But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Summary: We are at the end of Peter’s letter. This is a good time to do a quick review of what Peter wrote to us.
It has been a long journey, but we have finally arrived at the end of Peter’s second letter. He has encouraged us in our faith and taught us how to be faithful. He has warned us against those who undermine and erode faith and showed us what will happen to them.
Throughout his letter, there has been a sense of urgency. Peter’s time on earth is coming to an end. He has had a busy life caring for Jesus’ sheep (John 21: 15-19). Now, as his departure time nears, he has committed his care to the written word.
His words provide us with a peek into the personality of Peter and the wisdom God has given him. They also allow us to spend a few minutes with Peter while he gives us the benefit of his wisdom.
Peter’s second letter lays out a clear description of our role as a believer.
First, we receive faith through the righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Then God gives us “everything we need for a godly life” (2 Peter 1:3).
Third, we need to make “every effort” to build our new life on the faith we have been given (2 Peter 1: 5-8, 10-11).
If we do these things, we will “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The grace of Christ is God’s favor. Knowledge of our Lord is found in the Scriptures and our personal experience with him.
Peter has told us what will happen to the earth and all that is in it; the “heavens and the earth are reserved for fire” (2 Peter 3: 7). He has told us we will not get any warning before the “day of the Lord” arrives (2 Peter 3:10). We need to be ready for Jesus to come at any time. We do not want to be caught wandering from the path.
His message is quite simple. Peter’s words are exactly what you would expect from the descriptions of him given in the gospel accounts. He is direct and to the point. Faith is simple. You either have it or you do not. It comes from the Father. Once it has been given to you, then the challenge is to add to your faith the things that will nurture and strengthen it. Do not wander from the path. Be ready, Jesus is coming.
Application: Do what Peter has suggested. Make every effort to add to your faith the things Peter suggests.
Food for Thought: How is taking care of a plant similar to taking care of our faith?
Well I killed a bunch of plants throughout time. I found out the one plant I kept alive was actually plastic after 5 months of watering it. There are a few plants at the church that are alive but that’s because others are helping them stay alive. ……… I better go back and read the other daily messages I missed.
Blessings…..
🙂
Tim,
Welcome back! We have missed you! 🙂
Plastic plants are very resilient! Sadly, they are lacking in many of the characteristics that make the living interesting.
You make me wonder if there are plastic people…
Oh I have an answer! How is taking care of a plant similar to taking care of our faith? It can be kept alive and strong with help from others when your not able.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
Nice insight brother!
🙂
So true!!
How is taking care of a plant similar to taking care of our faith? The first couple of thoughts that come to mind are that our faith needs God’s attention (His sunlight), our faith to be “watered” daily by His word, and that we can experience joy from the growing of our faith.
2 Corinthians 4:6 “For God, who said, ‘Light shall shine out of darkness,’ is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
Ezekiel 36:25 “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.”
Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Chris,
Thank you! You bring to mind Paul’s letter to the Corinthians:
“I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. ” (1 Corinthians 3:6)
Yes! That’s the passage that has been stuck in my head all day. This idea also ties into our conversation on Peter’s list to increase/grow in. We put in the effort (till, water, fertilize). God causes growth. He uses others (as T said) to also do work, sometimes it’s gentle, like tying back branches to encourage our spiritual growth to be in the right direction; sometimes though they need to help prune some bad habits out (not to be confused with other Biblical analogies including pruning)
Looks like R and R2T2 have some great points below as well. I wish I had time to paint a more elaborate picture with it all.
Your time glorifying God, sharing your wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the Lord is time well spent. As long as it’s in truth of Gods word.
First of all T – LOL.
Plants need to be nurtured in an environment that enables growth. The right soil, sunlight, water, temperature, etc. As Chris mentioned, this correlates to spiritual disciplines that place the believer in the right environment to grow: Bible study, prayer, fellowship, worship, service, etc. We want the word of Christ to dwell in us richly (Colossians 3: 16).
We also have to protect ourselves from attack. Plants have worms, poisons and the like they need to be shielded from. The believer has to be careful what they watch, think (Colossians 2: 8; 2 Corinthians 10; 5), etc. to be free from that which will attack from the outside. This will include the necessity of putting on the spiritual armor (Ephesians 6: 10 – 18).
And pursuing Christ (Philippians 3: 7 – 11) is like the plant stretching out toward the sun as it grows. We likewise are to fix our eyes on Jesus and stretch toward the prize (Philippians 3: 12 – 14; Hebrews 12: 1 – 2).
Should be: we likewise are to fix our eyes on Jesus and stretch toward the prize.
– Fixed!
Rich,
Excellent summary!
You touch on a point that has been on my heart lately. You mention protection from attack. I am wondering if that is a matter left strictly to God, or if we, the church, provide protection for new believers much like a nursery for young plants.
Excellent point. I would say yes, definitely.
01-25-2022, 2 Peter 3:18a, How is taking care of a plant similar to taking care of our faith?
My wife is the plant person in our home so I will relate the care I see her providing.
1.) First she looks at the location, where she can place the plant, what environment will be most conducive to its growth. Sunlight is a big factor.
“ Psalm 80:8 “
2.) She will prepare the soil for good feeding and growth of the roots. The hole she digs is always large enough to provide the food and environment needed for the tender roots to grow and become strong, healthy roots to support the future growth.
“ Psalm 80:9, 1 Corinthians 3:9 “
3.) She monitors each plant at least once a day, and will trim as necessary. She knows each plant and its individual needs.
“ Luke 12:2-3 “
4.) Watering and feeding are important, according to the needs of the plant.
“ Exodus 23:25 “
5.) Then comes the pruning which is a life long process for the plants and fruit trees. Each receives “individual” attention.
A. Every spring the growing branches of each tree will show color and the dead branches will be gray. All the dead branches will quickly be pruned from the tree.
“ John 15:2 “
B. She will examine each fruit tree and cut them back so each tree does not overload its root system. She will leave only the branches she believes will give her maximum production the next year.
“ Isaiah 18:5 “
Our God is our creator, knows our every need and is constantly monitoring, feeding, pruning and caring for every one of His children, according to our needs.
Ron,
Your wife’s plants are very fortunate! They sound like they are receiving the very best in care.
I appreciate the example her care of plants provides us. I appreciate the verses you have provided, too. (Link here)
Thank you!