Hebrews 5:14
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But strong meat - The high and sublime doctrines of Christianity; the atonement, justification by faith, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the fullness of Christ dwelling in the souls of men, triumph in and over death, the resurrection of the body, the glorification of both body and soul in the realms of blessedness, and an endless union with Christ in the throne of his glory. This is the strong food which the genuine Christian understands, receives, digests, and by which he grows. By reason of use - Who, by constant hearing, believing, praying, and obedience, use all the graces of God's Spirit; and, in the faithful use of them, find every one improved, so that they daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. Have their senses exercised - The word αισθητηρια signifies the different organs of sense, as the eyes, ears, tongue, and palate, nose, and finger ends, and the nervous surface in general, through which we gain the sensations called seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling. These organs of sense, being frequently exercised or employed on a variety of subjects, acquire the power to discern the various objects of sense: viz. all objects of light; difference of sounds; of tastes or savours; of odours or smelling; and of hard, soft, wet, dry, cold, hot, rough, smooth, and all other tangible qualities. There is something in the soul that answers to all these senses in the body. And as universal nature presents to the other senses their different and appropriate objects, so religion presents to these interior senses the objects which are suited to them. Hence in Scripture we are said, even in spiritual things, to see, hear, taste, smell, and touch or feel. These are the means by which the soul is rendered comfortable, and through which it derives its happiness and perfection. In the adult Christian these senses are said to be γεγυμνασμενα, exercised, a metaphor taken from the athlete or contenders in the Grecian games, who were wont to employ all their powers, skill, and agility in mock fights, running, wrestling, etc., that they might be the better prepared for the actual contests when they took place. So these employ and improve all their powers, and in using grace get more grace; and thus, being able to discern good from evil, they are in little danger of being imposed on by false doctrine, or by the pretensions of hypocrites; or of being deceived by the subtleties of Satan. They feel that their security depends, under God, on this exercise - on the proper use which they make of the grace already given them by God. Can any reader be so dull as not to understand this?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
strong meat--"solid food." them . . . of full age--literally, "perfect": akin to "perfection" (Heb 6:1). by reason of use--Greek, "habit." senses--organs of sense. exercised--similarly connected with "righteousness" in Heb 12:11. to discern both good and evil--as a child no longer an infant (Isa 7:16): so able to distinguish between sound and unsound doctrine. The mere child puts into its mouth things hurtful and things nutritious, without discrimination: but not so the adult. Paul again alludes to their tendency not to discriminate, but to be carried about by strange doctrines, in Heb 13:9. Next: Hebrews Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:14 Being able to recognize the difference between right and wrong is a defining characteristic of spiritual maturity.
Hebrews 5:14
Milk and Solid Food
13For everyone who lives on milk is still an infant, inexperienced in the message of righteousness.14But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
02 How Our Minds Can Be Transformed
By Zac Poonen2.7K1:01:47LUK 4:40HEB 5:14This sermon emphasizes the importance of having the mind of Christ, highlighting the need for a transformation in our thinking to discern good and evil according to God's perfect will. It stresses the significance of obedience to God's guidance, even when it goes against the advice of others, and the value of living a life that aligns with God's will, focusing on personal sanctification rather than just external ministry achievements.
(Genesis) - Part 2
By Zac Poonen2.0K1:00:04GenesisGEN 1:4PSA 119:130MAT 6:33JHN 1:12CO 6:14HEB 5:141JN 1:5In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of God's declaration that His creation is good. He points out that there is one day in the creation account where God does not say it is good, which is the end of the second day. The speaker then highlights the first message given by the Apostle John, which emphasizes that God is light and there is no darkness in Him. The sermon also emphasizes the theme of separation between light and darkness, both in the physical creation and in the spiritual realm.
Spiritual Discernment - What Is Spiritual Discernment?
By Stephen Kaung1.8K1:16:12Spiritual DiscernmentMAT 6:33JHN 13:34ROM 12:21CO 2:14EPH 5:8PHP 1:9HEB 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of love in the life of a believer. They highlight how the love of God fills the heart of a believer and is expressed in practical ways. The preacher also mentions the story of Paul and Silas being imprisoned and how their love for God led them to pray and praise Him even in difficult circumstances. The sermon emphasizes the need for love to continually grow and for believers to have spiritual discernment in order to choose what is excellent and to love even their enemies.
