The Necessity of Growing in Grace
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love
(Ephesians 4:15-16, ESV).
Thanks to the modern technology of ultrasound imaging, one of the great joys of new parents is seeing their baby/babies for the first time while still in the womb. As parents view their child, they begin to look for recognizable features. For parents, this is a moment of great joy that is worth sharing.
On the other hand, it is interesting to consider this moment from the perspective of medical professionals. To be sure, they too celebrate this moment with parents; however, unlike the parents’ sheer joy of seeing a baby with “ten fingers and toes,” when the medical team views these images they look at the various limbs and organs of the child in order to find and confirm evidences of appropriate fetal development. They want to confirm the baby is growing properly.
Throughout God’s creation, whether it’s plants, animals or humans, health is evidenced by growth. We understand that healthy organisms grow, while unhealthy organisms atrophy. The same is true for the Christian. It is only a recent phenomenon that evangelical Christianity has consumed itself with an evangelism that is separated from growth in grace and holiness. Far too many churches settle for “converts” who never become true disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ. When we look at Scripture, however, there is clear indication that growth in grace is an evidence of true and healthy Christianity. For this reason, I want to challenge us to consider the necessity of growth in grace by meditating on the following passages of Scripture from the English Standard Version (ESV):
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit
(2 Corinthians 3:18).
And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God
(Colossians 1:9-10).
Therefore let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, and of instruction about washings, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits
(Hebrews 6:1-3).
So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good
(1 Peter 2:1-3).
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen
(2 Peter 3:18).
Oh, that God would grant us growth in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ to a mature manhood, and may our growth be evidenced by our walking in a manner worthy of the calling to which we have been called in all humility, patience, love, resulting in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Love,
Pastor Juan
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