Spiritual Growth: It's Time to Graduate from the Sippy Cup
- Thad DeBuhr
- Aug 8
- 10 min read
Hebrews 5:11 - 6:12
The Main Message: It's time to stop just getting by on the bare minimum of your faith; you've got to put in the work to grow, or you're gonna fall behind.
Welcome to YourJesusJourney.com! We're so glad you're here today, and it’s a perfect day to stop by because we're talking about spiritual growth and why just "getting by" isn't the goal. This study guide is designed to be part of the "solid food" that helps you grow. After all, you can't get strong just by eating a good meal once or twice a week; you need daily nourishment. That’s why you'll want to be sure and sign up for our FREE In-Depth Daily Bible-Study Guides. Think of them like biblical steak and eggs coming your way every day.
A Story of Grit and Perseverance to inspire some serious spiritual growth:
First Lieutenant Leon Crane's story of survival is one of incredible tenacity against impossible odds. After his B-24 bomber crashed in the remote Alaskan wilderness in December 1943, he spent a staggering 81 days alone, battling against the brutal winter. The temperatures he faced were extreme, often dropping to 40 below zero and even colder. When he bailed out, he was immediately met with the icy slap of the frigid air and landed in snow that was hip-deep. Without gloves, his hands were left exposed to the relentless cold. He had to rely on his wits to find and maintain shelter, with his parachute serving as a makeshift cocoon against the subzero conditions. He also had to find food, and his resourcefulness led him to an abandoned trapper's cabin which provided him with much needed shelter and supplies to continue his journey. His survival is a testament to the human will to live.
While not a biblical story, it's a true account of overcoming adversity that inspires us not just to survive but to truly live. In our faith, we are called to a similar perseverance—not just to subsist on the bare minimum, but to thrive.
Today's passage, Hebrews 5:11–6:12, comes directly after the author's profound theological argument about Jesus being a great high priest "according to the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:10 - Read all about that in yesterday's study guide). This is a crucial pivot in the letter. The author has introduced an incredibly complex and significant theological point, yet he immediately stops to scold his readers. The literary device here is a rhetorical aside, where the author pauses his main argument to address a direct, urgent concern: that the audience is "Dull of Hearing". More on that in a minute...
Before moving on, pause and read through Hebrews 5:11–6:12 in a couple of different translations. Choose two from this selection: NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, NKJV
BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO PODCAST THAT GOES DEEPER INTO THIS SECTION OF HEBREWS
See viewer comments and questions on screen at the end of the podcast.
Why Spiritual Growth Matters: The Scene in Hebrews
"Dull of hearing" (Hebrews 5:11). This phrase doesn't just mean they aren't listening; it suggests a willful neglect or a spiritual deafness born of laziness. They have been Christians for a long time—long enough, the author argues, to be "teachers" (Hebrews 5:12). Instead, they are still spiritual infants who need "milk" (basic Christian teachings) rather than "solid food" (deeper, more complex theological truths).
The distinction between "milk" and "solid food" is a powerful and common metaphor in the ancient world for basic versus advanced instruction. The "milk" teachings the author mentions are foundational principles like "repentance from dead works," "faith toward God," and "instruction about washings" (Hebrews 6:1-2). These were likely the core teachings given to new converts.
The "solid food" is the deeper understanding of Christ’s priesthood and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy—the very topic the author had to interrupt. The author's frustration is palpable. He seems to be worried that the readers' lack of spiritual growth makes them susceptible to spiritual laziness and turning away from their faith. He isn't just frustrated with them; he's genuinely concerned about the serious consequences of their immaturity.
A Wake-Up Call for Spiritual Growth: The Shocking Warning in Hebrews 6
This brings us to the famous and often misunderstood warning in chapter 6. The author is not saying that once you have tasted the goodness of God and then fall away, you can never return. The original audience was on the brink of abandoning their faith, possibly due to persecution or a desire to revert to a more familiar form of Judaism. As scholars like Craig Keener explain, this passage is an intense, rhetorical warning to those who have experienced the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the Word but are now considering turning back. The purpose is not to condemn them but to shock them into action. The team over at WalkingtheText.com calls this a "loving kind of fear," designed to highlight the seriousness of spiritual neglect. The author uses a severe, almost hyperbolic, warning to prevent them from taking that final, irreversible step.
