S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

Second Peter 3:18 tells us to "grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ." To grow in grace is to mature as a Christian. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), and we...

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July 01 2013 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Anthony Clinton Supporter Teacher in China

Growing in grace is clearly explained in the first chapter of 2Peter.
If we study the true context of 2Peter we note that eternal life is not a forgone conclusion to those who are saved but can be made secure if they follow the instructions that would neither make them barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of Christ.
Peter makes it clear that growing in grace is not only dependent upon God but by the believer diligently adding those things mentioned in 2peter 1:5-8

He then talks about Christians who are no longer growing in grace; they have forgotten that they have been purified from their past sins 2Peter1:9. 
The most important warning to any believer that thinks that they can eat drink and be merry and let God work all things out is in verse ten 2Peter1:10. He warns them they must do something to make their calling and election certain. Growing in grace is diligently applying those qualities such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, patience godliness brotherly kindness charity, will insure that their election and calling is secure and the believer will not fall from grace.

December 05 2013 • 8 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jim Tumlinson Supporter One beggar leading others to where the bread is

I agree with Michael completely but would add my findings. To grow in grace is simply said but can be difficult to understand since we do not always have a complete understanding of grace or its application found in the bible. 

Here is a definition of grace; charis khar'-ece from 5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):--acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace(- ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank(-s, -worthy). 

We can grow in graciousness, which would be to show favor not only to others but towards others as well even if it is undeserved which means to forgive others and to forgive ourselves of shortcomings. It is, however, difficult to understand how to grow in a divine influence upon the heart unless we can keep our heart in a condition to allow God to influence our heart in areas that we are not familiar with and understand that the relationship is greater than the rules.

The bible does speak about the manifold grace of God which indicates different types of grace or applications of grace. It would be good for us to try and stay aware of situations and circumstances that require us to operate in grace that we may grow thereby. Here is a resource to help understand some different applications of grace: 

http://graceoveryou.blogspot.com/2015/06/amazed-by-grace-book.html

Paul asks the Corinthian church to grow in the grace of giving, so we can see that there are various areas that we can grow in grace in respect to maturing and changing our lives to affect the lives of others. (2 Cor 8:7) says, "But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you see that you also excel in this grace of giving."

Here is an example of how to grow in grace: 1 Pet 4:10--"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms." 

Here is another helpful resource that helps us learn how to grow in grace: http://graceoveryou.blogspot.com/2015/02/enabling-grace.html

Growing in God's grace is a constant process and we will never achieve perfection; however it does not only allow us to live a challenging life but a more fulfilling one as well since the grace given us was not just for our salvation but for the benefit of others so that they may experience the love of God for them be they Christians or not, another example can be found here:

Acts 14:3: "So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of his grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders." It is interesting to note that the message of "God loves you and cares for you and has forgiven your sins" was confirmed by signs and wonders, perhaps it would do us well to confirm God's message of grace by performing signs and wonders for the benefit of others.

February 19 2017 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Janet Hegna Supporter

I think the first step is accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior. I believe that's when you begin your journey of growing in grace. It's something you learn as you mature in your walk with Christ. You learn how to except grace, give grace, and live the grace that's been given to you. Often times accepting the grace that is given is such a hard thing to do.Be blessed.

March 29 2022 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report