Everything In Christ - Chapter Twenty-Two
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
GROWING IN GRACE AND THE KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE IS A CONTINUOUS JOURNEY OF GROWTH
Receiving salvation through Jesus Christ marks the beginning of a new life, not the completion of spiritual development. When people come to Christ, they receive forgiveness, reconciliation with God, a new identity, and the gift of eternal life. However, they are also called to continue growing in their understanding of God and in their expression of Christlike character.
The Christian life is not intended to remain at the level of an initial experience. Believers should develop a deeper understanding of the gospel, become more established in biblical truth, and increasingly demonstrate the character of Jesus in their daily conduct.
Second Peter 3:18 gives a clear instruction: believers are to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. This instruction reveals two important dimensions of Christian growth. They must continue appreciating and depending on God's grace, while also increasing their knowledge of Christ.
These two dimensions belong together. Knowledge without dependence on grace can produce pride, while an understanding of grace without a desire for growth can encourage spiritual carelessness.
God's provision in Christ is complete, but the believer's experience and understanding of that provision should continue developing throughout life.
UNDERSTANDING WHAT IT MEANS TO GROW IN GRACE
Grace is the foundation of the Christian life. It is God's undeserved favour and provision, made available through Jesus Christ.
Believers are not saved because they have achieved moral perfection or performed enough religious activities to deserve acceptance. Salvation is a gift received through faith.
Ephesians 2:8–9 explains that salvation is by grace through faith and not the result of human works. This truth establishes that the believer's relationship with God begins with His goodness rather than human achievement.
However, growing in grace means more than remembering how salvation was received. It involves developing a deeper understanding of God's kindness, learning to depend on His strength, and allowing His grace to shape everyday conduct.
Titus 2:11–12 teaches that the grace of God brings salvation and trains believers to reject ungodliness and worldly desires while living self-controlled, righteous, and godly lives.
This is an important distinction. Grace does not encourage believers to remain comfortable with sin. It provides the foundation and instruction for a transformed life.
As believers grow in grace, they become increasingly aware of their dependence on God. They learn to approach Him with confidence, receive His correction with humility, and extend forgiveness and kindness to others.
Growing in grace should therefore produce gratitude, humility, obedience, and a greater desire to reflect the character of Christ.
KNOWING JESUS CHRIST BEYOND RELIGIOUS INFORMATION
The second part of Peter's instruction concerns growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
There is a difference between knowing information about Jesus and developing a deeper personal understanding of who He is.
A person may know biblical stories, remember important teachings, and be familiar with Christian terminology without having developed a mature understanding of Christ's person, work, and authority.
Knowing Jesus involves understanding His identity as the Son of God, His saving work, His teachings, His character, and His position as Lord.
Philippians 3:8 reveals Paul's deep desire to know Christ. Despite his religious background and accomplishments, he considered knowing Christ of greater value than the things he had previously regarded as advantages.
This demonstrates that knowing Jesus should remain central to Christian growth.
Believers should continually examine what Scripture reveals about Him. They should understand His humility, obedience, compassion, holiness, authority, sacrifice, resurrection, and present position.
The more clearly believers understand Christ, the better equipped they become to follow His example and represent Him faithfully.
Knowledge of Jesus should not remain an intellectual exercise. It should develop into trust, worship, obedience, and a life increasingly shaped by His character.
GROWING THROUGH A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE GOSPEL
The gospel is not merely a message believers hear when they first become Christians. It remains the foundation of their entire spiritual journey.
The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide the basis for salvation, forgiveness, reconciliation, justification, and the believer's new life.
Romans 5:1–2 explains that believers, having been justified by faith, have peace with God through Jesus Christ and access by faith into the grace in which they stand.
This truth should become increasingly meaningful as believers mature.
Understanding the gospel more deeply helps Christians recognize the seriousness of sin, the greatness of God's love, the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice, and the security of their acceptance through Him.
It also protects them from teachings that suggest that human effort, religious performance, or personal achievements can replace the finished work of Christ.
Growing in the gospel does not mean searching for another foundation. It means becoming more firmly established in the truth of what God has accomplished through Jesus.
As believers understand this foundation more clearly, their gratitude increases and their commitment to godly living becomes stronger.
ALLOWING THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST TO TRANSFORM CHARACTER
One of the clearest evidences of spiritual growth is the transformation of character.
The purpose of knowing Jesus is not simply to become more informed about Christian doctrine. It is also to become increasingly like Him.
Romans 8:29 describes God's purpose for believers as conformity to the image of His Son. This reveals that Christlikeness is central to the Christian journey.
Jesus demonstrated perfect love, humility, obedience, compassion, truthfulness, patience, and holiness. These qualities provide a pattern for believers as they develop their own Christian character.