The author wants his readers to be like the good soil in the parable of the sower (Mark 4:1-20), which receives the rain and produces a harvest, not like the ground that only produces thorns and thistles and is eventually cursed. He wants them to persevere, to become like those who, through faith and patience, inherit the promises. He holds up Abraham as the ultimate example of this kind of enduring faith, reminding them that God’s promises are reliable because He swore by Himself (Hebrews 6:13-18). The readers, like Abraham, are to hold fast to the hope they have in Christ, a hope that is an anchor for their souls. - More on Abraham, Oaths and Anchors in tomorrow.
Be sure to check out our Daily VIDEO Bible Podcast on YouTube and subscribe.
Questions for you to chew on and discuss:
The author of Hebrews scolds his readers for being "dull of hearing" and still needing "milk." What are some of the "milk" principles in your own faith journey that you've moved past, and what are some of the "solid food" topics that you’re now engaging with?
The warning in chapter 6 is intense. What do you think the author's primary intention was in writing such a stern warning? How can we balance the seriousness of this warning with the assurance of God's grace and unconditional love?
The author says we should "press on to maturity." What are some practical, modern-day ways a Christian can actively pursue spiritual maturity? (Hint: We include these tips and ideas in every single daily study guide in the life application section at the end.)
Journey Group Discussion Starter:
Thinking about the author of Hebrews giving his readers a good "kick in the pants" to grow up, share a time when a challenge, a rebuke, or a difficult situation in your life pushed you out of your comfort zone and forced you to get serious about your faith and start putting in the work.
How to Apply These Spiritual Growth Principles to Your Life Today
For us modern-day Christians, this passage is a powerful call to action. It’s a reminder that our faith isn't meant to be stagnant.
Evaluating Your Spiritual Maturity
A modern Christian evaluates their spiritual maturity by looking at their habits and practices. A "spiritual infant" might be someone who only reads the Bible or prays when they're in a crisis. They might struggle to grasp complex theological concepts like the Trinity, the dual nature of Christ (fully human and fully divine), or the concept that salvation is not the ultimate goal but the beginning of a lifelong journey. This person's spiritual nourishment often comes exclusively from a Sunday sermon, and they might find it difficult to explain the core tenets of their faith to a non-believer.
In contrast, a mature Christian seeks out "solid food." This could look like a person who consistently studies the Bible on their own, not just reading it but using commentaries and theological resources to dig deeper. They might join or even lead a small group focused on a specific book of the Bible or a challenging topic like suffering. They are able to articulate their faith and can engage with difficult questions and doubts, both their own and others'. This person's faith is not just about personal comfort but about a deep, growing understanding of God and a willingness to practice what they're learning.
Persevering in Faith
Perseverance in the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. This means a modern Christian understands that their faith journey will have highs and lows. Instead of giving up when they face a personal tragedy, a long-term illness, or a period of spiritual dryness, they lean on their community and their foundational understanding of God's character. They remember the promises God has made, just as Abraham did. For instance, they might be praying for a loved one's healing for years without seeing a change, yet they continue to pray and trust in God's goodness, knowing that His timing and will are perfect. They see trials not as a sign of God's absence but as an opportunity for their faith to be tested and strengthened.
Taking Warnings Seriously
Taking the warnings in this passage seriously means actively guarding one's faith. This isn't about fear but about love for God and His truth. A real-life scenario might be a Christian who realizes they're spending more time on social media or binge-watching TV shows than they are in prayer or Bible study. They feel a sense of spiritual laziness creeping in. To combat this, they intentionally create new habits. They might set aside 30 minutes each morning to read Scripture and journal, or they might join a book club at their church to read and discuss a challenging Christian book. They also understand the importance of community and seek out accountability from mature believers, knowing that isolating themselves is a dangerous path. They are vigilant against the things that could draw them away from their faith and actively pursue spiritual disciplines to remain close to God.
