Together in Christ: 'A Nudge to Grow' — 2 Peter 3:18

Saturday, July 27, 2024

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Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

— 2 Peter 3:18 NLT

Key Thought

Nearly all of us go through times when we lose focus, become spiritually lazy, and coast by slacking off on our efforts to grow spiritually. At such times, we need a respected Christian friend or mentor to nudge us to renew our commitment to grow in the direction of Christlikeness. [1] This is what Peter is doing in his letter to struggling believers. Paraphrasing today's verse and related passages, Peter tells them, "Grow in your grace and knowledge of Jesus. Jesus is glorious and gracious. [2] Jesus is your goal. [3] False teachers twist the Scriptures, while wicked people will influence you to lose your footing as you seek to follow Jesus. [4] So, get back to pursuing and reflecting Jesus in your daily lives!" [5]

Dear friend in Jesus, I believe Peter's words are also our nudge to re-engage passionately with Jesus — to pursue Him, His teaching, and His example that we find in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Let's ask the Holy Spirit, our Anointing from God, [6] to guide us into all the truth about Jesus. [7] Let's pursue Jesus and trust that the Holy Spirit is conforming and transforming us as we follow Jesus' example and live by His teaching! [8]

[1] 1 Corinthians 4:17; Colossians 2:6.
[2] The context of our verse, 2 Peter 1:16-21, 3:14-18.
[3] Luke 6:40; Colossians 1:28-29.
[4] Acts 20:28-31; 2 Peter 2:1, 12; 1 John 2:18-27.
[5] 2 Corinthians 3:17-18.
[6] John uses the word "Anointing" to speak of the Holy Spirit in 1 John 2 — the NLT has "Holy Spirit" for "the Anointing" in 1 John 2:20, 27. Compare 1 John 2:20 NIV, 1 John 2:27 NIV.
[7] 1 John 2:27.
[8] 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Today's Prayer

Loving Father, forgive me for the times I have lost my passion, coasted in my spiritual life, not pursued Jesus, and not loved you with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Please refresh my spirit with the Holy Spirit as I invite Your heavenly Anointing to renew my pursuit of Jesus and transform me to be more and more like Him. I ask this in the name and by the authority of my Savior. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Peter 3:14-18; 1 John 2:18-29
  • 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Colossians 1:28-29

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Illustration

Illustration of 2 Peter 3:18 NLT — Rather, you must grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. All glory to him, both now and forever! Amen.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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