GROWING IN GRACE

II Peter 3:18

How does a Believer ‘grow’ in grace when grace is a ‘gift’?

1. ‘Grow’ (auxano) is a verb meaning: to enlarge both literally and figuratively; actively and passively. To increase; become greater.

2. Let’s consider how II Peter begins – 1:2-11 – grace is to multiply; this divine power gives us all things that pertain to life and godliness through knowledge of Jesus who has called us.

a. Col. 1:6,10 – grace is supposed to grow. – [Hope] which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth…that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.

b. This ‘grace’ is built upon knowledge of Jesus: ‘knowledge’ (epignosis) recognition; full discernment; acknowledgement; precise and correct knowledge.

c. ‘Pertain’ (pros) [II Pet. 1:2]: a preposition of direction to move forward.

3. We must grow in grace to become “partakers of the divine nature” of God.

• Ro. 6:14 - “We are not under law buy under grace.”

• John 1:17 – For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

• Ro. 3:19-20 – Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

• Col. 2:14 – Our growth in grace begins with Jesus’ work of salvation: [Jesus] having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

Grace is both a ‘gift’ and a responsibility!!

1. People examples in scripture:

a. Samuel – I Sam. 2:26 – the child, Samuel, grew in stature and in favor both w/God & men.

b. John the Baptist – Lk. 1:80 – the child grew & became strong in spirit…until he was revealed

c. Jesus – Lk. 2:40 – the child grew & became strong in spirit, filled w/wisdom & the grace of God was upon Him.

2. Elements of Growth listed from II Peter 1:5-8 –

a. Faith – towards God; (pistis) persuasion, i.e. credence and moral conviction of Truth

• Our internal belief system; the assent of our minds to God’s truth

b. Virtue – moral excellence (accrete) valor.

• An active quality or power to influence others with God’s righteousness & truth.

• With it comes the strength of joy and the courage of boldness to please Him.

c. Knowledge – of Jesus; (gnosis) knowing; intelligence.

• We see Him clearly and hear/know His voice.

d. Temperance – in all things; (enkrateia) self-control; mastery of desires and passions.

• We don’t overindulgence in our appetites, and passions demonstrating patience & calmness by avoiding excesses

e. Patience – in all situations; towards all people; (hypomone) cheerful endurance and constancy.

• A supernatural ability to wait calmly, to suffer with fortitude/strength to resist attack, to be content for things hoped for become a reality while being consistent in our labors and applications of the truth of God’s word.

f. Godliness – in imitation of our Father; (eusebeia) holiness; reverence towards God.

• We careful to observe and do God’s commands, applying His word to our lives rightly.

g. Brotherly Kindness – (Philadelphia) towards one another; fraternal affection that cherishes fellow believers.

• We develop and cultivate an attitude of lenient/merciful love towards our fellow Believers.

h. Love – always, without conditions; (agape) complete love both socially and morally.

• This is demonstrated as we show devoted affection towards God with gratitude of heart and reverent awe of Him.

• This love is selfless, not expecting anything in return for our kindness towards others.

3. Mature Grace Evidenced by:

• Ro. 6:15 - What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not! - Grace is not an excuse to sin.

• Jn. 1:14 – And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. – The closer you are to, the more you know Jesus, the more grace and truth you walk in!

• Ac. 4:33 – And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. – Your testimony is given with power and grace as it pours out grace from Jesus who dwells within you.

• Ac. 14:26 – From there (Paul and Barnabas) sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended [surrendered] to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.

• Ro. 5:2 – By whom [Jesus] also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Our journey together as Christians is the journey of discovering Jesus on a personal and transformative level. The grace and truth of Jesus goes against everything in the world’s system which is built on pride and self-righteousness. Heb. 12:1-2 encourages us to put off the things that hinder us. If we are fully setting our hope on Jesus, we are running in the right direction! Genuine grace allows us to grow in confidence in our knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.