Hebrews serves as a powerful exhortation to persevere in faith. The author meticulously demonstrates the superiority of Christ over the Old Covenant, including the angels, Moses, the Aaronic priesthood, and the sacrificial system. Chapters 5 and 6 specifically address the spiritual immaturity of some readers, rebuking them for still needing elementary teaching and urging them to press on toward spiritual maturity, to become ‘mature in their understanding’ rather than perpetually needing spiritual ‘milk.’

Key Word Study

From our focal verse, Hebrews 6:1, the word “mature” (Greek: τέλειος, *teleios*) is profoundly significant. In classical Greek, *teleios* conveys the idea of something being complete, perfect, or having reached its intended goal or full potential. It doesn’t necessarily mean moral perfection, but rather a state of being fully developed, competent, and fit for purpose. When applied to spiritual understanding, *teleios* speaks to a believer who has moved beyond the rudimentary principles of faith, who is no longer a spiritual “baby” but has developed the capacity to discern deeper truths, apply complex biblical principles, and stand firm in their convictions.

This isn’t about being flawless, but about progressing from an infant state of dependence to an adult state of self-sufficiency in one’s faith, capable of independent spiritual thought, action, and discernment. It’s about reaching the full stature of Christ, becoming all that God intends for a follower of Jesus.

From Baby Food to Spiritual Meat: The Journey of Growth

As a father and a grandfather, I know from personal experience that babies are a lot of work. The journey from utter dependence to self-sufficiency is long and demanding. Consider the fundamental task of eating. It takes a great deal of effort to teach a baby how to eat. You start with baby food, pureed and easily digestible, which presents its own unique set of challenges. And then comes solid food, a significant milestone that requires careful preparation, as it must be cut into baby-sized bites. Of course, a baby doesn’t always want to eat, so you must think of creative ways to get the baby to take the food. But the goal is clear: children need to learn how to eat their food, cut up their food, and ultimately prepare their food for themselves. That’s all part of growing up, developing independence and capability.

The author of Hebrews masterfully reframes this very human idea of growing up in profound spiritual terms. Tragically, many people have never truly grown up spiritually. They may have made an initial commitment to Christ, a foundational and essential first step, but they have never really understood or embraced what it means to be a totally committed follower of Jesus. In short, they have not responded to what the Bible calls discipleship – the ongoing process of learning and becoming like Christ.

This isn’t just a matter of passively ignoring clear biblical exhortations such as, “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18 NLT). It’s also a matter of missing out on vital opportunities and life experiences that enrich our spiritual journey. Think of all the culinary delights you’ve enjoyed since you progressed from baby food to solids. Think of how your palate has changed and matured, allowing you to appreciate complex flavors and textures. Think of all the different tastes you’ve experienced and the many ways you’ve been nourished, not just physically, but experientially.

The same principle applies directly to Christian growth. Progressing from “spiritual milk” to “spiritual meat,” as vividly described in Hebrews 5:11–14, requires deliberate effort and a willingness to stretch, to step outside your spiritual comfort zone. It demands active engagement with God’s Word, a persistent prayer life, and a readiness to obey. But the rewards are immeasurable and more than worth the effort. The depth of understanding, the resilience of faith, and the richness of fellowship that come with maturity are priceless.

The Christian life is undeniably more than simply saying a prayer of commitment to Christ, though that prayer is the glorious beginning. It involves following Jesus not only as your Savior, who redeems you from sin, but also unequivocally as your Lord, who guides every aspect of your life. This distinction is crucial for spiritual development.

If your only source of spiritual intake is hearing other people preach sermons, then you will remain in a relatively weakened state spiritually. While there is an indispensable place for teaching and preaching within the community of faith, these are meant to be catalysts for your personal growth, not replacements for it. You must learn how to “cut your own food,” so to speak. This means engaging directly with the Scriptures, wrestling with its truths, meditating on its wisdom, and applying it to your life through the power of the Holy Spirit. You must learn how to feed yourself spiritually through diligent study, personal prayer, and thoughtful reflection.

Hebrews 6:1 powerfully articulates this call to advancement: “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God” (NLT). The author is not dismissing these foundational truths, but rather asserting that true discipleship moves beyond endless repetition of the basics. It presses forward into deeper understanding and a more profound application of faith.

We need to mature as believers and refuse to be spiritual babies forever, perpetually dependent on others for nourishment and guidance. We need to grow up to be strong, discerning men and women of God, equipped to navigate life’s complexities, influence our world for Christ, and stand firm in our faith. This is the divine trajectory for every follower of Jesus.