Title [Text: 2 Peter 3:18] Grow up
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to him be glory both now and to everlasting days.” . It was a command to do your best (14), be here (15), and be careful (17). Now we come across one last command. It is none other than the command to “grow up”. Today, with this sermon as the title, I am going to introduce the text to receive grace.
1. We must continue to grow.
If the children don't grow up, you and your parents are unhappy. As you get older, it is natural that you become more mature and mature. There are several characteristics that appear as you grow. You develop independence, understand and consider others, and fulfill your role in your position. We also act wisely with discernment. Many young people these days are not like this. There are many people who are not mature even after getting married and having children. We need to grow more spiritually. The body stops growing after a certain period of time and goes senile, but our soul is supposed to continue to grow. Let's check how much we have grown spiritually over the past year. Let's check how much faith has grown, how much knowledge of the Word has increased, and how hot our attitude to serve the Lord has grown. Once you've grown to your satisfaction, you shouldn't stop. In order to grow further, we must all prepare ourselves and do our best.
2. There are several factors for growth.
The text reveals two things. “Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”.
① We can grow when we receive the grace of the Lord. Children need the love of their parents to grow up healthy. No matter how expensive clothes you buy and how much food you eat, you cannot grow properly without love. Love is the best nutrient and supplement for children's growth. The grace of the Lord, that is, the love of the Lord, is the best nourishment for our spiritual growth. If you turn away from that love, you will never grow. Let us stay in his love and let him grow.
② You can grow when you know the Lord right away. Children need a lot of knowledge to become mentally mature. It's called studying. You can grow when you study and acquire a lot of knowledge. You can become an adult.
Spiritual growth comes from knowing the Lord deeply. Without the knowledge of Jesus, our souls cannot grow. Therefore, we should strive to get to know Jesus more and to know Him more deeply. In Ephesians 4:15 Paul said, “Speaking the truth in love, you may grow up into him in all things, who is the head, even the Christ.” To grow up to Christ, you must know Him well.
Let's study Jesus more diligently. Let's diligently learn the Bible that was written about Jesus. So, I hope to become more spiritually mature saints.
3. When we grow up, it brings glory to Jesus.
“Glory be to me now and to everlasting days,” he said. It is Peter's blessing, but it also hints at the fact that the Lord will be glorified through mature Christians.
Just as it brings joy and glory to parents when children grow up well, so when saints grow well and become adults, it brings joy and glory to God.
As we end the year, we wish all of us to grow even more in the new year. So at the end of next year, let's show you how we have matured. I hope that the students who complete each level of Sunday School will also be promoted and grow further. May the grace of the Lord and the grace of your Word come to all the saints.