Hebrews 6:12, New International Version

“We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.”

In Hebrews 5:11–6:12, the writer pauses his teaching about Christ’s priesthood to address a serious concern among his readers—their spiritual immaturity. He says, “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear because you no longer try to understand.” (5:11). The issue wasn’t a lack of knowledge available to them, but a lack of willingness to grow. They had been believers long enough to teach others, yet they still needed someone to teach them the basics. It’s a sobering reminder that spiritual maturity isn’t measured by time spent in church or years of belief—it’s measured by our depth of understanding and obedience to God’s Word.

The writer uses the image of milk and solid food to describe the difference between immature and mature believers. Milk is for infants—it sustains but doesn’t strengthen. Solid food, on the other hand, is for those who have trained themselves to discern good from evil. Maturity comes through consistent growth, through exercising our faith, and allowing God’s truth to shape our decisions. The call here is clear: we are not meant to remain spiritual infants. We are called to grow into maturity, developing a faith that stands firm, understands truth, and bears fruit.

Moving into chapter 6, the writer urges his readers to “leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity.” This doesn’t mean abandoning the basics but building upon them. Just as a foundation supports a house, so the truths of repentance, faith, and salvation are the base from which we grow. But we cannot stay at the foundation forever. God desires believers who are progressing—learning deeper truths, applying them, and helping others grow as well. Stagnation is a dangerous place to live spiritually, because it opens the door for doubt and drifting.

Verses 4–8 present one of the most sobering warnings in all of Scripture. The writer describes those who have experienced the blessings of God’s truth and yet fall away. While scholars have debated the precise meaning, the central message is clear: turning away from Christ after truly knowing Him is a serious matter. It’s a call to perseverance—to not merely start well in the faith but to continue faithfully to the end. God is not unjust; He remembers the love and service of His people. But He also calls us to remain steadfast, continuing to bear fruit that reflects a living faith.

The passage concludes with encouragement. The writer assures his readers that he is confident of “better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation.” God’s people are marked not by apathy, but by faith and perseverance. He urges them not to become lazy but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. This is a call to diligence—a reminder that genuine faith always leads to growth, endurance, and service in God’s kingdom.

Hebrews 5:11–6:12 reminds us that spiritual growth is not optional—it is essential. We are not meant to remain comfortable with surface-level faith. God calls us to press forward, to mature in understanding, and to bear fruit that reflects His work in us. Growth takes effort, discipline, and a heart willing to be stretched, but the reward is deep fellowship with Christ and a life that glorifies Him. Let’s be a people who press on to maturity, trusting that the God who began a good work in us will carry it to completion.

(All scripture quotations in this article are from the New International Version)