Hebrews 4 & 5
By Pat Kenney1.2K1:03:14Hebrews2TI 3:16HEB 3:7HEB 3:11HEB 4:12HEB 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not taking the word of God lightly. He warns against simply being inspired by the message without truly internalizing and applying it to one's life. The preacher encourages trust in the Lord and not relying on our own resources. He also highlights the concept of rest, both in the future heavenly sense and in the present through a deep relationship with Jesus Christ. The sermon references the history of God's people, particularly the Israelites in the wilderness, to illustrate the consequences of not fully trusting in God's word.
Christ, Our Great High Priest
By Paris Reidhead1.2K36:23Jesus ChristROM 8:282CO 5:21HEB 3:1HEB 4:14HEB 5:14HEB 7:251PE 1:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the theme of holiness throughout the Bible. He highlights that God desires a holy people and that the Bible is a holy scripture that reveals the holy Son of God who died and rose again. The preacher explains that Jesus came to save his people from their sins and to deliver them from the bondage of Satan. He emphasizes that God's purpose in grace is to conform his people to the image of his Son, and this is achieved through the intercessory ministry of Jesus Christ, our great high priest.
The Real or the Plastic
By Reuben Walter1.2K41:47CounterfeitDEU 4:9MAT 6:33MRK 13:22ACT 20:312TI 3:16HEB 5:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being watchful and prayerful, as we do not know when the time of the Lord's return will be. He encourages the congregation to examine teachings and beliefs closely, using the light of God's word as a guide. The sermon also highlights the need to discern between truth and lies, and between what is genuine and what is fake. The preacher emphasizes the importance of constantly being alert and on guard against deception and false teaching.
Discernment in the Church
By Vance Havner1.0K25:18ISA 29:13JHN 3:3ROM 8:81CO 1:181CO 2:14EPH 5:8COL 3:11TH 5:21HEB 5:14JAS 1:5This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual discernment in a time of confusion and uncertainty within the Church. It contrasts the clear, unwavering beliefs of past leaders like Spurgeon with the current trend of ambiguity and compromise. The speaker highlights the need for believers to have discernment to distinguish truth from falsehood, to understand the times, and to recognize the spirits at work. The sermon also addresses the shallowness of worship, the danger of idol worship, and the necessity of being spiritually reborn to truly grasp divine truth.
Will They Follow
By Peter Maiden46341:57LeadershipNEH 1:1NEH 1:6MAT 3:13HEB 5:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a clear objective in the work of God. He encourages the audience to think about their long-term and short-term goals in their Christian union, school union, or church responsibilities. The speaker references the example of Nehemiah, who assessed the damage to the walls of Jerusalem and took responsibility for rebuilding them. He also mentions a letter he received challenging leaders to seek God's guidance for the objectives and goals of their organization. The sermon concludes with the importance of leading by example, using the Apostle Paul as a model for inspiring and influencing others through his way of life.
How Much Does Your Spirit Weigh
By Bob Phillips3501:08:23Christian LifePRO 16:2MAT 7:17JHN 4:24ROM 8:162CO 7:1GAL 5:22HEB 5:14In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the spirit in a person's life. He refers to various biblical passages that mention the spirit as the inner man or the heart. The speaker shares his personal experiences and emphasizes the need to prioritize the spiritual aspect of life. He also mentions a survey conducted by a church to understand the preferences of the community, resulting in a church that avoids controversial topics and focuses on non-theological issues. The sermon concludes with a prayer for God to draw people closer to Him and address every area of their lives.
Four Characteristics of the Carnal Life.
By F.B. Meyer1Spiritual GrowthDiscernmentMAT 5:14JHN 15:5ROM 8:71CO 1:121CO 3:2GAL 5:17EPH 4:14PHP 2:13HEB 5:141PE 2:2F.B. Meyer discusses the four characteristics of the carnal life, emphasizing that a carnal Christian remains in a state of spiritual infancy, relying on others for spiritual nourishment instead of growing in their own understanding of God and the Bible. He warns against sectarianism, where believers identify more with their denominational labels than with the universal Church of Christ. Meyer also highlights the inability of carnal Christians to discern good from evil, likening their spiritual immaturity to a lack of sensitivity to moral issues. He calls for self-examination to determine whether one is living a Christ-centered life or a flesh-centered existence, ultimately urging believers to depend on God rather than themselves.
