2 Peter 3:17-18 (NIVUK)
17 Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever! Amen.
We’ve thought a lot this week about growth in terms of the church growing in number as new people come to faith. This isn’t the only aspect of growth, however, as well as looking to grow the church numerically, we’re also called to grow it spiritually too. Peter summarises this in verse 18: ‘grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’. This growth is intimate and personal, by knowledge, Peter doesn’t just mean head knowledge, but heart knowledge as with a friend or partner, and comes from a deepening understanding of the love and grace that God has shown you in Jesus. This knowledge is deepened through experience, through prayer, through studying the Bible with others as well as alone, and through seeking to put this knowledge into practice, in a life lived seeking to follow him.
Now my heart’s desire is to know You more
To be found in You and known as Yours
To possess by faith what I could not earn
All-surpassing gift of righteousness
Knowing You, Jesus
Knowing You
There is no greater thing
Graham Kendrick
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