"But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen." (2 Peter 3:18)

The two go together . . . you cannot grow in grace unless you grow in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Growing in grace is an automatic byproduct of the knowledge of our Lord.

What is grace? It is being found acceptable, to be favored, and to have a divine influence on your heart. Of course, we all want to grow in grace – to grow in favor with God, to be found acceptable, and to have Him influence all that we are.

What is the "knowledge" of our Lord? If you ask around, most people you talk to will tell you they believe in God. But do they have "knowledge" of our Lord? Relatively few really do.

This knowledge that Peter describes is more than just acknowledgement. Rather, it is a familiarity with God's character, endeavoring to become acquainted with Him and His personality, to understand Him – who He is, what He does, what He purposes, and what He commands.

Psalm 111:2 says "The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein." Anyone who desires to find or who finds "pleasure" in the Lord will seek out His works.

The word "pleasure" means to desire a valuable thing. Anyone who desires the Lord will seek out His works. God delights in those who sincerely desire knowing who and what He is and who inquire with all due humility and reverence to know His will and His works.

How can you grow in the knowledge of our Lord? He has given all we can possibly need to know in the written Word.

John 21:25 says "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." Every pertinent piece of information we need to know about Him and our relationship with Him is contained in the Word of God. Yet, while people say they long to "know" the Lord, they fail to open the Book to find out who He is.

Don't be like those who just murmur and complain because they don't really know the Lord, make a commitment to read your Bible daily and spend time with Him in prayer.

Do you want to grow in grace? Begin to grow in the knowledge of Him who gives grace to all who seek Him. Don't wait for tomorrow to begin . . . start now. Don't depend on someone else's study of the Word to help you grow in grace and in the knowledge of Him, open the Book and let the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ grow in you. Grow in knowledge and grace.

Father, sometimes it's the hardest thing for us to discipline ourselves to be diligent in our pursuit of You. Lord, stir in me once again a hunger that will not cease. Put in me a thirst that cannot be quenched. I commit to You that I will respond with diligence in my desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Help me to never forget. Draw me to Your Word like a magnet and satisfy this longing in my heart to know You more. In Jesus' precious name, by His blood, and for His glory, amen and amen.

"Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:16)

© Jan Ross
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