What does it mean to be a newborn babe spiritually, and how do spiritual babies grow?
A spiritual newborn babe is likened to a physical infant who, as soon as it enters the world, must be fed and nurtured to grow. Spiritual babies grow by desiring and hungering for the milk of the Word, so that they may grow thereby, having tasted that the Lord is gracious.
Les explains that Peter writes these words after Paul's revelations had been around a long time, shortly before Peter and Paul were martyred. Peter says, “As newborn babes,” meaning just like a physical infant who must be fed and nurtured to grow. Spiritually, newborn babes are to desire and hunger for the milk of the Word so they may grow thereby, if they have tasted that the Lord is gracious. Peter writes to believing Jews of the dispersion, but Les says it applies to us. He adds that believers, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God by Jesus Christ. Christ is the living stone disallowed by men, especially Israel, but chosen of God and precious.
As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: