But continue to grow and increase in God’s grace and intimacy with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. May he receive all the glory both now and until the day eternity begins. Amen!
2 Peter 3:18 TPT
It is a law of nature that where there is no growth, there is no life. This natural principle applies as well to our spiritual lives. To grow spiritually is to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”. But if grace is entirely God’s gift to us, how then can we take the initiative to “grow in grace”?
To grow in grace, we must be diligent to acquire spiritual knowledge, both experiential and intellectual, that allows us to grow in wisdom — knowledge of our spiritual state, knowledge of God’s Word and knowledge of Christ.
In his essay “Growth in Grace,” Archibald Alexander offers the following suggestions on how to grow in grace:
- Recognize that it will take sustained effort — “As growth in grace is gradual, and the progress from day to day imperceptible, we should aim to do something in this work every day. We should die daily unto sin and live unto righteousness.”
- Do the work but rely on the Holy Spirit — Spiritual growth requires that we “do the work” by diligently practising spiritual disciplines. But, even as we add our human efforts toward sanctification, we should realize that any progress is the work of the Holy Spirit. A good rule of thumb is to “use the means as vigorously as if you were to be saved by your own efforts, and yet trust as entirely to the grace of God as if you made use of no means whatsoever.”
- Study Scripture for spiritual benefit rather than for curiosity and controversy — “Avoid curious and abstruse speculations respecting things unrevealed and do not indulge a spirit of controversy.” Our efforts in studying Scripture should lead us to become more like Jesus, not toward becoming better theological debaters or curators of obscure speculation.
In conclusion, I would like you to see how this passage is rendered in the Easy English Bible version:
Instead, you must grow as believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, who saves us. Continue to know him better and better. He will be kind to you and he will help you more and more. We praise him as he deserves! He is great now and he will be great for ever!
2 Peter 3:18 EASY
Growth, for the believer is not optional; it is a necessary experience. You must grow in our Lord Jesus Christ. He paid the price for your salvation, and His grace is always available unto you. Therefore, see to it that you do not take it for granted. Very important to also point out that, your growth must be continual. Make every effort to ensure that you grow in your knowledge of Him daily. You must continue to know Him better and better, day by day.