Our Daily Homily - Hebrews
By F.B. Meyer0God's Unchanging NatureRest in ChristHEB 1:12HEB 2:17HEB 3:1HEB 4:9HEB 5:14HEB 6:6HEB 7:16HEB 8:13HEB 9:28HEB 10:9F.B. Meyer emphasizes the unchanging nature of God in his sermon 'Our Daily Homily - Hebrews', contrasting God's eternal consistency with the transient nature of creation, humanity, and our own emotions. He highlights that while great figures of faith have come and gone, God remains the same, providing a steadfast refuge and a merciful high priest. Meyer encourages believers to consider Jesus in various roles, including Apostle and Priest, and to find rest in Him amidst life's challenges. He reassures that there is a divine rest available for weary souls, which is both a present experience and a future hope. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper connection with Christ, urging believers to be perfected in every good work to fulfill God's will.
The Use of Our Senses
By F.B. Meyer0Sensitivity to God's GuidanceSpiritual DiscernmentPSA 119:105PRO 2:5MAT 5:8ROM 12:2EPH 5:15PHP 1:91TH 5:21HEB 5:14JAS 1:51JN 4:1F.B. Meyer emphasizes the vital role of our senses, both physical and spiritual, in discerning danger and preserving our spiritual health. He illustrates how the inner senses—such as the ear, eye, smell, taste, and touch—can be trained to detect good and evil, much like our physical senses warn us of danger. Meyer encourages believers to cultivate their spiritual senses to recognize temptation, avoid harmful influences, and maintain purity in their lives. He stresses that just as we train our physical senses, we must also exercise our spiritual faculties to remain attuned to God's guidance. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a heightened sensitivity to the Divine Spirit to navigate life's challenges effectively.
Your Decisions Determine What You Become
By Zac Poonen0Decision MakingSpiritual GrowthJHN 6:38ROM 15:31CO 15:41HEB 5:14Zac Poonen emphasizes that our daily decisions shape our spiritual lives, urging us to follow Jesus' example of denying self-will to fulfill God's will. He illustrates how Jesus consistently chose to please the Father, even in the hidden years of His life, and challenges us to reflect on our own choices that either lead to spiritual maturity or carnality. Poonen warns that the accumulation of small decisions can lead to significant differences in our spiritual state over time, and he encourages young people to take their lives seriously, making choices that align with God's purpose. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to self-denial and faithfulness in our walk with God, reminding us that time is precious and should not be wasted.
Prophetic Preachers
By A.W. Tozer0Prophetic InsightSpiritual Leadership1CH 12:32PRO 2:6ISA 6:8JER 1:5AMO 3:7MAT 10:161CO 12:10EPH 4:11HEB 5:14JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for prophetic preachers who possess the gift of discernment and spiritual insight to understand the times and convey God's message to the people. He argues that while scholars can analyze the past, it takes prophets to interpret the present and guide the church in its current context. Tozer calls for leaders who have experienced divine visions and heard God's voice, urging a return to the prophetic tradition that can navigate the complexities of modern life. He highlights the importance of seeing beyond surface-level events to grasp the deeper spiritual realities at play. Tozer concludes with a prayer for the gift of prophetic insight to lead effectively in today's world.
Features of Spirituality
By T. Austin-Sparks0Holy Spirit GuidanceSpiritualityPSA 119:105JHN 16:13ROM 8:171CO 2:14GAL 5:16EPH 5:262TI 2:12HEB 5:14JAS 1:221JN 2:27T. Austin-Sparks explores the distinctive spiritual features of the Levites, emphasizing their unique relationship with the Cross, the Holy Spirit, and the Word of God. He distinguishes between spiritual and carnal Christians, highlighting that true spirituality is characterized by being governed by the Holy Spirit rather than self-interest. Sparks illustrates how spiritual people are sensitive to God's voice and the importance of aligning one's life with the Word of God, which serves as a mirror for self-examination. He concludes by discussing the Levites' inheritance, symbolizing spiritual governance and the call for believers to live under the Lord's authority. The sermon encourages Christians to seek a deeper, Spirit-led life that reflects God's will and purpose.
The Indispensable Necessity of Spiritual Diagnosis
By A.W. Tozer0Prophetic InsightSpiritual DiagnosisPRO 4:7JER 29:131CO 2:14HEB 5:14JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual diagnosis within the church, urging believers to question the underlying reasons for the current religious activities rather than simply observing them. He points out that many Christians are unaware of the true state of their faith and the relationship between God and their actions, likening the situation to the complacency of Judaism before Christ. Tozer calls for prophetic insight to discern the present spiritual condition, as historical knowledge alone is insufficient for understanding the current state of Christianity. He stresses that it is crucial for believers to seek clarity and understanding in their faith now, rather than waiting for future historians to analyze the past.
Moral Physicians
By A.W. Tozer0Moral GuidanceSpiritual DiscernmentPRO 27:17ISA 61:1EZK 34:16MAT 9:121CO 9:22GAL 6:12TI 4:2HEB 5:14JAS 1:51PE 5:2A.W. Tozer emphasizes the role of moral physicians in preaching, highlighting that truth must be tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of the audience. He draws on examples from prophets, apostles, and Jesus, who adapted their messages to address the moral and spiritual conditions of their people. Tozer argues that today ’s religious landscape requires skilled leaders who can discern the current spiritual ailments and prescribe appropriate remedies, rather than merely repeating doctrinal statements. He stresses the importance of being attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance to effectively communicate God's message in a relevant way.
Purifying Conceptions of God
By A.W. Tozer0Understanding GodPurification of FaithPSA 103:14HOS 6:3JHN 17:3ROM 12:21CO 13:12EPH 4:13PHP 1:92TI 2:15HEB 5:14JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of purifying our conceptions of God, acknowledging that when we first come to faith, our understanding is often clouded by superstition, ignorance, and error. He explains that while conversion brings some clarity, many misconceptions about God remain, shaped by flawed teachings and personal biases. Tozer encourages believers to actively seek a deeper knowledge of God, as this pursuit will gradually refine their understanding and eliminate unworthy notions. He reassures that God is patient with our imperfections, recognizing our human limitations as we grow in faith.
Wanted: God Seers
By A.W. Tozer0Complexity of FaithSpiritual DiscernmentPRO 2:61CO 2:14EPH 1:17HEB 5:14JAS 1:5A.W. Tozer addresses the complexities of modern Christianity, cautioning against oversimplifying the church's issues by attributing them to a single cause. He emphasizes that the decline of true Bible religion is evident, yet identifying the root cause is challenging due to the interrelated nature of spiritual ailments. Tozer highlights a critical deficiency in the church: the lack of spiritual discernment among its leaders, suggesting that this lack may be the key to understanding and addressing the broader spiritual troubles faced by evangelical Christians today.
Testing the Spirits
By A.W. Tozer0DiscernmentSpiritual IntegrityMAT 7:15ACT 17:112CO 11:13GAL 1:8EPH 4:141TH 5:212TI 4:3HEB 5:141PE 5:81JN 4:1A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of discerning the spirits that claim to represent Christianity, warning against the gullibility that can arise from a misguided sense of spirituality. He critiques the tendency of some Christians to accept every new teaching or prophet without scrutiny, fearing they might reject something genuinely from God. Tozer argues that true faith involves a careful examination of teachings and a commitment to reject anything that does not align with God's truth. He reminds believers that the command to 'try the spirits' is essential for spiritual integrity and responsibility, especially as the end times approach.
Faith and Experience
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual ExperienceFaithPSA 34:8MAT 11:28JHN 7:37JHN 10:10ROM 15:13GAL 5:22EPH 3:19PHP 3:10HEB 5:141PE 2:3A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true preaching of Jesus Christ must lead to genuine Christian experience among believers. He argues that if preaching fails to foster spiritual growth and maturity, it does not faithfully represent the Christ of the Scriptures. Tozer highlights that Jesus invites us to experience Him personally, urging believers to come to Him with determination. He references Psalm 34, illustrating that just as we taste food, we are meant to experience the goodness of God in our souls. The essence of knowing Christ is rooted in the experiential relationship we cultivate with Him.
The Reality of Manifestations
By John Fletcher0Spiritual SensesDivine ManifestationPSA 34:8MAT 5:8JHN 3:3ROM 8:161CO 2:142CO 4:4EPH 1:18PHP 1:9HEB 5:14REV 3:18John Fletcher emphasizes that the Lord Jesus Christ desires to manifest Himself to all born-again believers in a spiritual manner, which is essential for experiencing the fullness of His salvation. He argues that spiritual senses, akin to physical senses, are necessary for perceiving divine truths and that these senses are awakened in those who are regenerated. Fletcher supports his claims with scriptural evidence, asserting that the ability to discern spiritual realities is a gift from God to His followers. He warns against the dangers of being spiritually blind and encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ through these spiritual senses. Ultimately, Fletcher's message is a call to recognize and cultivate the spiritual faculties that allow for a genuine experience of God's presence.
