Reading: Ezekiel 40, 41, 2 Pet 3.
Memory Verse: “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.” 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)
Grace is generally defined as the unmerited favor. It is not worked for but given to everyone by God. How then can we grow in Grace as stated in 2 Peter 3:18 (KJV), “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.” Growing in Grace is maturing as a Christian, being more like Jesus Christ. To understand this better, let’s look at a man who decides not to use his hands and so hold it for a week. By the time, he releases the hand for use, he has to re-learn how to use the hand and if he keeps it hanging for a longer period, he may not be able to use the hand the way he used to for several weeks. On the other hand, the more he uses the hands, the more he becomes adept at using it. This is similar to the use of Grace. The more you use the Grace of God bestowed on you, the more you get better in it. Thus, in Matthew 25:20-22, those who used their talents grew them and were well rewarded. What then are the Grace we should grow in?
The fruit of the Spirit represents the Grace we ought to grow in. These are as stated in Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV), “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, [23] Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” The more you show any part of this fruit, the better in it you become and the more you grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. How do you get to this level? You need to study the word of God and put it to use. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) says, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” As you study the word and practice it, you begin to exhibit the fruit of the spirit.
Similarly, when you pray often as stated in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV), “Pray without ceasing,” you get more intimate with the Lord Jesus and you get to know more of him. In the same vein, you are expected to live a life of total obedience to the word of God in your interaction with the people around you and thus exhibit the fruit of the Spirit and thereby grow in Grace! Now you need to also preach the gospel of the Lord to others so that they can be won to Jesus Christ. This is the heartbeat of the Lord.
Prayer point: Father, help me to grow in grace in Jesus Christ name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero