1 Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

What do newborns need before they can walk or talk? Every newborn needs mother’s milk. In order to relate to being born again, being a babe in Christ, let us examine the simply understood things.

A baby is helpless to choose for itself what to drink. The mother makes the choices between milk and water. Babies get both but the milk is the only one referred to in spiritual growth.

Mother’s milk is obtained from one who loves the baby unselfishly. There is a bond which is an extension of the act of feeding. The mother gives that which is within herself. The ability to provide healthy milk can only come from a healthy body.

Only those who are spiritually healthy can provide spiritual milk of the word of God. They do not mix it, water it down, nor pollute it. Here also, the babe in Christ does not get to choose the milk, it is chosen for them.

These newborn Christians are not in children’s church, or the nursery, they are present within the congregation. It is likely that they have been attending some number of gatherings before they accept Christ. They have heard the word, they have a natural understanding.

Matthew 13:23a But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it;

This seed planted to grow is the simple gospel. It is the word that causes new birth and is the first sip of the milk of the word. It is the gospel that stimulates digestion. A babe that cannot digest spiritual milk is not born in the spirit.

1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.