REVIEW OF PREVIOUS LESSON:
Last week our focus was on the essential role of teaching the Word of God. While many different roles contribute to the overall work of the church, perhaps none are as central to the purpose of the church as the teaching and preaching of God’s Word.
Today our focus is on the significance of growing in grace and knowledge as we seek to find our place in the church. Great emphasis is typically given to preparation for the workplace, for the athletic field or the cultivation of some other skill, but what about preparing ourselves for the Lord’s service?
PETER’S CHARGE
The apostle Peter ends his second letter charging his brethren: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” (2 Pt. 3:18). These two areas are essential for the Christian not only finding their place in the work of the church, but excelling in them.
GROWING IN GRACE
Earlier in the letter Peter specifically instructed his readers to “add to their faith.” Peter stated, “For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love” (2 Pt. 1:5-7). Growth in these attributes enables one to be fruitful in the Lord’s work (see v. 8).
The virtue and personal growth of the Christian cannot be separated from the contribution he or she can make to the work of the church. Surely this is evidenced when Paul instructed the young preacher Timothy to “set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity” (1 Tim. 4:12).
The conduct and spirit of the Christian “adorns” or complements the Gospel of Christ (see Titus 2:10). Of course, when the the Christian’s spirit is not so exemplary, it casts a dark shadow on the Christian faith. When Christians are light, they reflect the image of Christ!
With good-hearted souls, Jesus’ character was endearing and favorable (see Lk. 2:52). Our character and attitudes as God’s children can be either a great catalyst or a detriment to the work of Christ. Let’s grow in our character! Let’s be gracious!
GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE
The second part of Peter’s final admonishment at the end of 2 Peter is to grow in knowledge (see 3:18). Knowledge, knowledge of God’s Word, is vital to the Christian’s place and usefulness in the church.
Paul says that the word of God throughly equips the Christian for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). From the negative perspective, no Christian can be properly equipped for the work of the Lord without the word of the Lord. God’s word is our sword! (see Eph. 6:17).
Knowledge is vital to the work of every Christian for many reasons. Here are just a few:
(1) Knowledge directs one’s steps (see Ps. 119:105). (2) Knowledge provides a reservoir to teach from (see Heb. 5:12). (3) Knowledge leads to the purification of the soul and guards against sin (see Jn. 17:17; Ps. 119:11). (4) Knowledge prepares Christians to defend the faith (see 1 Pt. 3:15). (5) A knowledge of the truth is also the basis for unity in the Lord’s body which is critical to the non-believer accepting the Lord (see Jn. 17:20-23).
In 1 Peter 2:2 the apostle states: “Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation.” This wholesome desire fuels the Christian’s growth and helps provide the motivation he needs to grow in his service to the Lord.
The more we grow in grace and knowledge the more useful we will be in finding our place in the church and the more souls will be touched with the Gospel of Christ.
Daren Schroeder
