Why Do Some Christians Fail to

Grow?

They Have Become Dull of Hearing

• God’s word is a burden to them

• Heb. 5:11; 1 John 5:3-5

• When it reproves them, they make excuses (Saul in 1 Sam. 15)

• When it commands sacrifice, they object (Luke 9:23)

• When it provides spiritual wisdom, they refuse it for worldly wisdom (1 Cor. 2:6-7)

They Think They Have Grown Enough

• The passing of time has deceived them into thinking they have matured (Heb. 5:12; Phil. 3:12-14)

• Spiritual maturity is not based on time alone (Heb. 5:13-14)

• This is rooted in pride and complacency (Rev. 3:15-17)

• We overcome this with zeal and repentance (Rev. 3:19)

They Will Not Use God’s Word

• God’s word isn’t used to direct their every decision (Heb. 5:13-14; Eph. 5:15-17; Col. 3:17)

• Lack of use leads to lack of skill (Phil. 1:9-11)

• Lost desire for pure milk of the word (1 Pet. 2:2)

They Are Only Accustomed to Milk

• Wrong relationship with the word of God (Heb. 5:12; 6:1-3)

• No tolerance for meat (2 Tim. 4:3-4; Gal. 4:16)

• God’s word is no longer sweet to them (Jer. 15:16)

• They have not stood up for their faith (Dan. 3)

They Have Already Fallen Away

• Hebrews 6:4-8

• It is possible that some even here today have already fallen away (1 Cor. 11:30)

• Sin of unbelief deceives and devours (Heb. 3:12-13; James 2:19-26)

• No fire for God (Luke 24:32)

Be Diligent and Grow

• God rewards our efforts to grow (Heb. 6:9-10)

• Diligent work will lead us to our inheritance (Heb. 6:11-12)