July 29, 2021: SOAP #4256:  Isaiah 57-59; Psalm 103; 2Peter 3

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

OBSERVATION: This is the closing verse of Peters second letter to the church.  It is God’s desire that I grow in my knowledge of Him.  He loves to reveal Himself to His people.  But my attention was drawn to the phrase, “…grow in the grace…”  God wants me to grow in grace. 

First:  I must grow in my understanding of grace.  It is God’s undeserved favor.  He is kindly disposed to me, especially when I have made His Son, Jesus, to be the Lord of my life. 

Second:  I must grow in living a grace filled life.  God’s grace is a foundation for my trust.  I can look at everything through God’s grace.  I live because of God’s grace so I should live in honor of God’s grace.  Others should see the difference God’s grace makes in my life.  God’s grace in my life should result in a life of thanksgiving!

Third:  I must grow in giving grace.  I have received grace; I should be graceful to others.  God loves to give grace to me, but even more He loves to give grace through me.  Kindness and forgiveness should be readily extended to those around me. 

APPLICATION:  The thought of God’s amazing grace should be mixed with all my thoughts.  They should be a part of every conversation.  Gratitude for God’s grace should be identified with an attitude of thanksgiving.   Even when going through the toughest times, I have sufficient reasons to be thankful for God’s grace. 

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, your grace has been abundantly provided by your Son, Jesus.  Holy Spirit, help me grow in grace.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!