“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
Introduction: Growth is God’s Plan
Growth is part of God’s design. Just as a seed is meant to become a tree, our lives as believers are meant to grow deeper in grace and stronger in knowledge. In a world that constantly changes, we need roots that run deep in Christ. This is the foundation that helps us weather storms, stand firm in truth, and reflect Jesus more and more each day.
What Does It Mean to Be Rooted?
To be rooted in Christ means we are anchored in His truth, His love, and His promises. It’s not a surface-level belief that sways with trends or emotions. It’s a daily decision to dig into God’s Word, to trust Him even when we don’t understand, and to live in obedience to His voice.
When a tree is rooted deeply, it draws life from beneath the surface. In the same way, when we are rooted in Christ, we draw life from our relationship with Him not from circumstances or feelings.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him…” — Colossians 2:6–7
Growing in Grace
Grace is more than a one-time gift of salvation it’s the fuel for everyday living. To grow in grace means to live in the freedom and forgiveness God provides, and to extend that same grace to others.
Many Christians carry shame or feel the pressure to be perfect. But grace reminds us that our spiritual growth isn’t about earning God’s love it’s about responding to it. As we understand God’s grace more deeply, we stop striving and start abiding.
Growing in grace also means learning to live with humility. We realize we never graduate from our need for God’s mercy. That realization softens our hearts and makes us more patient with others.
Growing in Knowledge
Spiritual growth also involves increasing in the knowledge of Christ not just facts about Him, but a personal, relational knowing. We learn His character, His ways, His desires. This comes through prayer, studying the Bible, and walking with Him through life’s highs and lows.
The more we know Christ, the more we are transformed into His likeness. Knowledge without relationship leads to pride, but knowledge rooted in love leads to transformation.
Staying Planted in a Distracting World
In a fast-paced, noisy world, it’s easy to get distracted. Spiritual growth doesn’t happen automatically. Like a garden, it requires intentional cultivation time in Scripture, quiet moments in prayer, fellowship with other believers, and a heart that stays teachable.
Sometimes God will even use trials to deepen our roots. Hard seasons remind us that our hope isn’t in comfort, but in Christ. Don’t despise those seasons God often does His best work underground, where roots are being strengthened.
Living a Life That Glorifies Him
Peter ends the verse by pointing us to the goal: “To Him be glory both now and forever!” The purpose of growth is not for us to appear more spiritual, but to glorify Christ in everything we do. As we become more rooted and grow in grace and knowledge, our lives become living testimonies of His goodness.
Keep Growing
Whether you’ve been walking with Christ for decades or you’re just beginning, the call is the same: Keep growing. Let your roots sink deeper. Let grace shape your heart. Let knowledge of Jesus guide your life.
You don’t have to grow fast. You just have to grow steady one prayer, one Scripture, one act of obedience at a time.
Subscribe for Daily Email Devotionals