For example, understanding Christ's humility should influence how believers respond to correction and relate to people who have less influence or resources.
Understanding His compassion should encourage concern for those who are suffering.
Understanding His forgiveness should influence how believers respond when others offend them.
Understanding His obedience should strengthen their willingness to follow God's instructions even when obedience requires sacrifice.
Character transformation is not achieved through outward imitation alone. It involves the renewing work of the Holy Spirit and the believer's willingness to respond to God's Word.
As knowledge of Christ increases, His character should become increasingly visible in the believer's life.
GROWING THROUGH THE WORD OF GOD
The Word of God is essential for continuing growth in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Scripture reveals who Jesus is, what He has accomplished, what He teaches, and how believers should live.
Second Timothy 3:16–17 explains that all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, correction, reproof, and instruction in righteousness, so that the person of God may be complete and equipped for every good work.
This shows that the Bible is not simply a collection of religious writings. It is God's authoritative instruction for developing a life that honours Him.
Believers should therefore continue studying Scripture even after many years of Christian experience.
They should read the Gospels to understand the earthly ministry and teachings of Jesus. They should study the letters of the apostles to understand the meaning and practical implications of Christ's saving work. They should also examine the Old Testament to understand God's unfolding purposes and the foundations of the gospel.
However, Bible study should be approached with humility and a willingness to obey.
The purpose of Scripture is not to provide material for arguments or make believers feel superior to others. It is to reveal God's truth and equip His people to live faithfully.
A growing knowledge of Scripture should produce greater understanding, sound judgment, and practical obedience.
THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Believers are not expected to grow in their own strength alone. The Holy Spirit plays an essential role in developing their understanding of Christ and enabling them to live according to God's purposes.
Jesus described the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of truth who would teach His disciples and remind them of what He had said (John 14:26).
The Spirit also helps believers recognize and apply spiritual truth.
In Galatians 5:16, Paul instructs Christians to walk in the Spirit rather than fulfil the desires of the flesh. This demonstrates that spiritual growth involves daily dependence on the Holy Spirit.
As believers yield to His work, the fruit of the Spirit should increasingly become evident in their lives. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are expressions of the character He produces (Galatians 5:22–23).
The Holy Spirit also convicts believers when their conduct is inconsistent with God's truth and helps them pursue righteousness.
However, dependence on the Spirit should never be separated from Scripture. The Spirit does not lead believers into conduct that contradicts God's revealed Word.
Growing in grace therefore involves learning to depend on the Holy Spirit while remaining grounded in biblical truth.
DEVELOPING SPIRITUAL MATURITY AND STABILITY
Spiritual maturity is more than the number of years a person has been a Christian. It is reflected in the development of understanding, character, discernment, and consistency.
Ephesians 4:13–14 describes the purpose of spiritual development as reaching maturity and becoming established in Christ, rather than remaining like children who are easily influenced by changing teachings.
This is important because believers encounter many opinions, teachings, and interpretations in the world. Without a sound understanding of Scripture, they may become confused or follow ideas that do not agree with the gospel.
Spiritual stability develops when believers become firmly established in the truth of God's Word.
A mature Christian does not accept every religious claim simply because it sounds impressive or is presented by a popular personality. Instead, such a believer examines teachings carefully and measures them against Scripture.
Maturity also affects how people respond to difficulties. Rather than allowing every disappointment to destroy their confidence, mature believers learn to depend on God's promises and remain committed to His truth.
Spiritual stability does not mean knowing every answer or never experiencing questions. It means having a strong foundation in Christ that helps believers remain faithful through different circumstances.
LEARNING FROM CHRIST'S EXAMPLE
Jesus Christ is the perfect example of the life believers are called to follow.
His earthly ministry demonstrated complete obedience to the Father, compassion towards people, humility in service, and unwavering commitment to truth.
Philippians 2:5 encourages believers to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus.
The surrounding passage describes His humility and willingness to take the form of a servant. Although He possessed divine glory, He humbled Himself and became obedient even to death on the cross.
This example challenges believers to examine their attitudes towards position, recognition, authority, and service.
Christian maturity should not produce arrogance or a desire to dominate others. It should produce humility and a willingness to serve.
Jesus also demonstrated compassion towards the weak, rejected hypocrisy, spoke truthfully, and remained faithful to the Father's purpose.
Believers who desire to grow in the knowledge of Christ should study these examples and apply their principles.
Following Jesus does not mean attempting to repeat His unique saving work. It means living in a manner that reflects His character and obeys His teachings.
THE DANGER OF BECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH SPIRITUAL IMMATURITY
One obstacle to spiritual growth is becoming satisfied with a limited understanding of God's truth.
