2 Pet. 1:1-3 We come to know God as our Father by faith in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus. Even the faith to believe comes from God. Growing in our knowledge of God, growing closer to him, multiplies grace and peace to us. In knowing the Lord, we have access to his power and everything we need to live a godly life.
How do we get to know our Lord better and grow in his grace? That is our theme today and the next few Sundays.
2 Pet. 1:4 God has given us great promises in his word so we can be united with Christ, indwelt by God’s Spirit, grow in Christlikeness, and escape condemnation with the world. 2 Pet. 1:5-8 A lifelong pattern of growing in our knowledge of God and growing closer to him, produces the fruit of Christlikeness in us and gives us an abundant entrance into his everlasting kingdom.
1 Pet. 2:2 Please settle this truth in your heart, there is no Christian growth apart from God’s word. Eph. 4:15 NLT God’s word feeds our faith in God and directs us in the other ways to grow spiritually. (Illustration of hand)
How do we grow in God’s word?
I. Love it Ps. 119:97
God gave us his word out of his love for us. God wants us to know him and to know his will. Love inspires. When we know and believe God’s love for us, it inspires us to love God and to live by his word. We can choose to love, by faith in God. Desire God’s word. Treasure it in your heart. We think about who or what we love.
II. Learn it Ps. 119:98, 99
We want to learn more about what we love or what we are passionate about. The more I have learned God’s word, the more amazed I am of God & the divine masterpiece he gave us of his word. If you love God’s word and set your heart to learn it, you will see truths that God arranged in Scripture like the pieces of a puzzle. When they are put together properly, they reveal Jesus.
We are responsible to learn truths of God’s word so we can live wisely in this world. We need God’s wisdom in our daily battles and temptations. The word for understanding in Ps. 119:99, is translated “prosper” in Dt. 29:9. We need Scriptural understanding to prosper God’s way.
III. Live it Ps. 119:100, 101
Hearing sermons is not enough. Learning God’s word must lead to living God’s word, or we deceive our- selves. Spiritual understanding is linked to keeping God’s word. The Lord reveals himself to us more personally if we love him and live by his word Jn. 14:21. God’s Spirit helps us live by God’s word when we trust him to help us.
2 Pet 3:17, 18 Some people try to twist God’s word for their own sinful ends. Continuously be on your guard. Continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord. Grow in God’s word. Love it, learn it, live it.
How will you grow in God’s word this week?