I'll take milk?

[Robert Gwin]

What follow below was written less than a week ago by our friend @bbyrd009 a few days ago using the title which I have also applied to this thread:

So, it would seem like we are to seek the “meat,” right? The meat of the Word is supposed to be a good thing, isn’t it? And vv like I’d rather never eat meat again, and were tired of this manna, give us some meat to eat! just kinda get glided over, the first ostensibly an ode to vegetarianism, perhaps, and the second the complaints of most anyone limited repeatedly to a single choice of food, but i suggest that there is a direct connection here to fruit of the tree of knowledge, and meat and milk might need to be better defined.

As there is no phrase “meat of the Word” in the Bible, how are you defining it? List some synonyms even, “truth, facts, absolute truth, immutable truth” and then understand how that might fit with the vv above. We all know that New Believer who is Absolutely Sure of Everything, right; and manna is not called what is it? for nothing, i bet

Anyway, i guess this should be made plain by a simple Bsearch of “milk” and “meat” which ill prolly do tomorrow if someone doesn’t beat me to it, but i bet milk will just like glow more or whatever when read together

enjoy your quail

Sadly when Paul penned that, some in the congregation had stopped progressing in the truth. It is really easy to understand, Paul makes it clear in this account Arm:
(Hebrews 5:11-14) . . .We have much to say about him, and it is difficult to explain, because you have become dull in your hearing. 12 For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child. 14 But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

s, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child.

A few thoughts here. One is all the times it is said they returned to the world, having begun in the Spirit why now you say you are made perfect in the flesh? Galatians 4:8-11 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. [9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. [11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

A question maybe for their examination of “how turn you again”? Desiring again to be in bondage? Possibly the answer found in ‘For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child’
What is “unacquainted” with the word of righteousness? What does unacquainted mean? And where Paul said unacquainted with the word of righteousness (Christ) is everyone who continues to feed on milk. Saying you have need one teach you. Who is that one they have need teach them? If not you have no need for any man to teach you ...but the Holy Spirit teaches you. Hebrews 9:9-14 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. [11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; [12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

another question then who are babes in Christ, who are little children ...still needing milk. Not aged, not mature, not able to bear meat? Who are the little child said if harming and causing one of these little ones to offend? You sin against Christ? Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Romans 14:19-21 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. [20] For meat destroy not (righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit) the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. [21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

1 Corinthians 8:11-13 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? [12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. [13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. ...Kind of scary then is Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

are we saying we are little ones, babes in Christ, still in need of milk? Continuing to feed on milk? Or aged, mature, able to bear meat, as sent to John in prison about to loose his head “blessed are those who are not offended in me”?

I’m sorry that may not make sense. But it is questions I have because I struggle with contradictions in my own mind. Like little children continuing to feed on milk, or becoming aged and able to bear meat? Important I think because if aged and mature then would it be those ‘aged and mature’ being told not to harm ‘the little children’, ‘babes in Christ’ ...who else would be able to hear destroy not your brother?

 

[amadeus]

A few thoughts here. One is all the times it is said they returned to the world, having begun in the Spirit why now you say you are made perfect in the flesh? Galatians 4:8-11 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. [9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. [11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

A question maybe for their examination of “how turn you again”? Desiring again to be in bondage? Possibly the answer found in ‘For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child’
What is “unacquainted” with the word of righteousness? What does unacquainted mean?

The baby in still only a diaper and not completely focusing eyes perceives perhaps the light of day or the artificial electric lights, versus the darkness but all as still only unclear shadows to its developing senses. Unacquainted, but striving in some way, some curiosity [at some point] wanting to become acquainted with what? Everything but nothin specific [not yet!].

