From Babes to Sons: How Paul’s Doctrine Grows the Believer

From Babes to Sons: How Paul’s Doctrine Grows the Believer

When we read Paul’s letters, we don’t just see words—we see a journey. A journey from spiritual infancy to maturity. From confusion to clarity. From weakness to strength. And this journey is not random or emotional—it is built on doctrine. The Word of God, rightly divided, is the tool that transforms a believer from a babe in Christ to a mature son who walks in godliness and spiritual understanding.

Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Galatians show us what spiritual infancy looks like. These churches were saved, yes—but they were unstable. They were easily swayed, morally compromised, and doctrinally confused. Paul calls the Corinthians “babes in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1) and rebukes the Galatians for being “foolish” and “bewitched” (Galatians 3:1). These believers could not handle strong doctrine. Paul had to go back to basics—correcting their view of the gospel, exposing their carnality, and pleading with them to grow up. They were children, tossed to and fro, needing milk and not meat.

Now contrast that with Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians. Here we see a different tone. Paul is not rebuking—he is rejoicing. He says, “We give thanks to God always for you all… remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3). These believers had received the Word “not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13). They were standing fast, enduring persecution, and walking in holiness. Paul calls them “brethren beloved of the Lord” and speaks to them as sons—not as children.

What made the difference? Doctrine. The Thessalonians received Paul’s teaching with faith and obedience. They didn’t argue or twist it—they believed it and lived it. And because of that, Paul could build on their foundation. He could teach them about the coming of the Lord, about sanctification, about working quietly and walking honestly. He trusted them with deeper truths because they had proven faithful in the basics.

This is the pattern for every believer. We all start as babes—needing correction, needing clarity, needing to be grounded in the gospel. But if we commit to learning Paul’s doctrine, if we study the Word and believe it, we will grow. We will become sons—mature, stable, fruitful. Our faith will produce godliness. Our knowledge will produce discernment. Our walk will reflect the truth we’ve received.

Growth is not automatic. It requires study. Paul told Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God… rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It requires faith. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Colossians 2:6). And it requires obedience. “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory” (1 Thessalonians 2:12).

So if you find yourself confused, unstable, or struggling—don’t be discouraged. Be diligent. Open Paul’s letters. Learn the doctrine. Let the Word correct you, teach you, and build you up. And if you’re already walking in truth, keep going. Strengthen your brethren. Teach others. Be a living example of what maturity looks like.

The journey from babe to son is not about personality or emotion—it’s about doctrine. And the more you know, the more you grow. Let Paul’s letters guide you. Let the Spirit teach you. And let your life reflect the godliness that comes from truth believed and obeyed.

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro… but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things” (Ephesians 4:14-15).

Additional reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-3; Galatians 3:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17; Colossians 1:9-10.