Growing in Grace

The believer is encouraged to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." (2 Peter 3:18)

Just as a baby is born with the DNA of adult maturity within it, so the believer is born again with the fullness of Christ's character. Nobody would doubt that the baby's teeth are not there. The teeth cannot be seen but they will appear in time. So too, the believer can grow into Godly character over time. Growth is progressive but sure. 2 Peter 1:5-8 says "add to your faith, virtue, to virtue, knowledge, to knowledge, self control, to self control, perseverance..." We are often painfully aware of the absence of qualities like patience and perseverance however when we are under the pump begin to confess, "Jesus , you are my patience." Try it next time you are waiting in a queue. When you feel like quitting, begin to confess, "Jesus , you are my perseverance." As we begin to draw down on His qualities that are in us we will begin to display them.

The place of pressure is more often also the catalyst for growth. The story of Joseph in Genesis illustrates character growth under pressure. Joseph , whether in the pit, the prison or the palace, grew under pressure. He grew from being somewhat self absorbed to becoming a mature man, no longer obsessed with what had gone wrong. His brothers were his grace growers. We all have grace growers. How else will we grow into His character? Joseph would eventually give thanks for his brothers, the same brothers who wanted to harm him. Maturity says "what was intended for evil, God will use for good - even for the saving of many lives." This is what growing into the grace of Jesus Christ looks like.

The 'secret' of Joseph's growth was that he knew that God was with him. He realised the favour of God. Favour is not necessarily about favourable circumstances or situations. It is however about knowing that God is with you at all times.  It is knowing that the character of Jesus is within you. The apostle Paul said "I count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord for whom I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ...that I may know Him". (Phil.3:8-10) Paul was motivated by gain. When we know that the Spirit of God wants to grow us in the grace and knowledge of Jesus, we are motivated in a positive way. Many 'successful' people are motivated by negativity or shortfall. They want to prove a point to their critics. They may even vow to 'get even'. Paul, by contrast, was willing to count all things - the good, the bad and the downright ugly, as losses - not worthy of resurrection or being reminded of.







This blog is based on a message called Growing in Grace by Ross Smith at The Vine church, Logan City, Queensland, Australia on Sunday 12th June 2016. The full message can be accessed by podcast www.thevine.org.au/teachings.