Growing in Grace
Scripture: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” – 2 Peter 3:18
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with hearts open to learn and grow in Your truth. Thank You for Your abundant grace that sustains us each day. As we reflect on Your Word, help us to deepen our understanding of Your love. Guide us to grow into the people You have called us to be. Lead us by Your Spirit, and may all we do bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Introduction
Growing in grace is a central theme of the Christian life. It signifies spiritual maturity, a journey marked by continual transformation as we draw closer to God and reflect His character. In 2 Peter 3:18, the apostle Peter exhorts believers to grow in both grace and knowledge. But what does this growth look like? How can we cultivate grace in our daily lives? And what role does knowledge of Christ play in this process? Let us delve into these questions and discover the richness of this Scripture.
Grace: A Gift, Yet a Call to Grow
Grace is unmerited favor—the undeserved love and mercy of God given to us through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” This foundational truth emphasizes that salvation is not earned but freely given.
However, receiving grace is not the endpoint. Peter’s call to “grow in grace” suggests an ongoing process. Grace is not stagnant; it is dynamic and transformational. Philippians 1:6 assures us, “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.” God’s grace initiates and sustains our growth, but we are commanded to participate actively.
Knowledge: Knowing Christ Deeply
Peter pairs grace with knowledge in 2 Peter 3:18. This is not mere intellectual knowledge but an intimate, personal understanding of Jesus Christ. In John 17:3, Jesus said, “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” Knowing Christ involves studying His Word, communing with Him in prayer, and walking in obedience.
Proverbs 9:10 declares, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” As we grow in knowledge, our minds are renewed (Romans 12:2), and we become equipped to discern God’s will. This knowledge also strengthens our faith, enabling us to trust God in every circumstance.
Practical Steps to Grow in Grace and Knowledge
- Abiding in Christ In John 15:4, Jesus commands, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.” Abiding involves maintaining a close, daily relationship with Jesus through prayer, worship, and meditating on His Word. This connection is the source of spiritual nourishment and growth.
- Embracing Humility James 4:6 reminds us, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Humility is essential for receiving grace and growing in it. When we recognize our dependence on God, we position ourselves to be molded by His Spirit.
- Serving Others Grace grows as we share it with others. In 1 Peter 4:10, we are instructed, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Whether through acts of kindness, encouragement, or forgiveness, serving others reflects God’s grace and helps us grow spiritually.
- Facing Trials with Faith Growth often occurs in the crucible of trials. James 1:2-4 encourages us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Trusting God in hardship deepens our reliance on His grace.
- Studying the Scriptures 2 Timothy 3:16-17 highlights the importance of Scripture: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Diligent study of God’s Word expands our knowledge and equips us to grow in grace.
Supporting Scriptures and Reflections
- Colossians 1:10: “That you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
- Growing in grace requires aligning our actions with God’s will. As we grow, our lives bear fruit that pleases Him.
- Hebrews 12:15: “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God.”
- This verse reminds us of the communal aspect of grace. We are called to encourage one another and help others remain steadfast in their faith.
- Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.”
- Grace empowers us to live transformed lives that reflect God’s holiness.
- Philippians 3:8-10: Paul says, “Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”
- Paul’s passionate pursuit of knowing Christ exemplifies the heart posture we should have.
Obstacles to Growing in Grace
While God provides all we need to grow, there are obstacles we must guard against:
- Pride: An inflated sense of self-reliance can hinder grace. Proverbs 16:18 warns, “Pride goes before destruction.”
- Distractions: The cares of the world can choke our spiritual growth (Matthew 13:22).
- Lack of Discipline: Growth requires intentional effort. Laziness or neglect of spiritual practices can stunt our development (Proverbs 24:30-34).
By acknowledging these challenges, we can seek God’s help to overcome them.
The Goal of Growth
The ultimate goal of growing in grace and knowledge is to glorify God. As 2 Peter 3:18 concludes, “To Him be the glory both now and forever.” Our growth is not for personal accolades but to reflect His glory and further His kingdom.
In Philippians 1:11, Paul describes this beautifully: “Being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.”
Closing Reflection
Growing in grace is a beautiful, lifelong journey. It is an invitation to draw closer to Christ, reflect His character, and live a life that honors Him. Through prayer, humility, service, and perseverance, we can experience the transformative power of His grace. Let us heed Peter’s exhortation. We should commit to growing in grace and knowledge daily. We should always keep our eyes fixed on Jesus.
May we echo the words of the hymn, “Grace, grace, God’s grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within.”
