GROWING in the GRACE and KNOWLEDGE of JESUS CHRIST!
December
21 Bible Reading: 2 Peter Chapters 1-3
GROWING in the GRACE and KNOWLEDGE of JESUS CHRIST!
"You therefore, beloved, since you know
this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being
led away with the error of the wicked; 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 3:17-18)
Apostle
Peter, the chief Apostle and a close disciple of the Lord Jesus, wrote two
general epistles (letters) to all the believers living during his time and
beyond. While his first letter was a
warning about trials from without
(persecution), his second letter was
a warning about trials from within
(heresy). Peter warns everyone to be careful and avoid shortsightedness
(1:2-11), guard against false teachers (2:1-22), and in general, be vigilant
against personal complacency that would lead to a lazy faith.
As Peter was
acutely aware of his impending death (1:14), he wrote some memorable words as
he concluded his final letter. He counseled us that we should ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Savior Jesus Christ’ (v. 18b). ‘Grace’
is the practical demonstration of the fruit of the Spirit. Growth in grace is
not increased head knowledge or tireless activity; it is increasing likeness to the Lord Jesus. ‘Knowledge’ means getting to
know God through His Word. Growth
in knowledge means increasing study of
and subjection to His words, works, and ways.
We need to
grow in our actual, personal knowledge of Jesus Christ as such knowledge is our
greatest protection against false
teachings. This knowledge is the ever-deepening experience of Christ and understanding
of His truth that should characterize the entire course of our lives as well.
Our
spiritual growth will only happen when our faith is cultivated. We can only do
that as we meditate on the word of God (Psalm 119:97-104) as the blessed Holy
Spirit will remind us about our areas for personal growth and improvement.
Along with that, small group studies and active involvement in a local church
will help us to remember the vital truth required for our spiritual growth.
