LEARNING DAILY

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.

This blog, and others that I read daily, are about encouraging readers to grow spiritually through reading/studying/meditating on God’s Word, prayer and obedience through walking the narrow way. This growth does not just happen; it takes effort on every Believer’s part. It does not occur by participating one hour on a weekend in a church service. It takes a dedicated effort just like going to a gym to build muscle and walking or running to gain cardiovascular endurance.

Peter writes that Believers are “to grow in grace and in knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Growing in grace is not about gaining more grace. Grace, by definition, is unearned; you cannot work or do anything to get more. It is through God’s grace, by sending Jesus Christ to take all who would believe in Him, that the Believer’s sins are forgiven. As a Believer, you have all rights through Him. We cannot get more grace. However, living under grace given by Jesus there is a wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually stronger and have a deeper relationship with Him.

Maturing in one’s Christian life is not about what we do, but about what God does in us, by His grace. When one accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior, they are considered “baby Christians who need to feed on the milk of the Word” (a term I heard a long time ago). To grow in grace is to grow in one’s understanding of what Jesus did and to “grow up, to be able to feed on the deeper teachings of God’s Word – to feed on the meat of the Word.” Growing in grace is that attribute of God that enables, empowers believers to break free of sinful behavior and patterns in their life that are continually causing problems. Growing in grace gives Believers strength to be obedient and walk the narrow way. Without God’s favor, His grace, Believers would be lost in this world.

How much more grace could be possible than to accept what the Son of God did on calvary’s cross? God’s grace does not increase. To grow in grace is to grow in our understanding and appreciation of the grace Believers have been given. The more understanding gained by learning about Jesus, the more appreciation Believers have about His love and sacrifice for us. That comes through continually seeking him. Knowledge refers to the understanding of His teachings and principles, which come from His Word and applying them to one’s life. Your relationship to the Lord deepens as your knowledge of His Word grows in you and you become more like Him.

God’s Word contains all the knowledge Believers need to learn about God, His Son, and the Holy Spirit; His Word has all Believers need to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ. Can I challenge each reader to be more dedicated to grow in your faith by digging deeper into the teachings found in God’s Word and allowing Him to transform you into the man/woman of God you are meant to be?