In 1534, William Tyndale, the English reformer and Bible translator, was betrayed by a false friend, imprisoned, and condemned for his belief that everyone should be able to read the Scriptures. On October 6, 1536, he was strangled, and his body was burned at the stake. His last words were, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” His prayer was answered three years later, in 1539, when Henry VIII required every church in England to make a copy of Tyndale’s English Bible available to its parishioners. In the same way, the Apostle Peter, who was likely put to death soon after writing the letter we call 2 Peter, left us with what can be seen as his final words. In 2 Peter 3:18, he writes, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” These words stress the importance he placed on spiritual growth. His final encouragement to grow in faith serves as a reminder of our ongoing commitment to press forward in our walk with Christ Jesus the Lord. As we continue our series on “Living the Deeper Life,” we now turn our focus to the next part of our church’s mission statement: “growing in faith.” This principle is rooted in 2 Peter 3:18. To fully grasp the importance of this growth, we must also consider the preceding verse, 2 Peter 3:17: “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.” 

The Importance of Growth: Growth is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. Just as physical growth is essential for a child, spiritual growth is vital for a believer. Peter’s encouragement to grow in grace and knowledge shows that our faith is always changing. It tells us that our walk with Christ Jesus, the Lord, is not a one-time thing, but a process of change and renewal that never ends. 

Staying Guarded: In 2 Peter 3:17, Peter warns believers to be on their guard against the error of the lawless. This is a very important warning for us now. It can be easy to become misled in a world where opposing ideas and misleading doctrines thrive. To grow in faith, you need to stay fixed in the gospel’s truth and watch out for anything that goes against it. Staying watchful is essential for us to stay rooted in Christ and avoid falling into spiritual deception. 

Growing in Grace: Grace is the unmerited favor of God, a gift that we receive through faith in Christ Jesus the Lord. Growing in grace means becoming more aware of God’s ongoing work in our lives and responding with gratitude and obedience. It involves allowing God’s grace to shape our character, influence our actions, and guide our decisions. This growth in grace is not about striving to earn God’s favor but about living in the reality of His love and mercy. In practical terms, growing in grace might look like extending forgiveness to others as we have been forgiven, showing kindness and compassion in our interactions with others, relying on God’s strength in times of weakness, trusting in God’s love and protection during challenging times, and regularly thanking God for His blessings. It’s about letting God’s grace fill every aspect of our lives, transforming us into the likeness of Christ. Growing in Knowledge: Alongside growing in grace, Peter emphasizes the importance of growing in knowledge. This is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deep, personal understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us. It involves a commitment to studying the Scriptures, engaging in prayer, and participating in the life of the church. Growing in knowledge enables us to distinguish between truth and untruth, to maintain our faith in the face of difficulty, and to effectively communicate the gospel with others. As we learn more about God’s Word, we are better able to handle the challenges of life with wisdom and confidence. 

Practical Steps for Growth: To grow in faith, we need to be intentional about our spiritual development. A good way to start is by setting aside some time every day to read the Bible and pray. This helps us stay connected to God’s truth and deepens our relationship with Him. Joining Grow Groups, attending worship services, and getting involved in church activities are also important because they provide us with encouragement and accountability from other believers. Serving others, both within the church and in our communities, is another great way to put our faith into action and develop humility and kindness. By making these practices a regular part of our lives, we can continue to grow spiritually and mature in our faith. Growing in faith is a lifelong process. It requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to be transformed by God’s grace. As we grow, we bring glory to God and become more effective witnesses of His love and truth. In 2 Peter 3:18, the call to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is both a challenge and an invitation. It challenges us to move beyond spiritual complacency and to pursue a deeper relationship with Jesus. At the same time, it invites us to experience the fullness of life that comes from knowing and walking with our Savior. The last phrase of 2 Peter 3:18 says, “To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” May we all embrace this journey of growth with eager hearts, trusting that as we grow in faith, we will see God’s glory revealed in and through us. As we think about our goal of growing in faith, let’s make a daily effort to live this out, aiming to be changed by God’s grace and truth. Let’s make sure our lives show the power of the gospel and the amazing love of Christ Jesus the Lord. Blessings, Pastor Bert