It is a privilege to be a member of God’s family, a Christian, but it is very important that we “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). We cannot stand still and we dare not go back; we must press on (Philippians 3:14)!
2 Peter 3:18: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
While the most urgent need in the life of every unconverted person is that of the new birth (John 3:3; 5), the most urgent need in the life of a believer is that of growth in grace. Babies need to become healthy children and children need to become ‘mature’ and grow up (Ephesians 4:13). How sad to be a spiritual dwarf, to be born again but to be a babe in Christ (1 Corinthians 3:1)! The Apostle Paul knew this, and the burden in all his letters is that believers may grow, progress and become established in the faith (Romans 1:11; 16:25; 1 Corinthians 3:1-2; Galatians 5:16, 19-21, 22-23; Ephesians 4:7-16; Philippians l:9-11; Colossians 1:28).
Now notice in 2 Peter 3:18 that we are to “grow in grace”, and grow “in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (John 14:9; Philippians 3:10; compare 2 Timothy 1:12). Seven Biblical points related to growing in grace:
Self will decrease and Christ will increase (John 3:30). There will be a desire not to be seen by men (Matthew 6:1-8); to be out of sight, and certainly not to be like Diotrophes (3 John 9; see 1 John 2:15-17). We shall share our Savior’s compassion for the lost (Matthew 9:36); we shall take note of Galatians 6:1-3; Ephesians 4:22-32; Philippians 2:3-8 and we shall not be moved by the trials and testings of life (James 1:2; 12).
Growth is primarily an inward change and progression know as sanctification; where there is true growth it will be seen in the outward life (2 Timothy 4:7-8). For example: a Christian is active in the Lord’s work (Colossians 3:17); an increased knowledge and application of spiritual truths (Proverbs 1:5); speaking in the language of a mature Christian (Ephesians 4:29); public acknowledgement, application and witness (Acts 26:22-23).
(1) We must be truly born again – we must have LIFE. There must be life before there can be growth – John 3:3-6; Ephesians 2:1; 1 John 5:11-13. We cannot grow into grace – we are born into it – then we are to grow. Growth is the result and evidence of life.
(2) We must have the care of others and the comfort of HOME. As a baby is entirely dependent upon its mother, so we need the care of spiritual parents, and the comfort and help of a Christian church. Spiritual tramps do not grow. Link in with a live fellowship of God’s people: look up and compare Acts 2:42 and Hebrews 10:23-25.
(3) We must have plenty of sleep or REST. Sleep is not a luxury but a necessity. Before we can become strong, mature, robust Christians we need to know how to rest upon the promises of God (2 Peter 1:4-12; Isaiah 26:3; Matthew 11:28-29; Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7.
(4) We must have plenty of fresh AIR – this is prayer! Look up Isaiah 40:31; Daniel 6:10; Matthew 6:6; Luke 18:1; James 5:16. A prayerless Christian will always be a stunted Christian; the Psalmist’s prescription for growth in Psalm 55:17!
(5) We must have plenty of good FOOD. We grow by what we eat (Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; John 6:51; 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Peter 2:2). If we are to grow we must not only have plenty of food, but plenty of the right food. Regular devotional Bible reading is the primary ingredient of growth in grace.
(6) We must have plenty of EXERCISE. There must be the exercise of open confession of Christ (Matthew 5:16; Mark 5:19; Romans 10:9-10); soul-winning activity (John 1:41); and generous giving (Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:7). Spiritual exercise in these three ways will soon result in spiritual growth.
(7) We must GO ON GROWING in grace until we see Him face to face. We should never stop growing in this life (Philippians 1:6; compare Revelation 22:4). In concluding this study, and this series of twelve studies, please take careful note of the last two sentences of this letter: “To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.”
