Birth by God’s word is essential, but it is only a beginning. Babies are not born to stay babies. They are born to grow and eventually to mature. When Peter reminds us that we have been “born again,” therefore, he also shows how we grow.
Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation (1 Peter 2:2). M
The adjective translated here as “spiritual” relates to the noun “word” (of God) just mentioned in 1 Peter 1:23. That is why other translations say, “…desire the milk of the word.” That makes sense: God’s word gave you birth, now it gives you milk for growing up. Watch a hungry new-born. The baby’s whole body joins in crying out, demanding milk now! See how urgently the hungry baby drinks. These are the pictures of our need for God’s word.21 Want it! Long for it! Crave it!
Such pictures are not just for new Christians. Some to whom Peter wrote were elders.22 Yet Peter told all his readers – including these older Christians – to be “like newborn babies.” Think about Timothy, who spent much time with Paul as an active evangelist.23 After years packed with spiritual experiences, Paul still reminded Timothy to be nourished or “trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine” (1 Timothy 4:6). Paul still stressed the value of Scripture,24 and urged Timothy,
Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). M
Timothy began by listening,25 and he continued by listening. More than ever, he did his best to work with God’s word honestly and accurately. Likewise, each of us became a Christian by listening, and we should continue in the same way.
Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving (Colossians 2:6-7). M
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples…” (John 8:31).26 M
21. God’s word nourishes: Matthew 4:4; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Hebrews 5:11-14 cf. Matthew 5:6; John 4:14,34; 6:48-58; 7:37
23. Research Subject – Timothy and Paul: Acts 16:1-3; 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10-11; 2 Corinthians 1:1,19; Philippians 1:1; 2:19-23; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 3:2,6; 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Timothy 1:1-3,18; 3:14-15; 6:20; 2 Timothy 1:1-6; 2:2; 3:10-15; Philemon 1:1 cf. 1 Timothy 4:14; Hebrews 13:23
24. 2 Timothy 3:14-17; 1 Timothy 4:13
25. 2 Timothy 1:2-5; 3:10-15; 1 Timothy 6:12
26. Lit. If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.
Picture: Be like a thirsty newborn.