And where Paul said unacquainted with the word of righteousness (Christ) is everyone who continues to feed on milk. Saying you have need one teach you. Who is that one they have need teach them? If not you have no need for any man to teach you ...but the Holy Spirit teaches you. Hebrews 9:9-14 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. [11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; [12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The dead works are all that we were doing before we really met Jesus that first time. Consider this:

"Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,..." Heb 6:1

The repentance from dead works is an early thing for the baby, a part of the milk process, a foundational thing, but then should not be weaned from that bottle? Teenagers and young adults should not be getting their nourishment from a baby bottle full of milk.... but too many are...?

another question then who are babes in Christ, who are little children ...still needing milk. Not aged, not mature, not able to bear meat? Who are the little child said if harming and causing one of these little ones to offend? You sin against Christ? Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

Who are the babies in Christ? In various places at various times. Some perhaps only came to the Lord yesterday and have not yet learned how to come in and go out among God's people. They have not read their Bibles yet with any kind of understanding. They simply surrendered in faith to God and have learned nothing yet, except to trust in Him.

This baby is like the new born physical infant dependent absolutely on mama or someone just in order to survive against starvation or cold or heat or any of the things most physical adults already know about...

Then there are the ones whose growth has been stunted due to improper or insufficient nourishment. They sit in the pews of a church building regularly, but someone years ago perhaps taught them to remain silent unless they asked for and received permission ahead of time from those with the power [priests, pastors, ministers,etc.]. They learned right away to obediently quench the Holy Spirit which they received in those early days... now a distant remote memory. What is proper nourishment? Milk to meat! But what are they for the "new man"? "What is it?" [manna]

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Romans 14:19-21 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. [20] For meat destroy not (righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit) the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. [21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

1 Corinthians 8:11-13 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? [12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. [13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. ...Kind of scary then is Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

are we saying we are little ones, babes in Christ, still in need of milk? Continuing to feed on milk? Or aged, mature, able to bear meat, as sent to John in prison about to loose his head “blessed are those who are not offended in me”?

Babies are in need of milk until they out grown the need being weaned from the milk, a little soft food and in time working up to a steak required a full and strong set of teeth and the ability to properly wield knives and forks for themselves. In most church settings in my experience, baby Christians after many years sitting in the pews are common because they have never been weaned and they have never been taught to fend for themselves as per...

Eph 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
Eph 4:12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Eph 4:13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
Eph 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Eph 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

I’m sorry that may not make sense. But it is questions I have because I struggle with contradictions in my own mind. Like little children continuing to feed or milk, or becoming aged and able to bear meat? Important I think because if aged and mature then would it be those ‘aged and mature’ being told not to harm ‘the little children’, ‘babes in Christ’ ...who else would be able to hear destroy not your brother?

A child with resolve and opportunity and desire may make it away from the bottle of milk to the steak requiring teeth and proper implements without many human helpers, but it would be a very unusual child. When the child is too young, it is an impossibility.

 

[Brakelite]

Paul couldn't feed anything to others without first eating. A mother cannot feed milk to her babies without first eating meat. This doesn't necessarily mean flesh meats for there is protein and sufficient minerals etc to be found in vegetarian food such as fruit and legumes to produce milk appropriate for babies sustenance. Spiritually speaking there must be an enriched form of food eaten before sharing food with others. Teachers need to be fed good food... Meat... Vitamin rich, nutrient rich... Before being given the task of feeding even milk to others. The milk we feed to others is a by-product of the meat we ourselves are fed with.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Then there are the ones whose growth has been stunted due to improper or insufficient nourishment. They sit in the pews of a church building regularly, but someone years ago perhaps taught them to remain silent unless they asked for and received permission ahead of time from those with the power [priests, pastors, ministers,etc.]. They learned right away to obediently quench the Holy Spirit which they received in those early days... now a distant remote memory. What is proper nourishment? Milk to meat! But what are they for the "new man"? "What is it?" [manna]

In most church settings in my experience, baby Christians after many years sitting in the pews are common because they have never been weaned and they have never been taught to fend for themselves as per...

