grow in grace and knowledge

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.

2 Peter 3:18

The apostle Peter ends this short second letter with this admonition to grow in Christ. He encourages us to grow in two very distinct areas: grace and knowledge. So it would be good to understand what it is to practice this kind of growth.

What does it mean to grow in the grace of Christ? Grace is the core of the gospel. It is God becoming man, loving us, teaching us, dying for our sin, and conquering sin and death by the resurrection from the dead. And in that grace offering salvation to all who will believe. We must grow in the grace of Christ by daily defining our lives by the gospel message, being a people of repentance and faith and sharing that good news with others.

What does it mean to grow in the knowledge of Christ? I don’t think this is just about theology, or giving the right answers to a catechism question. This knowledge is more about knowing Who Jesus is and what our responsibilities are to Him. The text calls Him “our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This knowledge knows and believes the gospel so that we are saved. But it also obeys Jesus because He is Lord. So this growth in knowledge leads to outward change. We obey Jesus Christ. That is how we know Him.

O Lord,

Help me to grow in grace and knowledge. I want to always love and live in the gospel. I want to obey and follow You. 

Amen