Grow

 Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE: 

2Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen

O - OBSERVATION: 

Peter is addressing the early Christians with advice that is pertinent to every Christian in any age and of every age. In every period of history and in our own culture for sure, Christians are under constant pressure to compromise the truth of scripture and to be lead astray by false teachers who twist the truth. Peter is trying to reinforce the importance of growing in the knowledge of Christ.

A - APPLICATION: The best way I know of to grow in the grace and knowledge of God is to spend time in God’s Holy Word! Romans 10:17 says “so than faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. When our faith grows, our knowledge of God also grows by the power of the Holy Spirit. By gaining in knowledge and discernment we are able to fend off the attacks of false teachers, and are much less likely to say a half truth ourselves. 2Timothy 3:16,17, tell us exactly why reading the scriptures are so important to brothers and sisters in Christ. “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 might be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” We grow through the Word by the power of God’s Holy Spirit.

P - PRAYER: Heavenly Father, you have made a way for us to grow, and it begins with Your Word. It can be taught by faithful parents, faithful teachers, faithful lay people, and faithful pastors. Lord lead us all to be faithful teachers so that many may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because Your Spirit if fundamental to any growth, we give You all the praise and glory. In Jesus Name, Amen

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash