Written by Nate Warren
The Word
11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, 13 for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. – Hebrews 5:11-14
Reflection
Preparing to dive into a relatively deep theological discussion about priesthood (ch 7), the author pauses to first chide the audience about their “dull hearing.” So what exactly makes these folks “babies” with “dull hearing”?
They have not embodied “the basic principles of the oracles of God,” making them “unskilled in the word of righteousness.” That is, they don’t understand the scriptures, and because of this can vaguely comprehend the gospel message, much less apply it to their daily lives.
The writer admonishes only to compel the listeners to level-up their study and learn to apply Godly principles to everything they encounter. Through practice they will learn to habitually rely on the Truth of the Word, becoming righteous in word and action–becoming mature–and perhaps on the road to becoming teachers.
Application
How do you rate your understanding of the Bible? Perhaps you should take a class, or commit to private study with a trusted resource. Maybe you just need to commit to reading scripture regularly.
Have you developed a habit of applying scripture or scriptural themes to the situations you encounter? Here’s an experiment: set your phone alarm to go off at a strange time today – perhaps 2:42 or 10:13 – and when it rings, take a moment to acknowledge the Lord’s presence with you, consider what you are doing or involved in at that moment, and try to reimagine this situation with an scripture-informed, eternal viewpoint. How could you expand this practice into a regular rhythm?
The world is hungry for those who not only understand the “oracles of God” but also apply them to every situation.
Prayer
Lord, please help me to be mature in my understanding, especially in my reliance on Your guidance, so that I can make accurate judgments of right and wrong. Let this be for the Glory of Your Name,
Amen
City Life Starter 
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