Felt similar to your post last night about needing some time alone with Him. Late, I realized I hadn’t read the verse of the day on my bible app. It helped and I was going to post to you hopefully some inspiration from (Psalm 34:19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.)2 Timothy 3:10-11 ...but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

(Psalm 34:20-22)those who trust in Him will not be desolate. 2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But still today in what you posted above here, those thoughts last night led to “idle” which maybe fits well with what you are speaking of above? Stagnate could be similar to “idle”?

“That you shall not be barren nor unfruitful” I never knew barren there is idle. Then all the verses about idle ...even faith without works is idle. Or standing in the market place idle. Or widows becoming idle, going from house to house. Busybodies saying things they ought not say. Which led to sluggard, slow, laziness, unprofitable, inactive, careless, injurious(not sure what that one means), free from labor, at leisure (ἀργόν εἶναι, Herodotus 5, 6): Matthew 20:3, 6 (Rec.); 1 Timothy 5:13.

b. lazy, shunning the labor which one ought to perform.

Tardy. I never noticed “idle” there in “if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall not be idle, going from house to house busybodies, tardy, lazy, sluggish, inactive, slow, careless nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My grandson goes to a Christian school and one of the verse he had to study was 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Studying God saying if a man doesn’t work, then he don’t eat. My grandson looked up from his books and said “wow” as in that is harsh. His thinking if a man doesn’t work a job then don’t feed that man. Going further “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. (Consider the widows idle going house to house, busybodies) Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”

idle ...really considering that word with what you’ve shared about sitting in the pew, never opening the word, leaving with a few good words given by a man, forgetting it the rest of the week until it is time to get dressed up and do an hour service again.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Mark 6:31-44 And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. [32] And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. [33] And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. [34] And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things. [35] And when the day was now far spent, his disciples came unto him, and said, This is a desert place, and now the time is far passed: [36] Send them away, that they may go into the country round about, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread: for they have nothing to eat. (Sounds similar to what the foolish virgins were told “go buy oil for yourself”) 37] He answered and said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they say unto him, Shall we go and buy two hundred pennyworth of bread, and give them to eat? [38] He saith unto them, How many loaves have ye? go and see. And when they knew, they say, Five, and two fishes. [39] And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass. [40] And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties. [41] And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all. [42] And they did all eat, and were filled. [43] And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. [44] And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men.

2 Corinthians 8:11-15 Now therefore perform the doing of it ; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. [12] For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. [13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: [14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: [15] As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

 

[amadeus]

Felt similar to your post last night about needing some time alone with Him. Late, I realized I hadn’t read the verse of the day on my bible app. It helped and I was going to post to you hopefully some inspiration from (Psalm 34:19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.)2 Timothy 3:10-11 ...but out of them all the Lord delivered me.

Thanks for that! Never too late for more encouragement. Yesterday was my own fault as usual. Six days a week I divide my morning Bible reading into 2 days each for English, German and Spanish. It was a German morning and even after so many years it is still the most difficult reading for me. I have a perpetual Bible reading plan I made up last year and I had made a mistake in it which for yesterday required me to read an extra chapter in German to catch up. The idea of it entered into my thinking. My mistake but no excuse for what I did.

I was tired and had other things that needed to be done including getting on this forum to survey things. I quit my reading about 3/4 through which with the extra chapter was as much as I usually read. I thought that I would get back to it later in the day. My mistake. That time is Bible reading time but is also my talking to God time. No shortcuts or timeouts or excuses allowed. That is part of my commitment to God. Do I love Him really first or am I only working for the blessings? Don't answer that, but consider it. When I started feeling low, I already knew the origin of the problem even though I procrastinated about and tried to put too much on this old man being physically tired. I was tired, but my timeout was the main problem. Prayer with @Philip James and making up for my timeout took care of the problem. Give God the glory!

(Psalm 34:20-22)those who trust in Him will not be desolate. 2 Peter 1:8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But still today in what you posted above here, those thoughts last night led to “idle” which maybe fits well with what you are speaking of above? Stagnate could be similar to “idle”?

