Milk, Not Meat

1 Corinthians 3:2 KJV

I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

Robert hawker writes:

"The babes in Christ must have the sincere milk of the Word, that they may grow thereby. The more advanced in grace, and knowledge, may be brought acquainted, as their spiritual capacities are enlarged, in the stronger food of the soul. All are to have suited portions; and none of them to be overlooked, or forgotten."

Apostle Paul recognized that this entire church was in such a state as to not be able to bear spiritual meat. This does not mean that he withheld rebuke from them. Nor does it mean that he was less than honest with them concerning their own spiritual condition. It does mean that he tailored his messages to them to fit their spiritual level.

A preacher may be tempted to give his congregation what he prefers to deliver and not particularly what they are in need of receiving. One preacher may fancy himself a preacher of higher doctrines, even if his church is not capable of “digesting” his messages. Another may enjoy the lighter, quicker, easier to prepare, easier to deliver and easier to embrace sorts of messages even when his congregation is ready and in need of messages with more substantive study and teaching. The caring preacher will discern his congregation’s condition and provide them with what they need and not necessarily what he prefers to give.