After knowing that his time
is short on the earth, the apostle Peter has dedicated some of his
final written words to the edification of the church. He has told
them how to grow in their faith. He has warned them of false
prophets, and he has encouraged them with the knowledge of how to
live in light of God's pending judgment upon the heavens and the
earth. In chapter three and verse eighteen, Peter shares one final
exhortation with his audience. We read:
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.
The verse begins, “But
grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ.” One
final time Peter employs the word “but”
in his writing, and we know the insertion of that word means what is
about to be stated takes precedence over that which he just wrote. So
we refer to his words about the“day of the Lord”
and see that he desires that his readers “grow”
which means “augment, increase and become greater” in two things
- “in grace” and
“in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”.
First he refers to “grace”
which is “unmerited favor”. It is the Greek word “charis” and
means “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness,
charm, loveliness, good will, loving-kindness, favor”. Secondly
Peter exhorts them to grow “in the knowledge” which is the
Greek word “gnosis” and means “a knowledge that signifies in
general intelligence, and understanding” of Jesus Christ. This
knowledge of our Lord and Savior is not only an intellectual
knowledge but also an experiential understanding of Him.
The
verse goes on to say, “To him be glory both now
and for ever. Amen.” Finally Peter knows with whom to place the
credit. It is to Jesus Christ that all “glory” should be
given, and note too that this is a present day and eternal charge.
Peter knows that if there be any accolades and praise for any of the
wonderful gifts given to him or the church they should all be
accredited to Jesus Christ. His final word in this book is “Amen”
which means “so be it”, “let it be so” or “so it is”, and
indeed not only will it be, it is, and ever shall be.
We have
come to the conclusion of Peter's words in the book of Second Peter,
and as we reflect upon them, perhaps it will benefit us to reread
this book once again. The exhortation, encouragement, and warnings
will help us in our Christian walk. As we continue our venture to
know this wonderful Creator God and His Son Jesus Christ, may the
Lord frequently bring to our remembrance the words of Peter, and may
He bless us with His presence at all times as we grow in our faith
and trust in Him.
Next
time we will begin a new book - Lamentations, so read ahead, and we
shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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