“That you shall not be barren nor unfruitful” I never knew barren there is idle.

Interesting point for a woman. There was a real stigma involved for women during most or all of those earlier times described in the Bible in being barren. Not having children put a woman to shame and caused her to be ridiculed for something she had little or no control over. Of course that is the nitty gritty for the woman actually living in that time period, but the message for people living now is somewhat different. Remember how Jesus cursed the fig tree because it had no figs on it when he wanted to pick some?

We must bear fruit. Unlike the natural woman then [Sarah, Hannah or Elizabeth] we have no really acceptable excuse for being barren. Our fruit will appear according the working of the Spirit in us. The Spirit will work unless we quench the Spirit. No excuse for doing that, but people do it all of the time. Many of them become deluded, but their delusion came to them because they made a seriously wrong decision before they were deluded. Where or who was their first love?

What is our work? We do our reading and we talk to our Lord and fall hopefully more deeply in love with Him all of the time. We become a vessel ready to speak or to act as the Holy Spirit directs us. This our work. We don't, alone, have the power to do many things, but God in us has all the power to take up any slack left by our insufficiency. We are idle if we don't do the small part [really small when we know what God can and does do] which is ours.

Consider what stagnant means. In streams or creeks or rivers flowing their is no stagnant water because of the motion. Even a pond or a lake will not contain stagnant water so long as it has some movement usually by a river flowing in and a river flowing out.

The Dead Sea in Israel [usually called the Salt Sea in scripture] has the Jordan River flowing in... but no outlet. No living fish in the Dead Sea! That is you and me if we take in all of the proper things, [the Water of Life from Jesus for example] but hide it away [buried talent] rather than letting it flow out. Could be applied to a person who receives the baptism of the Holy Ghost and then sits on a pew silently for the rest of their life never speaking or acting or worshipping or anything...as God might direct him.

Then all the verses about idle ...even faith without works is idle. Or standing in the market place idle. Or widows becoming idle, going from house to house. Busybodies saying things they ought not say. Which led to sluggard, slow, laziness, unprofitable, inactive, careless, injurious(not sure what that one means), free from labor, at leisure (ἀργόν εἶναι, Herodotus 5, 6): Matthew 20:3, 6 (Rec.); 1 Timothy 5:13.

b. lazy, shunning the labor which one ought to perform.

Tardy. I never noticed “idle” there in “if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that you shall not be idle, going from house to house busybodies, tardy, lazy, sluggish, inactive, slow, careless nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

My grandson goes to a Christian school and one of the verse he had to study was 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Studying God saying if a man doesn’t work, then he don’t eat. My grandson looked up from his books and said “wow” as in that is harsh. His thinking if a man doesn’t work a job then don’t feed that man. Going further “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. (Consider the widows idle going house to house, busybodies) Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.”

idle ...really considering that word with what you’ve shared about sitting in the pew, never opening the word, leaving with a few good words given by a man, forgetting it the rest of the week until it is time to get dressed up and do an hour service again.

I like that note about your grandson. Where do we see much of that kind a an ethic among "Christians" in the USA today more than willing to allow the government to provide everything for nothing if they will...? No work, but always dinner on the table.

 

[Philip James]

13] For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: [14] But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality: [15] As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

5. Be not one who stretches out his hands to receive, but shuts them when it comes to giving.
6. Of whatsoever thou hast gained by thy hands thou shalt give a ransom for thy sins.
7. Thou shalt not hesitate to give, nor shalt thou grumble when thou givest, for thou shalt know who is the good Paymaster of the reward.
8. Thou shalt not turn away the needy, but shalt share everything with thy brother, and shalt not say it is thine own, for if you are sharers in the imperishable, how much more in the things which perish?

~The Didache~

Peace!

