“Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus” – a message from 2 Peter 3, verses 14-18

This past weekend at Eastbrook, I concluded our series “Growing in Faith: Exploring 2 Peter” by preaching a message entitled “Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Jesus” from verses 14-18 of 2 Peter 3.

You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

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“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18)

Being and Becoming the Beloved (2 Peter 3:14, 17)

Hearing of Jesus the Beloved (1:17)

Becoming aware of God’s love for us (1:3-4)

Hearing our name (3:1, 8, 14, 17)

Make Every Effort (2 Peter 3:14)

Make every effort to grow in the character of Christ (1:5-9)

Make every effort to confirm your calling and election (1:10-11)

Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him (3:14)

God’s patience (3:15a)

An Aside About the Apostle Paul (2 Peter 3:15-16)

Paul writes with God-given wisdom (3:15)

Paul writes consistently on these themes (3:16a)

Paul writes things that can be hard to understand (3:16b)

Final Words (2 Peter 3:17-18)

A warning to be on guard (3:17)

An encouragement to grow (3:18a)

Glory to God now and forever (3:18b)

Making It Real: Looking Back & Looking Forward 

Looking Back

Looking Forward

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Dig Deeper

This week dig deeper in one or more of the following ways:

• Memorize 2 Peter 3:14 or 3:18
• As we draw near to the end of the year, take some time to reflect back on the previous year on ways you’ve experienced God’s goodness. Write down specific things you are thankful for and offer thanks to God for those things. Also, take some time to look forward to the coming year, asking God how He wants you to grow in your faith. Write down specific ways you can grow and set up a plan to implement this in your life for the coming year. 
• Explore one of the following books about spiritual growth:
  • Henri Nouwen, Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World
  • Dallas Willard, Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ
  • Ruth Haley Barton, Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation