2 Peter 3:18

2 Peter 3:18 ‘but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him to be glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.'

‘but' -In contrast to falling from your own steadfastness.

‘grow' -Spiritual growth is commanded and expected of every Christian (Ephesians 2:10; John 15:1 ff; 1 Corinthians 15:58). In order to remain steadfast, we must grow! The word is in the present tense, ‘keep on growing'. The spiritual growth needed to resist false doctrine as well as all other temptations is described in 2 Peter 1:5.

‘in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ' -Peter has no qualms about putting ‘grace' and ‘knowledge'side by side as the two essential elements of Christian growth.

Points To Note:

We cannot rest on the accomplishments of the past, everyday presents new challenges. On. daily basis, ‘we will be tempted to forget everything we have learned over the years, and trade it in for. novelty item.' (Lucas/Green p. 157) 2. To grow in ‘grace' means that we continually recognize that God is merciful, good and will forgive us when we repent. Therefore, we are never excused for not trying. 3. To grow in ‘knowledge' means that spiritual growth must always be wedded to. correct doctrinal understanding of God and His will. There is no such thing as. relationship with God outside of the truth. 4. Therefore we must reject all ‘doctrines' which try to drive. wedge between love and obedience, grace and law, forgiveness and responsibility, mercy and doctrine, and God and His Word.

‘To Him' -Jesus Christ.

‘be the glory, both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.' -As John wrote, Peter believed that all should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father (John 5:23). ‘The false teachers detracted from Christ's glory now, by. wicked life, and from His glory then, by denying the parousia (Second Coming). Peter is determined to reverse both trends.' (Green p. 151)