 

[GRACE ambassador]

Precious friend(s):

God Saves, NOT by the “merits of our works,” But, By HIS GRACE And MERCY,
By The “MERITS Of HIS Completely FINISHED WORK Of The CROSS!”
Salvation is 100 Percent Free but Eternal Rewards are 100 percent Earned!

God’s Simple Will!

See you in God’s Great GloryLand! ↑ :) ♫

 

[Grailhunter]

Hebrews 5:12
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.

Hebrews 5:14
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.

1st Corinthians 3:1-3
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. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

 

[Hidden In Him]

So, it would seem like we are to seek the “meat,” right? The meat of the Word is supposed to be a good thing, isn’t it? And vv like I’d rather never eat meat again, and were tired of this manna, give us some meat to eat! just kinda get glided over, the first ostensibly an ode to vegetarianism, perhaps, and the second the complaints of most anyone limited repeatedly to a single choice of food, but i suggest that there is a direct connection here to fruit of the tree of knowledge, and meat and milk might need to be better defined.

LoL!

I am like WAY late to this thread, so my apologies if someone has already said all this. But the analogy of eating spiritual meat was about teachings which were harder to digest, or like we often say today, "harder to swallow." It doesn't mean they were bad teachings - it means they were in fact more substantive than the milk - but they were not easy to consume. He was referring specifically to teachings on enduring sufferings for Christ's sake, but it would take a little fleshing out to show you that from scripture.

Hope it helps. Just thought I'd interject in case no one said the above already. Tell Byrd I said hello, and that I hope he is well.

 

[Heart2Soul]

We can see that Jesus knew the disciples were not ready for strong meat yet in this scripture...
John 16 (KJV)
¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯
¹² I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.
¹³ Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
¹⁴ He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
¹⁵ All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

 

[Heart2Soul]

This is going to seem a silly question... but could this be why one might have breastfeeding infants dreams? To possibly symbolize that there are many that are still on milk and never seemingly satisfied?

It may be the Holy Spirit trying to speak to you and tell you....Hey! Milk is for babies....you're not a baby anymore AND you have teeth...so here is what I am fixing to teach you...the meat of the word...so get ready and sink your teeth in!:)

 

[robert derrick]

"For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs." (Rom 14)

 

[GracePeace]

What follow below was written less than a week ago by our friend @bbyrd009 a few days ago using the title which I have also applied to this thread:

So, it would seem like we are to seek the “meat,” right? The meat of the Word is supposed to be a good thing, isn’t it? And vv like I’d rather never eat meat again, and were tired of this manna, give us some meat to eat! just kinda get glided over, the first ostensibly an ode to vegetarianism, perhaps, and the second the complaints of most anyone limited repeatedly to a single choice of food, but i suggest that there is a direct connection here to fruit of the tree of knowledge, and meat and milk might need to be better defined.

As there is no phrase “meat of the Word” in the Bible, how are you defining it? List some synonyms even, “truth, facts, absolute truth, immutable truth” and then understand how that might fit with the vv above. We all know that New Believer who is Absolutely Sure of Everything, right; and manna is not called what is it? for nothing, i bet

Anyway, i guess this should be made plain by a simple Bsearch of “milk” and “meat” which ill prolly do tomorrow if someone doesn’t beat me to it, but i bet milk will just like glow more or whatever when read together

enjoy your quail

@bbyrd009 Actually, (the answer is simple) Paul already defined what "meat" was in the opening chapters of 1 Corinthians--it's "spiritual wisdom imparted among the mature/spiritual" (as opposed to the "milk", which was for the unspiritual--eg, the Corinthians).

I actually had this same concern ("Wait a minute... has meat ever been defined before? Are we all just emptily speculating?"), but then God permitted me to understand this afterward.

I trust this will be a satisfying answer--please let me know your thoughts on it! Enjoy!

 

[Heart2Soul]

"For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs." (Rom 14)

Actually this verse along with the entire chapter is addressing cultural differences between the Jews and Gentiles diet.
This is real physical food...
The spiritual meat is all about wisdom, knowledge and understanding

 

[amadeus]

@bbyrd009 Actually, (the answer is simple) Paul already defined what "meat" was in the opening chapters of 1 Corinthians--it's "spiritual wisdom imparted among the mature/spiritual" (as opposed to the "milk", which was for the unspiritual--eg, the Corinthians).

I actually had this same concern ("Wait a minute... has meat ever been defined before? Are we all just emptily speculating?"), but then God permitted me to understand this afterward.

I trust this will be a satisfying answer--please let me know your thoughts on it! Enjoy!

Hello friend,
Unfortunately bbyrd009 is not allowed to answer for himself here any more. So far he has not responded to me on two other forums where we are both members regarding all of the answers on this thread to his words. When he does I hope to be able to convey what he says to anyone here that is interested.
Give God the glory!

 

[GracePeace]

Give God the glory!

Excellent advice!

 

[Robert Gwin]

A few thoughts here. One is all the times it is said they returned to the world, having begun in the Spirit why now you say you are made perfect in the flesh? Galatians 4:8-11 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. [9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. [11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

A question maybe for their examination of “how turn you again”? Desiring again to be in bondage? Possibly the answer found in ‘For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child’
What is “unacquainted” with the word of righteousness? What does unacquainted mean? And where Paul said unacquainted with the word of righteousness (Christ) is everyone who continues to feed on milk. Saying you have need one teach you. Who is that one they have need teach them? If not you have no need for any man to teach you ...but the Holy Spirit teaches you. Hebrews 9:9-14 Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; [10] Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. [11] But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; [12] Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. [13] For if the blood of bulls and of goats, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh: [14] How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

another question then who are babes in Christ, who are little children ...still needing milk. Not aged, not mature, not able to bear meat? Who are the little child said if harming and causing one of these little ones to offend? You sin against Christ? Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

1 Corinthians 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.

Romans 14:19-21 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. [20] For meat destroy not (righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit) the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. [21] It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.

1 Corinthians 8:11-13 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? [12] But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. [13] Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend. ...Kind of scary then is Luke 17:2 It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

are we saying we are little ones, babes in Christ, still in need of milk? Continuing to feed on milk? Or aged, mature, able to bear meat, as sent to John in prison about to loose his head “blessed are those who are not offended in me”?

I’m sorry that may not make sense. But it is questions I have because I struggle with contradictions in my own mind. Like little children continuing to feed on milk, or becoming aged and able to bear meat? Important I think because if aged and mature then would it be those ‘aged and mature’ being told not to harm ‘the little children’, ‘babes in Christ’ ...who else would be able to hear destroy not your brother?

Keep in mind maam, the growth of a Christian is eternal. Even though there are mature ones in God's congregation, we are all still infants in the truth. Most of us will not come to absolute truth until the end of the millennial reign of Christ, and none of us will ever come to know all that God knows Ecc 3:11

Growth really starts with the first act, no doubt virtually everyone has heard about Jesus on the earth, but it is when that person acts upon that knowledge that they become what is called an infant in the faith. Keep in mind that as such they require milk, or in other words the simpler things of the faith. Even Jesus made note of this when he told his apostles: (John 16:12, 13) . . .“I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now. 13 However, when that one comes, the spirit of the truth, he will guide you into all the truth. . . Jesus sent that helper to them on Pentecost of 33 CE. So we start with the foundation, and build from there.

Since Jn 17:3 is really the starting step of everlasting life, and the first thing you learn about someone prior to forming a relationship is learning their name, so usually I very early on in conversations with people make known God's name Jehovah to them, kind of an introduction to those who do not know His name. You know when you ask someone God's name, few are able to say it, but when you say it, they have heard of it. Nice chatting with you maam, I enjoyed your post, and see that you give things a lot of thought. Thanks much for your response.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

"For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs." (Rom 14)

Reminds me of: Titus 1:15 Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.