GROW IN GRACE by Pastor Scott Henry

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

Hebrews 5:13-14: “For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Spiritual growth comes by way of exercising yourself in the Word of righteousness. But we must understand that spiritual growth is gradual. As a child grows into a youth and the youth grows into an adult, so also with the believer as he grows in grace.

And as you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ you will find that your awareness of God’s gracious favor will become more pronounced in your life because as you grow spiritually you will become more conscious of your own sinfulness and unworthiness. You won’t say, “Boy, I’m a good person.” No! Rather, you’ll say, “What a wretch I am and how I am thankful for God’s grace in Jesus Christ!” Growing in grace humbles you and causes you to desire more and more to live not for yourself, but for Him who has loved you and gave Himself for you (Galatians 2:20).

And so Peter says in our text, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ”, and we do this by exercising the means of grace God has given to us: The Word of God, the sacraments, prayer, fellowship and faithfully attending the worship services of the church to sit under the preaching of the Word of God. These are the means God has ordained for the spiritual growth of every believer. 1 Peter 2:2: “Desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby.”

Are you growing spiritually? Would you say you’ve been humbled by God’s grace or do you walk in prideful arrogance? Do you desire more and more to be fed spiritually with the Word of God? Do you delight in partaking of the sacraments? Do you long for fellowship with other believers? If you’re truly a branch united to the vine then your desire must be like the Psalmist who wrote in Psalm 122: “I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the LORD.” May this be the overwhelming desire and passion of your heart today and always!