If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there. If you want to grow spiritually, you need to plan the trip carefully. If you were mentoring a new believer, what would you suggest he or she do to grow more Christ-like daily?

In 2 Peter 3:14-18, the apostle Peter writes of spiritual growth in the context of awaiting Christ’s return. How does a Christian grow spiritually while waiting for Jesus to come back? First, wait with conviction—“Looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.” (v. 14) When Jesus returns, He should find Christians enjoying the peace of Christ, not worrying about the Day of the Lord, not fearing the judgment of Christ. In order to have this peace, two things are needed: (a) a strong assurance of salvation [Jesus as Savior] and (b) a life of obedience to God [Jesus as Lord]. These reflect a biblical conviction to work for a spotless character and a blameless reputation. Second, work with correction—“Beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked.” (v. 17) Satan is always on the offensive, on attack. There will be false teachers, twisting and distorting the Scriptures, so Peter warns: “beware lest you also fall.” Any time a believer listens to a false teacher, he runs the risk of being led astray. Third, walk in connection—“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (v. 18) Seeking a deep knowledge of the Lord leads to doctrinal stability and keeps you from being led astray. Earlier in his letter, Peter explained how to strengthen your connection to Jesus … “Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love.” (2 Peter 1:5-7)

Sin cera, Erik

Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.

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