Some believers may become familiar with church activities and religious language without developing a corresponding commitment to spiritual maturity.
Hebrews 5:12–14 addresses this problem by describing people who, despite the time they had spent, still needed basic instruction instead of demonstrating the maturity expected of them.
The passage emphasizes the importance of spiritual development through practice and discernment.
A believer should therefore avoid assuming that attendance at church, participation in religious programmes, or familiarity with biblical expressions automatically produces maturity.
These activities can be valuable, but they must be accompanied by personal commitment to knowing God, understanding Scripture, and practising obedience.
Spiritual immaturity may become visible through uncontrolled anger, persistent selfishness, resistance to correction, poor judgment, and an inability to distinguish sound teaching from error.
Recognizing these weaknesses should encourage believers to seek growth rather than become discouraged.
God's grace provides the foundation for continuing development, and His Word provides the instruction necessary for maturity.
GROWING THROUGH FELLOWSHIP AND GODLY RELATIONSHIPS
Christian growth is strengthened through meaningful fellowship with other believers.
God has not designed the Christian life to be lived in complete isolation. The church provides a spiritual community where believers can learn, encourage one another, receive instruction, and serve together.
Hebrews 10:24–25 encourages Christians to consider how they can motivate one another towards love and good works and to continue meeting together.
Healthy fellowship provides opportunities to hear sound teaching, receive encouragement during difficult seasons, and develop relationships that support spiritual maturity.
Believers can also learn from the experiences of others. Mature Christians may provide wisdom and guidance to those who are younger in the faith, while every member has opportunities to contribute to the growth of the wider community.
However, fellowship should be based on truth and genuine love. Believers should avoid relationships that encourage ungodliness, manipulation, unhealthy competition, or dependence on personalities rather than Christ.
The purpose of Christian fellowship is to strengthen one another in the faith and encourage a deeper commitment to Jesus.
REMAINING HUMBLE AS KNOWLEDGE INCREASES
An increase in biblical knowledge should produce humility rather than pride.
It is possible for people to become familiar with Scripture and theological subjects while developing an attitude of superiority towards others.
First Corinthians 8:1 reminds believers that knowledge can produce pride, while love builds up.
This warning is important because the purpose of knowing Christ is not to become impressive in religious discussions. It is to become increasingly faithful, loving, and obedient.
A growing believer recognizes that there is always more to learn and that understanding God's truth is a privilege.
Humility also makes it easier to receive correction. Instead of assuming that personal opinions are always right, believers should remain willing to examine their understanding and make adjustments when Scripture reveals a mistake.
The more believers appreciate the greatness of God, the more they should recognize the limitations of human understanding.
True spiritual growth should therefore produce greater reverence for God, greater patience towards others, and a deeper dependence on His grace.
CONTINUING TO GROW THROUGH EVERY SEASON OF LIFE
Spiritual growth should not stop because believers have reached a particular age, attained a position in the church, or acquired extensive biblical knowledge.
Every stage of life presents opportunities to understand God's faithfulness more deeply and apply His truth in new circumstances.
Young believers may need to develop strong foundations in Scripture, discipline, and Christian identity. Those with greater experience may need to deepen their understanding of service, humility, endurance, and spiritual responsibility.
During seasons of success, believers must continue growing in gratitude and dependence on God. During seasons of difficulty, they must continue developing patience, hope, and perseverance.
Even when life becomes demanding, the call to grow remains important.
Second Peter 3:18 is not an instruction intended only for new Christians. It is a continuing call to every believer to increase in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
This growth should remain a lifelong commitment.
Believers should never reach a point where they believe they have learned enough, developed enough, or become so mature that they no longer need God's grace.
The more they grow in Christ, the more clearly they should recognize the greatness of His provision and the importance of depending on Him.
CENTRAL LESSON
Growing in grace and the knowledge of Jesus Christ is a lifelong responsibility. Believers must continue understanding God's grace, studying His Word, depending on the Holy Spirit, developing Christlike character, and remaining humble and teachable. The purpose of spiritual growth is not merely to acquire more religious knowledge but to become increasingly established in Christ and reflect His character in everyday life.
BIBLICAL VERSES FOR PERSONAL STUDY
* Second Peter 3:18
* Ephesians 2:8–10
* Titus 2:11–12
* Philippians 3:8–10
* Ephesians 4:13–15
* Galatians 5:16, 22–23
* Colossians 1:9–10
PERSONAL REFLECTION
* Am I continuing to grow in grace and in my knowledge of Jesus Christ?
* Is my increasing knowledge of Christ producing changes in my character?
* What practical step can I take to strengthen my spiritual maturity?
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