How to Grow in Grace
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.
~ 2 Peter 3:18 (NIV)
It is a law of nature that where there is no growth, there is no life. That principle applies as much to our spiritual lives as it does to plants and children. The way we grow in our spiritual formation is to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). But what does that mean? If grace is entirely God’s gift to us, how can we take the initiative to “grow in grace”?
As the nineteenth-century theologian Archibald Alexander explains, “Just so far as any soul increases in spiritual knowledge, in the same degree it grows in grace.”* To grow in grace requires that we be diligent in the acquisition of spiritual knowledge, both experiential and intellectual, that allows us to grow in wisdom—knowledge of our spiritual state, knowledge of God’s Word and knowledge of Christ.
In his essay “Growth in Grace,” Alexander offers several suggestions for how to grow in grace:
1. Recognize that it will take sustained effort—“As growth in grace is gradual, and the progress from day to day imperceptible, we should aim to do something in this work every day. We should die daily unto sin and live unto righteousness.”
2. Do the work, but rely on the Holy Spirit—Our progress in spiritual formation requires that we “do the work” by diligently practicing spiritual disciplines. But even as we add our human efforts toward sanctification, we should realize that any progress is the work of the Holy Spirit. A good rule of thumb is to “use the means as vigorously as if you were to be saved by your own efforts, and yet trust as entirely to the grace of God as if you made use of no means whatsoever.”
3. Study Scripture for spiritual benefit rather than for curiosity and controversy—“Avoid curious and abstruse speculations respecting things unrevealed and do not indulge a spirit of controversy.”* Our efforts in studying Scripture should lead us to become more like Jesus, not toward becoming better theological debaters or curators of obscure speculation.
Lord Jesus, by the power of your Spirit help us to grow in grace so that we can become reflectors of your grace for the people around us. In your name we pray. Amen.In Jesus,
Chaplain Kenny
Click HERE to find out more about how to have a personal
relationship with Jesus Christ.
* Archibald Alexander, “Growth in Grace,” accessed August 16, 2014, http://www.the-highway.com/growth_Alexander.html.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Devotion taken from NIV Lifehacks Bible.
Growing in grace requires acquiring the spiritual knowledge that leads us to become more obedient to Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment