1.    Last Words become an Appeal

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

In his second letter, Peter uses simple language to highlight the potential threat posed by false teachers, the ungodly, mockers and evildoers. He also shows believers how to live a godly life. This involves living a life of divine power, increasing grace, growing peace, and bearing fruits that are pleasing to God. This final, passionate appeal by Peter, made shortly before his death (2 Peter 1:14), gives us the incentive and motivation to recognize the highly praised Person of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, more and more. With this in mind, we learn to reflect on every aspect of our lives in light of the surpassing glory and dignity of our Lord, categorizing them according to God. For this reason, Peter’s legacy cannot be valued highly enough. Other biblical passages complement God’s purpose in our lives, providing in-depth references and lessons.

2.    “Growing in the Knowledge of our Lord …” – what is meant?

“Knowledge” (e.g. 2 Peter 3:18) is an ongoing process through which we gain an understanding of who the Lord Jesus is. This insight into the Person of our Lord goes far beyond mere knowledge. It is the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and eternal life that enable us to recognize the Lord Jesus in the revealed truths and beauties of His person (John 16:13–14; 17:3). This ‘recognition’ began with our conversion, when we came to know the Lord Jesus as Saviour. Through reading the Bible in prayer and with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as well as through supporting teachings such as preaching the Word, conferences, and the writings of other believers, our knowledge is further expanded. The eye of faith is presented with the overwhelming breadth and depth of His manifold glories and characters.

The Many Glories of His Person

A few examples illustrate this (in brief): He is described by a multitude of names and titles: Redeemer, Saviour, Good Shepherd, Lord, Son of Man, Christ, Priest, Lord of Lords, King of Kings, Trustee, Head of the Assembly, Bridegroom, Emmanuel and Overcomer, to name a few.

The four Gospels introduce us to Jesus from His birth and ministry to His death on the cross at Golgotha, resurrection and ascension.

The Old Testament also provides additional references to our Lord through objects such as manna, roasted grains, the smitten rock and the Ark of the Covenant.

Historical figures such as Joseph, David, Solomon and Jonah also point to the Lord Jesus.

The various sacrifices, according to their nature, provide striking references to the one perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Heb. 10:8–10).

Many psalms contain prophetic references to the sufferings and feelings of the Lord.

This list would have to be expanded considerably if we were to do justice to the wealth of references to the Person of our Lord in the Word of God. This diversity makes it clear that we need time and energy to gradually grow in our knowledge of Him.

Knowing Christ in Life and Experience

In addition to this more ‘doctrinal’ kind of knowledge, we also get to know the Lord Jesus through personal ‘experience’ throughout our lives. We seek comfort and get to know Him as our Comforter; we seek guidance and experience 7His advice and guidance first-hand. He nourishes our inner selves, allows us to experience His grace and peace, protects us from many dangers, and saves us from difficult circumstances. The more we involve Jesus in our lives, the more we experience His graciousness. Paul expresses this desire in Philippians 3:10. He strives to recognize the Lord Jesus in our daily lives of faith through experience. This is something we can strive for. This kind of ‘experiential knowledge’ is piecemeal (1 Cor. 13:12) and therefore growth-oriented.

No one can claim to have exhausted their knowledge of the Lord Jesus. Following Psalm 27:4, we should strive to behold the Lord’s beauty and seek Him.

However, let us also remember that no one knows the Son except the Father (Matthew 11:27). The eternal Son of God became the Son of Man. This remains an unfathomable mystery to us.

3.    Help for Growth in the Knowledge of our Lord

Word of God and Prayer

In order to understand the manifold revelations about the Lord Jesus and to grow in the knowledge of His person, we need to persistently occupy ourselves with the Word of God in prayer and with a believing heart (Psalm 119:66). Proverbs 2:1–8 encourages us to listen attentively and focus our hearts on the voice of the Lord, from whose mouth come knowledge and understanding. He is the Word Himself and speaks to us through it. We may seek Him out as if seeking hidden treasures.

Effects of the Holy Spirit

Paul asks that ‘the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him’ (Ephesians 1:17). This request is for spiritual understanding and growth in knowledge of the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the Holy Spirit desires to inspire in our hearts (v. 18). Growth in the knowledge of God is inextricably linked to the knowledge of His Son, whom God has revealed. Thus, the Holy Spirit also guides us into the truth about His person (John 16:13).

Gifts given to the Assembly

According to Ephesians 4:11-16, the knowledge of the Son of God is promoted through the exercise of the gifts, among other things. The divine goal is to achieve the full measure of spiritual growth and maturity in our knowledge of the revealed truth about the Son of God, growing to the full stature of Christ. This is a lifelong process. The gifts that the Lord has given to the assembly support this process. This is not limited to preaching the Word, but is also supported by good literature from reliable and faithful individuals.

4.    Blessed Consequences of the Knowledge of our Lord (Key Points)

 Gaining the One who surpasses all: Christ (Phil 3:8)

As our knowledge of our Lord increases, we learn to relate everything to Him. Consequently, anything that is considered desirable by human standards (e.g. ancestry, education, money) will be seen as damage, loss or even dirt. Why? Because these things are worthless compared to the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus. Let us strive to be found with Him and grow in our knowledge of Him. We gain Him.

Power for our Lives (Phil 3:10)

Paul desires to know the Lord and experience the power that was released through His resurrection. The focus of our daily fellowship should be Christ. Only then will we recognize Him and the power of His resurrection. This power enables us to live a new life as He did (Romans 6:4; 1 John 2:6).

Increasing Enjoyment of Grace and Peace (2 Peter 1:2)

Our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord increases our grace and peace. Every day, we enjoy the undeserved love and attention of God. This is grace in practice. It fills our hearts with peace. We are promised this when we grow in fellowship with and knowledge of our Lord.

Commitment and Fruit for God (2 Peter 1:8)

“For if these things are present with you and are increasing, they do not make you sluggish or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8). God wants us to be fully committed (diligent, zealous and hard-working) in these ‘things’: Virtue, knowledge, temperance, perseverance, godliness, brotherly love and charity. Realizing these things requires diligence and close communion with our Lord. This produces fruit in the form of knowledge of His person. 

Conduct worthy of the Lord (Col 1:10)

God’s will for us is to behave in a way that reflects the character and dignity of the Lord Jesus. The glories and beauties of the Lord Jesus, as presented in Colossians 1 alone, are worth studying: the image of the invisible God; the firstborn of all creation; the head of the body. A deeper understanding of these attributes of our Lord leads to growth in His knowledge. He fills our hearts and our thoughts. We become more and more like Him. This directly influences our disposition (our inner attitude) and our outward behavior. 

Firm in the Truth, impervious to False Teachings (Eph 4:14-15)

As previously mentioned, the gifts that the Lord has given to His assembly promote growth in knowledge of the Son of God. This growth, up to the point of reaching the fullness of Christ, leads to steadfastness in sound truth. We become immune to false teachings.

Promoting the Worship of God (John 4:23)

The more we grow in our knowledge of the Lord Jesus, the more our hearts will overflow with praise and thanksgiving. Regarding Him as the One who always did what pleased God and offered Himself in complete consecration enables us to worship in spirit and truth.  God is looking for such people.

Summary

Believers are enabled to grow in their knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This is the divine path to a godly and fruitful life. The Bible reveals an abundance of the glories of our Lord. Exploring them requires diligence and time. Thankfully, God has provided us with resources to help us grow in our knowledge of His Son. We also come to know our Lord through personal experience. When we consider the blessings that come with growing in our knowledge of Him, Peter’s final words become less of a stern warning and more of a heartfelt recommendation that we gladly and eagerly follow.