Articles
Skilled in the Word
Through life, we develop skills to help us be successful. Skills come about as the result of diligent work and practice. Therefore, we are generally more skilled at things we do more often. It is possible to be skilled or unskilled in the word of righteousness based on the amount of work we put into our study.
The writer of Hebrews explains in 5:12-13 that some people had not developed a useable level of skill in handling and understanding the word of God. He compares these people who are “unskilled in the word of righteousness” to children who need milk. We realize that babies first require milk to attain necessary nutrients before they can move on to solid food. Milk carries vital nutrients that help a child to grow. However, at some point, solid food is necessary for growth and sustaining of life.
What is the milk of the Word? Hebrews 6:1 tells us we should “leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity.” Consider what knowledge is necessary preceding baptism. One must understand who God is, His plan to save our souls, and how Christ fulfilled that plan. This knowledge is fundamental. Also consider the spiritual state of one who understands this fundamental teaching and believes it. He is a babe in Christ, not yet skilled in the word of righteousness.
What is the meat of the word? The writer here says in verse 11 that some things “are hard to explain.” Peter writes that “there are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures” (2 Pet. 3:16), referring to some of Paul's writings. The Bible plan is simple. However, there are some things therein that are difficult; things that require much study, thought, and prayer to understand.
Why would we need to move on to solid food? Just as physical growth is limited by a milk-only diet, spiritual growth is limited the same way. 2 Peter 3:18 commands us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Paul commands in 2 Timothy 2:15 to “study to show yourself approved unto God, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Not only does development of our skill in the Word cause growth in our own lives, it brings about growth for others through our increased ability to teach. Do not be content with where you are. Consider Paul's encouragement and example in Philippians 3:12-4:1. "Wherefore my brethren . . . stand firm in the Lord.” Let us always press on and work towards a better understanding of the Word of righteousness so we may become skilled in it.
