The book of 2 Peter in the Bible is a letter attributed to the apostle Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. In chapter 3, Peter offers us a profound vision of the end times, the coming of Christ, and most importantly, the spiritual growth we should seek.
The verse we have chosen for this study is 2 Peter 3:18, which says: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”
This verse is an exhortation from Peter for us, as Christians, to always seek spiritual growth. The interesting thing is that He emphasizes two specific areas in which we should grow: knowledge and grace.
The knowledge referred to here is not only intellectual knowledge of the Word of God but also personal and intimate knowledge of Jesus Christ. It is a call for us to deepen our understanding of the Scriptures and the person of Christ. As it says in Colossians 1:10, “And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.”
Grace, on the other hand, refers to God’s unmerited favor, demonstrated in His mercy, forgiveness, and love. It is through grace that we are saved, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Growth is something continuous:
The growth in knowledge and grace, as emphasized in 2 Peter 3:18, is a dynamic and continuous process, not a static achievement. This means that it is not about reaching a specific level of knowledge or receiving a fixed measure of grace and stopping there. Instead, it is a path of constant transformation of spiritual growth.
This growth process is similar to physical growth. Just as a baby is not born as a fully developed adult, but grows gradually over time, so too our spiritual journey involves progressive growth. It is not expected that we have a complete understanding of the Bible or that we experience all the fullness of God’s grace as soon as we become Christians. Instead, as we delve deeper into the Word of God and engage with Him in prayer and worship, our knowledge and understanding grow gradually.
Furthermore, growth in grace is also a continuous process. God’s grace is not something we receive once and then never need again. Instead, we need God’s grace every day to help us overcome our weaknesses, to forgive us when we err, to strengthen us in our struggles, and to guide us in our decisions. As we experience God’s grace in our lives, we are transformed and molded more into His image.
The importance of the church in the process of growth in knowledge and grace:
The Bible emphasizes the importance of the Christian community (church) in our spiritual journey. In Hebrews 10:24-25, it says: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
The Christian community plays a fundamental role in offering mutual support and encouragement during our journey of spiritual development. It is through the community that we can share knowledge, learn from each other, and grow together in our understanding of the Word of God.
Moreover, the community also serves as a means not only to experience God’s grace but also to help us grow in grace. It is through the community that we can experience God’s love, forgiveness, and mercy with each other. It is through the community that we can help each other carry our burdens and support each other in our struggles.
Therefore, the Christian community is a crucial element in our journey of growth in knowledge and grace. It is through the community that we can support each other, encourage each other, and grow together in our spiritual journey.
In conclusion, the verse 2 Peter 3:18 reminds us of the importance of spiritual growth in our Christian journey. It is a call to always seek more knowledge of God and experience His grace as we prepare for the coming of Christ. And above all, it is a reminder that all glory belongs to Him, now and forever. Amen.
