Milk or Steak?

Church/Assembly

3

1And I, brothers and sisters, could not speak to you as spiritual people, but only as fleshly, as to infants in Christ. 2I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to consume it. But even now you are not yet able, 3for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like ordinary people?

– 1 Corinthians 3:1-3
(NASB® © 2020)
Mark as Favorite and save for later! (0)
Please login to bookmark Close

 

Milk or steak: which of these two foods do we give a baby? Obviously, not the steak. It wouldn’t be able to digest it.

We certainly know the meaning of the Bible passage from 1 Corinthians 3:1-3: “And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food, for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now, you are still not able, for you are still carnal.”

The teaching: Here are those who—spiritually speaking—should have been eating steak long ago but are still in the milk stage. There is no growth.

However, the focus should not be on the issue of (lack of) growth but on those who feed the believers. Doesn’t this biblical passage show very impressively how Paul carried out his shepherding ministry? He diagnosed the flock before him with a keen spiritual sense to find out what stage it was at and what food was needed accordingly and brought this food. This is a clear demonstration of how spiritual leaders play a crucial role in the growth and nourishment of the flock, guiding them with care and understanding. Surely, a result of him keeping in touch with each individual brother and sister by visiting them all privately (Acts 20:20). Very valuable. In this way, he neither overburdened nor “underburdened” anyone.

The “shepherds” of the people of Israel are accused in Ezekiel 34:3: “You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock.”

All those who serve the believers in any way can take Paul as an example here. Not necessarily give the food that the shepherd likes, but what the flock can digest well and is in need of. Is it unfortunately still in the “milk stage”? Then keep giving “milk.” This is how it grows and, with God’s help, eventually reaches the “steak stage.” The role of God’s help in this process is crucial, supporting and strengthening the flock in their spiritual growth.

A good shepherd is close to the flock; he, therefore, knows exactly what the flock needs—and gives it accordingly.

 

Comments (0)

No comments yet.

Share this article:

You want to contact us? Ask a question or let us know what you think! 

Write a message here!

Leave a Comment

Do you know the Father?

This article is about how God the Father comes close to us in the Lord Jesus and how we can recognize in his actions, his love and his nature that the Father is just as trusting, merciful and trustworthy as the Son reveals him to be.
John 14:9; 12:45
Descipleship

Don’t curse!

Ecclesiastes 10 warns that incompetent leadership brings decay, yet it also cautions us to guard our hearts and words toward those in authority—reminding us that even private contempt shapes our attitude and can lead to unintended consequences.
Ecclesiastes 10:16,20

A woman dressed like a prostitute

In this article, Proverbs 7 is examined as a sober warning about temptation, responsibility, and moral danger, with practical lessons for believers living in a highly sexualized world.
Proverbs 7:10-23

Mothers wanted

In this article, the biblical concept of “mothers in Christ” is explored, using Deborah and New Testament examples to highlight their vital spiritual role among God’s people. The focus is on qualities such as devotion to God, discernment, encouragement, and loving care that continue to be needed today.
Judges 5:7
God/Jesus Christ

Why shouldn’t we pray to the Holy Spirit?

In this article, the question of why Scripture speaks of praying in the Holy Spirit rather than to Him is examined, while affirming His full deity. The focus is on the Spirit’s role as the divine power enabling believers to approach the Father through Christ.
Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20; Romans 8:26-27
Marriage & Family

The precious echo of a father

A doctor tells a moving story from his childhood, reflecting on his relationship with his father.
Genesis 37:13
God/Jesus Christ

The Glory of God

In this article, the relationship between God’s light and love is reflected on, showing how the finished work of Christ removes fear and gives the believer peace before God. The focus is on confidence that flows from knowing Christ is exalted in glory as proof of complete forgiveness and justification.
1 Peter 1:21; Isaiah 6:1,5,7; Luke 5:8

A shift in emphasis

In this article, the foot-washing in John 13 is used to show that Christ’s authority as Lord comes before our understanding as His disciples. The focus is on trusting and obeying Him unreservedly, knowing that He is both Lord and Teacher.
John 13:13,14
Bible Study

David’s Son and David’s Lord

The following article is about the Lord Jesus’ question to the scribes about Psalm 110 and how it reveals the unique glory of his person as both David’s Son and David’s Lord.
Matthew 22:41-45
Encouragements

The Prayer of Hannah

In this article, Hannah’s prayer is considered as a powerful example of bringing deep distress honestly and persistently before the Lord. The focus is on how prayer not only brings answers from God, but also brings inner change and peace even before circumstances improve.
1 Samuel 1:10-15

Sidereus Nunicus

In this article, the vastness of the universe and the growing knowledge of the stars are used to reflect on the greatness, power, and wisdom of God. At the same time, the focus is on the Creator’s love, shown in Christ, who entered His creation to bring help and salvation to people.
Jeremiah 33:22; Isaiah 55:8-9

Be Like a Locust

In this article, John the Baptist’s unusual diet is used to draw spiritual lessons about a believer’s heavenly outlook, appetite for God’s Word, and orderly service.
Mark 1:6