Our Responsibility
By G. Campbell Morgan0Obedience to the SpiritSpiritual GrowthMAT 5:14JHN 16:13ROM 8:142CO 3:18GAL 5:25EPH 4:30PHP 2:121TH 5:19HEB 5:14JAS 1:22G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the believer's responsibility to respond to the progressive revelation of Christ through the Holy Spirit. As the Spirit unveils new aspects of Christ, it demands obedience from us, urging us to walk in the light we receive. Morgan illustrates that failing to respond leads to spiritual decline, while obedience transforms us into the likeness of Christ. He encourages believers to actively cooperate with the Spirit, recognizing that our duty is to answer the call of truth and allow the Spirit to work dynamically within us. Ultimately, our response to the light we receive shapes our witness to the world.
The Meaning of Holiness
By Charles Ewing Brown0PRO 9:10JHN 17:19GAL 3:13HEB 5:14HEB 10:191JN 4:17Charles Ewing Brown delves into the complex concept of holiness, exploring its origins in ancient religions and its evolution in the Old Testament. He discusses the paradoxical nature of holiness, where some things are considered more holy than others, drawing parallels to personal property ownership. Brown emphasizes the importance of entire sanctification, where Christians move from belonging to God in a general sense to becoming His private, personal possession through a second crisis experience. He also addresses the idea of sanctifying holy things through deep acknowledgment of their holiness, highlighting the significance of love as the fulfillment of the law and the essence of holiness in human nature.
The Homilies
By J.H. Newman0PRO 3:5ACT 17:111CO 2:14EPH 4:14COL 2:81TH 5:212TI 3:16HEB 5:142PE 3:161JN 4:1J.H. Newman discusses the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Homilies in the context of the Thirty-fifth Article, emphasizing that the focus is on the overall doctrine rather than every specific statement. He highlights the need to discern the core teachings of the Homilies and how they align with the Articles of the Church. Newman challenges the idea of blindly subscribing to every detail in the Homilies, pointing out the nuanced nature of doctrine and the need for discernment. He delves into various propositions and statements from the Homilies that are often overlooked but hold significance in understanding the Church's teachings.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
But strong meat - The high and sublime doctrines of Christianity; the atonement, justification by faith, the gift of the Holy Ghost, the fullness of Christ dwelling in the souls of men, triumph in and over death, the resurrection of the body, the glorification of both body and soul in the realms of blessedness, and an endless union with Christ in the throne of his glory. This is the strong food which the genuine Christian understands, receives, digests, and by which he grows. By reason of use - Who, by constant hearing, believing, praying, and obedience, use all the graces of God's Spirit; and, in the faithful use of them, find every one improved, so that they daily grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ our Lord. Have their senses exercised - The word αισθητηρια signifies the different organs of sense, as the eyes, ears, tongue, and palate, nose, and finger ends, and the nervous surface in general, through which we gain the sensations called seeing, hearing, tasting, smelling, and feeling. These organs of sense, being frequently exercised or employed on a variety of subjects, acquire the power to discern the various objects of sense: viz. all objects of light; difference of sounds; of tastes or savours; of odours or smelling; and of hard, soft, wet, dry, cold, hot, rough, smooth, and all other tangible qualities. There is something in the soul that answers to all these senses in the body. And as universal nature presents to the other senses their different and appropriate objects, so religion presents to these interior senses the objects which are suited to them. Hence in Scripture we are said, even in spiritual things, to see, hear, taste, smell, and touch or feel. These are the means by which the soul is rendered comfortable, and through which it derives its happiness and perfection. In the adult Christian these senses are said to be γεγυμνασμενα, exercised, a metaphor taken from the athlete or contenders in the Grecian games, who were wont to employ all their powers, skill, and agility in mock fights, running, wrestling, etc., that they might be the better prepared for the actual contests when they took place. So these employ and improve all their powers, and in using grace get more grace; and thus, being able to discern good from evil, they are in little danger of being imposed on by false doctrine, or by the pretensions of hypocrites; or of being deceived by the subtleties of Satan. They feel that their security depends, under God, on this exercise - on the proper use which they make of the grace already given them by God. Can any reader be so dull as not to understand this?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
strong meat--"solid food." them . . . of full age--literally, "perfect": akin to "perfection" (Heb 6:1). by reason of use--Greek, "habit." senses--organs of sense. exercised--similarly connected with "righteousness" in Heb 12:11. to discern both good and evil--as a child no longer an infant (Isa 7:16): so able to distinguish between sound and unsound doctrine. The mere child puts into its mouth things hurtful and things nutritious, without discrimination: but not so the adult. Paul again alludes to their tendency not to discriminate, but to be carried about by strange doctrines, in Heb 13:9. Next: Hebrews Chapter 6
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:14 Being able to recognize the difference between right and wrong is a defining characteristic of spiritual maturity.