Post 35 of Study: Hebrews 5

Hebrews 5:11 changes the tone, and the writer implies (or perhaps is more explicit) that he knows the audience rather well, or at least their reputation.  "I have more to say, but it's hard to explain because you have become dull of hearing and should be more advanced in your theological understanding by now." 

I think 11-14 is really a good description of American Christianity today. "You need something easily digestible." In this case, he's talking about breast milk, not cow's milk, which really isn't easily digestible for humans and makes the metaphor even stronger. You should be eating something that you would have to chew on and could digest like an adult. The implication is that they are not maturing spiritually and intellectually (I don't think these can be separated so glibly). They should be able to study the Word for themselves and discern truth, but they became lazy, held back, and did not go on for some reason. 

Those who want the easily digestible stuff--the devotional books, the pep talks, the Hobby Lobby plaques--are unskilled it he word of righteousness and don't spend the time to study and apply on their own. They can't move on to teaching.

But, there's always the other side: speaking the truth in love. It's not just about reading Systematic Theology. There is a matter of choice making, practical experience in the midst of struggle, a discernment in life piece. Even more, there is the need for such a one not to become arrogant with those who are still maturing, or arrogant just in themselves.