The Scriptures warn Christians of pride’s overconfidence: Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Cor. 10:12). Yet, the temptation to either tell or to hear some new thing infects the thinking of some brethren, persuading them to discount the need to hear and preach the old paths (Acts 17:21; Jer. 6:16). Preaching on Bible authority, true worship, the organization and work of the local church, the inspiration of the Scriptures, the plan of salvation (faith, grace, and works), and the dangers of immorality (fornication, dancing, drinking, etc.) are deemed irrelevant by some, and too negative and harsh by others. Instead of these topics, the common urge is for a message more palatable to the tongue and pleasing to the ear (2 Tim. 4:3-4).

A rationalized defense is offered for this shift away from preaching the old paths of God’s word: We already know that. Maybe so. Yet, the Scriptures are full of exhortations reminding us of things we know (Luke 17:32; Gal. 1:8-9; Phil. 3:1-2; 2 Pet. 1:12-15). We must couple knowledge with love, or our knowledge only puffs up (1 Cor. 8:1-3). And, knowledge must be coupled with discernment to make wise, righteous choices (Phil. 1:9-11).

Growing to spiritual maturity does not mean we abandon the first principles of the gospel. The problem of immaturity in Hebrews 5:12-6:3 resulted from a failure to use the word of righteousness to discern good and evil. Without properly using the word of God, we will not grow in Christ (2 Pet. 3:18; 2 Tim. 2:15). If we conclude we already know that, we are setting ourselves up to eventually neglect that part of God’s word we already know, thereby hastening the erosion of our faith.

Leaving does not mean forgetting (Heb. 6:1). An adult does not live on milk, but he does drink it. Or, again (using the figure of construction), a foundation must be laid before constructing a building. The elementary principles of Christ must be implanted in our hearts for us to go on to perfection (maturity, Heb. 6:1-2; James 1:21). Spiritual maturity does not dismissively say, we already know that, and now we want something else. Maturity sees the value of maintaining a solid foundation to build strong faith (Heb. 11:1).

A balanced diet of gospel teaching is essential. We must preach and consume the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). We must always teach holy living that identifies sin and warns of sin and death (Gal. 5:19-21; Rom. 6:23). We must always teach and hold fast the pattern of sound words, honoring Christ’s authority in everything while rejecting every innovation and error (2 Tim. 1:13; Col. 3:17; Matt. 15:7-14). We need reproof, rebuke, and exhortation in season and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2).

Preachers and brethren, continue to preach and demand God’s word on every subject. Never say, “We already know that,” lest you develop an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God (Heb. 3:12).

“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isa. 8:20).