2Pe 3:10-18 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
This is a long passage for consideration but I think it necessary to include for the thought for today. Peter ends this passage exhorting us to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am sure you have heard of or seen a "growth chart" used by parents to record the growth of their children. While standing against a wall a mark would be made to measure the growth progress made for the children. When there was notable gowth made, it would excite all involved.
There is another growth that is more important for every child of God and that is the spiritual growth expected and experienced into Christlikeness. There are several benefits of spiritual growth outlined in this passage.
First, Peter said that growing in grace would prepare us for the soon return of Jesus Chist. When Christ returns believers should be living in peace and righteousness (verses 10-14).
Next Peter reminds us that the longsuffering of the Lord is salvation. The Lord suffers long with sinners (thank God He does!) and He also suffers because Christians will not witness the saving grace of God to sinners. The saved have the only message that will change a sinful heart and redeem a soul from hell, (verses 15,16).
Finally, Peter tells us that growing in grace will protect us from falling prey to the error of the wicked. Many are the devices of the devil and he will place people in our lives to lure us away from sound doctrine, (verse 17).
Growing in grace will Prepare us - Jesus is coming soon!
Growing in grace will Prompt us to witness - Sinners need salvation!
Growing in grace will Protect us from falling - The enemy is real!
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