Growing In Christ

2 Peter 3:17-18 (KJV) - 17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. 

There is something that Peter is telling us in these verses, "don't be a lazy Christian not learning the Word of God". There is no little gimmick, there is no little course you can take in a week, there is no little program that you can go through that will change and revolutionize your life -- there is no easy way. We are to seriously study the entire Word of God, not just a few little verses of Scripture that we throw about and kick around like a football. Peter says, "Ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness." 

Peter's characteristic word is knowledge. The epitome of his entire epistle is expressed in the injunction of this final verse: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen [2Pet. 3:18].

"Grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." True knowledge is not some information concerning a form or formula, a rite or ritual; nor is it some secret order or password, as the Gnostics claimed. It is to know Jesus Christ as He is revealed to man in the Word of God. This is the secret of life and of Christian living (see John 17:3).

Only as we spend time with Him, as He is revealed in His Word, can we grow in our knowledge of Him.

But what is real Christians grow? 

First, we se the potential for real Christian growth (2 Peter 1:1-4).

• They have a genuine “like precious faith” (1:1).  His greeting indicates that it is in the context of the knowledge of God and Jesus that grace and peace are to be multiplied (1:2). 
• These believers had real faith and real knowledge, the absolute prerequisites for true growth in the Christian life.

      They had everything they needed for true spiritual growth.

• God’s provisions “for life and godliness” (1:3-4). Peter references God’s power and His promises as he speaks of these as available through the knowledge of God. 
• These provisions of God enable these believers to be escapers and partakers (1:4). 
• They could escape the corruption of the world and partake of the “divine nature.” 

It is very clear clear that there is a solid basis for the expectation and exhortation for his readers’ growth in Christ. The potential for growth was there, and it is there for every true child of God.

Second, there is the pursuit of real Christian growth, (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Having the resources does not guarantee that the child of God will use them. 

The Apostle affirms the need for personal diligence in matters of growth (1:5). There is a pursuit that is a part of the life of the growing and maturing believer. 

• Because of what they have in their knowledge of God, “giving all diligence,” they are to “add to [their] faith….”
• There is a personal responsibility and activity involved in this call for growth. 

There are seven character qualities that need to be added to faith. 

• Virtue, 
• Knowledge, 
• Self-control, 
• Perseverance, 
• Godliness, 
• Brotherly kindness and, 
• Love. 

This is a list of essential character qualities that should be evident in the life of a true child of God. Each quality is important and they are inter-related. It is not a surprise that the list starts with faith as the foundation and ends with love. 

Third, there is the prospects for real Christian growth, (2 Peter 1:8-11)The Apostle clearly states that having these qualities (referred to in verses 5-7), and abounding in them, is very important indeed. 

Such growth in character will result in a spiritually fruitful life, avoiding barrenness and unfruitfulness (1:8). Not having these Christian character qualities will reveal a shortsightedness and a bad memory as far as one’s cleansing from sin is concerned. 

• To be cleansed from “old sins” (1:9) should mean that the pursuit of holiness and maturity will follow. 
• There should be diligence to demonstrate through the child of God’s life one’s “calling and election” (1:10). 
• The believer who is truly growing in grace and knowledge “will never stumble” (10). 
• An abundant entrance into “the everlasting kingdom” is the expectation (11). 

Note: Peter doesn’t just speak of getting into heaven, he speaks of an entrance that will be supplied abundantly.

• The Apostle Peter indicates that his death is close at hand (1:14). With this in mind, as well as the false teaching that at least could potentially influence these believers, he calls for: Personal diligence; 
• Leading to real growth in Christian character. 
• In light of the “Day of the Lord” which also is an incentive for pursuing holiness and godliness (3:11).

Rather than stumbling, the Christian should be fruitful as he/she grows “in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (3:18).