We're not meant to go on this journey alone. In fact, a community is one of the best ways to grow up spiritually and make sure you're not just feeding on spiritual milk for the rest of your life. So, if you're ready to start eating some steak and not just drinking milk, you should check out a journey group. It’s a place where you can be held accountable, ask hard questions, and grow with others who are also trying to "press on to maturity."
Ready to get started? We’ve got groups waiting for you, and they don't even require you to be a grown-up! Head over to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about joining one, starting one, or just to explore what they’re all about.
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN
Your Jesus Journey is an independent, non-denominational Christian ministry. We're fueled by God's grace and the generosity of our supporters. Our team—led by Pastor Thad and his wife Kaila—is made up of dedicated disciples from all over the United States. Together, we work to help people understand the Bible, find Christian friends, and grow as disciple-makers.
Be sure to grab our free E-Book, "Stop Reading the Bible Wrong: 7 Strategic Shifts that Change Everything." Just click the Free Gift button at the top of our website, and we'll send it to you today!
Go to https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/journeygroups to learn more about Journey Groups, get connected in one, or even learn how to start your own. It's like a spiritual potluck, but instead of questionable casseroles, we share insights and grow closer to God. See you there!
You can also get our FREE in-Depth Bible-Study Guides delivered to your inbox: https://forms.wix.com/r/7330608166566101604.
To learn more about YJJ, Thad and Kaila, and Your Jesus Journey, check out our ABOUT US section: https://www.yourjesusjourney.com/learn-about-thad-and-kaila-and-the-journey-church-online.
There's lots more to see and learn on our website, from our "what we believe" page to hundreds of blogs. We encourage you to swing on by and take a look around at www.YourJesusJourney.com!
EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE
From road life to dream home base! 🚚➡️🏡 After years of traveling, God led us to an incredible spot in Arizona to build a ministry hub & bless others. You won't believe how it happened! ✨ Watch our new video to see the first glimpse! 👇
For the past three years, Kaila and I have been living life on the road, exploring and serving wherever God leads us. It's been an incredible journey, but carrying everything we own and constantly navigating started us dreaming of something more: a home base. A place to lighten our load, simplify, and most importantly, create a space where we can truly bless others. This video is the first glimpse of that dream!
As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.
Ultimately, it’s all God’s money, God’s land, and God’s resources—we simply want to be faithful stewards, investing what He’s entrusted us with to serve our family, friends, and help countless others experience God and the lessons of the Bible in a whole new way. We prayed and searched high and low, from Texas to Idaho, and God consistently drew us back to this breathtaking location in Northwest Arizona. Imagine: a spot overlooking the world's densest Joshua Tree forest, just minutes from the Grand Canyon, with epic mountains in our backyard! Our deepest desire for this place is to be a haven for renewal. A spot where our kids can visit, Kaila's mom can stay, and friends can gather. But even bigger than that, it's a launchpad for new ministry—a place to invite people to rest, recharge, share meals, grow friendships, and truly be renewed in the desert sun. We're already dreaming of leading hikes, teaching Bible lessons, and hosting retreats.
There’s a lot of exciting work ahead, but we're stepping out in faith, trusting God every step of the way. We’re so excited to share this new chapter with our family, friends, and all of you! If you want to learn more about our ministry, please visit YourJesusJourney.com. And if you have any questions, or just want to send your prayers or encouragement, please fill up that comment section or reach out directly at YourJesusJourney@gmail.com.
We've journeyed through the Bible, verse by verse, for over 15 books now! We take each passage and break it down into easy-to-understand chunks of plain English. Along the way, we uncover fascinating historical details and explore the cultural context, truly bringing the scriptures to life in a way that resonates. Forget dusty footnotes and words that send you reaching for a thesaurus – we make God's Word approachable and meaningful for everyone. And because we know you're eager to dig even deeper, make sure to subscribe to the Daily Bible Podcast and catch the video podcast each day that complements these blogs!
Stern warning and widely misunderstood passage. Enjoyed your treatment. Spot on.
The adults with sippy cups got my attention! Visual and audio learner here. Thank you 🙏