Bulletin Thought

September 4, 2016

A Thought from Pastor Bryson,

May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. (II Peter 1:2 NLT)

One of the study Bibles that I use (Thompson Chain Reference Study Bible) states that the purpose of II Peter was to warn believers of the dangerous and seductive work of false teachers, and to encourage them to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It also states – “The main theme was to warn against corrupt teachers and scoffers (those who doubt). To counteract the influence of false doctrine (teaching), great emphasis is laid upon the Word of God and the certainty of the fulfilment of the divine promises.”

We still live in a day and time where false teachers are still teaching wrong doctrine, as a result, there are individuals who are spiritually immature and do not live the victorious life that is often mentioned in the Scriptures. Study and application of Biblical truths enables us to grow in the grace and knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. The New Kings James Version states verse 2 this way – “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”

Grace refers to God’s favor. Note the word multiplied. Multiplied is a basic mathematical term and in the context of this verse it means increase. What do we increase in? The answer is God’s favor and peace. Who wouldn’t want more of God’s favor and peace? How then do we increase in God’s favor and peace? The answer – in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

How do we gain this knowledge? The answer – through the study (and application) of God’s Word. I Peter 2:2 states – “As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” Many of us are not new Christians but we still have baby faith in that we have not grown spiritually. There is a lack of knowledge pertaining to God’s word and it shows up in our mentality and behavior.

If we want more and more of God’s favor and peace in our lives, then let us diligently study the Scriptures and apply the teachings in it that we might grow, be strong and victorious until the Lord calls us home.