Grow in Grace and Knowledge: Finding Spiritual Revival in 2 Peter 3:18

Alright, let's dive into a topic that's close to all our hearts as we walk this journey of faith. Have you ever felt like you're just…stuck? Like you're not really moving forward in your relationship with God? It's a common feeling, and guess what? The Bible actually gives us some pretty awesome guidance on this. Today, we're going to unpack a powerful little verse: 2 Peter 3:18.

Our focus keyword for today is 2 Peter 3:18, and it's a gem that can truly bring a sense of spiritual relaxation and revival. The verse says: "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (NIV)

See? Simple, right? But packed with so much goodness! Let's break it down in a way that feels like we're just chatting over a cup of coffee.

Tuning In: Why Growth Matters (And Why "Lukewarm" Just Won't Cut It)

Think about anything in life that thrives. A plant needs sunlight and water to grow. A muscle needs exercise to get stronger. Our spiritual lives are no different! God doesn't want us to just stay in the same place. He wants us to flourish, to deepen our connection with Him, and to become more like Jesus every day.

Remember that feeling of being "lukewarm" we talked about before? It's like that cup of coffee that's been sitting out for too long – not hot, not cold, just…meh. And honestly, that's not where God wants us to be. He calls us to a vibrant, growing faith. This verse in 2 Peter 3:18 is like a gentle but firm nudge to keep moving forward.

Let's Talk About "Grace" – It's More Than Just Saying Thanks

The first part of our focus keyword, 2 Peter 3:18, tells us to "grow in the grace." Now, what exactly does "grace" mean? In simple terms, it's God's amazing, undeserved love and favor towards us. It's Him loving us and giving us good things even when we don't deserve it – which, let's be honest, is pretty much all the time!

Growing in grace isn't about earning more of God's love (because we can't!). It's about understanding and experiencing His grace more deeply. It's about recognizing how much He's already done for us through Jesus, and letting that knowledge transform our hearts. When we truly grasp the depth of God's grace, it brings a sense of peace and relaxation to our souls. We realize we don't have to strive and struggle to earn His approval – it's already freely given.

Ephesians 2:8-9 beautifully puts it this way: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

See? It's a gift! Our part is to receive it and let it sink in. As we do, we naturally start to grow in our appreciation and understanding of just how incredible God's grace is.

Getting to Know the Star of the Show: "Knowledge of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ"

The second part of 2 Peter 3:18 encourages us to "grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." This isn't just about knowing about Jesus – like memorizing facts or dates (though those can be helpful!). It's about getting to know Him personally.

Think about it like getting to know a friend. You learn their likes and dislikes, their personality, what makes them tick. The more time you spend with them, the deeper your understanding becomes. It's the same with Jesus! We get to know Him through reading the Gospels, spending time in prayer, and connecting with other believers who can share their experiences of Him.

The more we know Jesus – His love, His compassion, His power, His teachings – the more we become like Him. This knowledge isn't just head knowledge; it transforms our hearts and influences how we live our lives. It brings a sense of revival to our spirit as we connect with the very source of life and truth.

Jesus himself said in John 17:3, "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

Knowing Jesus isn't just a good thing; it's the key to eternal life! And the more we know Him, the more our lives will reflect His light and love.

Why This Growth is a Must-Do (Ditching the Spiritual Slumber)

Remember that image we talked about – the one about signs God might be pulling you out of being lukewarm? Well, 2 Peter 3:18 is like the ultimate antidote to that lukewarmness! When we're actively growing in grace and knowledge, there's no room for spiritual stagnation. We're constantly being refreshed, challenged, and drawn closer to God.

Think of it this way: a stagnant pond gets murky and lifeless. But a flowing river is constantly renewed and full of life. God wants our spiritual lives to be like that flowing river – always moving, always growing.

The book of Revelation actually has some pretty strong words about being lukewarm: "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16)

Whoa! That's pretty intense, right? It shows us how important it is to be passionate and growing in our faith. 2 Peter 3:18 gives us the positive direction – instead of being lukewarm, let's grow in grace and knowledge!

Okay, So How Do We Actually Do This Growing Thing?

This is the practical part, right? How do we actually put 2 Peter 3:18 into action in our everyday lives? Here are a few friendly suggestions:

• Dive into the Bible: Make it a regular habit to read and study God's Word. Don't just skim through it – really try to understand what it's saying and how it applies to your life. There are tons of great Bible study tools and plans out there to help you.

• Talk to God (and Listen!): Prayer is essential for growth. Spend time talking to God about everything – your joys, your worries, your questions. But also, take time to be still and listen for His quiet voice.

• Connect with Other Believers: Being part of a church community or a small group of fellow Christians can be incredibly encouraging and helpful for growth. You can learn from each other, support each other, and hold each other accountable.

• Serve Others: One of the best ways to grow in Christ's likeness is by serving others. When we put others' needs before our own, we're reflecting Jesus' heart.

• Keep Learning: There are so many amazing resources available – books, podcasts, sermons – that can help you deepen your understanding of God and His Word. Never stop learning!

• Find a Mentor: Having someone more mature in their faith who can guide and encourage you can be a game-changer.

The Awesome Payoff: Glory to God!

The last part of our focus keyword, 2 Peter 3:18, reminds us of the ultimate goal: "To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." Our growth in grace and knowledge isn't just for our benefit – it's for God's glory!

When we live lives that reflect Jesus' love and truth, we bring honor to Him. Our growth becomes a testimony to His transforming power. It's like we're saying, "Look what God has done in my life!" And that brings Him joy and glory.

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

Everything we do, including our spiritual growth, should ultimately point back to Him.

Feeling Refreshed? That's the Point!

When we actively pursue growth in grace and knowledge, it doesn't feel like a burden. Instead, it brings a sense of spiritual relaxation and revival. We're no longer stuck in the same old patterns. We're experiencing the freshness of God's love and the excitement of discovering more about who He is. It's like a constant spiritual spring cleaning, making room for more of God in our lives.

Wrapping Up Our Chat

So, there you have it! 2 Peter 3:18 is more than just a verse; it's a roadmap for our spiritual journey. It's a reminder that God wants us to keep growing, to dive deeper into His grace, and to get to know Jesus more intimately. It's about moving beyond that lukewarm feeling and embracing a vibrant, thriving faith that brings glory to God.

Let's take this encouragement to heart today. Let's commit to taking one small step towards growing in grace and knowledge. Whether it's spending a few extra minutes in prayer, reading a chapter of the Bible, or reaching out to connect with another believer, every little bit counts. You've got this, and more importantly, God's got you every step of the way! Keep growing, keep seeking, and keep shining for Him! Amen!