2 Peter 3:16-18 | Growing in Grace

2 Peter 3:16-18 Growing in Grace 

Big Idea: Growing in grace means rooting ourselves in Christ daily, depending on Him continually, obeying Him faithfully, and guarding our hearts carefully.

V.15-16. Paul’s teachings that were twisted:

1. Doctrine of : We are not saved by works of the law but by faith alone (Rom. 3:28); Twist: actions don’t matter. Truth: Action always flows from true faith.
2. Doctrine of : We are “not under law but under grace” (Rom. 5:20-21) Twist: Sin should increase so grace would abound. Truth: Rom. 3:8 just as some slanderously claim we say, “Let us do what is evil so that good may come?
3. Doctrine of or (1 Cor. 6:12; Gal. 5:13). We are free in Christ! The Twist: We can live anyway we like because “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”. The Truth: our freedoms are bound by love (for God and others).

I don’t want to be ignorant and unstable! Is it possible for me to understand the Bible?

YES! Guidelines: Is it CLEARR?

C – Context: What does it say before and after or in light of the book and the entire Bible. Who is speaking, to whom, why?
L – Literal: Start with the plain meaning. Symbolic or poetic is usually obvious.
E – Entire Bible agrees: Scripture interprets scripture. Clear verses interpret harder ones.
A – Author’s intent: What did it mean to the original audience and who were they?
R – Respond: in obedience. Application is always the goal.

R – Repetition is a Hebrew way of exclamation! Is a Hebrew way of exclamation!

Note: Understand the Holy Spirit’s role. It’s a spiritually discerned book.

V.16-18 How to G.R.O.W. in Grace!

G: Go deep daily. Col.2:7 be “rooted” and established in Him; The health flows from a deep root. Psalm 1:2-3.

R: Remain in Him. Ongoing dependence that is surrendered and submitted to his Lordship. Application: When making decisions, pause and ask: “Jesus, what do you say about this?” Confess self-reliance, re-surrender your will daily.

O: Obedience– You grow when you obey what you already know. James 1:22 Application: Is there a truth I’ve delayed obeying? A command I’ve heard but not acted on?

W: Weed– Discernment. Actively pulling out anything that competes or poisons our connection to his nourishment. Application:

• What voices are you listening to that mock or dilute truth?
• Where have you lingered in compromise or sin?
• Have laziness or distraction let weeds take root?

GROW Group Questions

1. Which part of Go deep, Remain, Obey, Weed is hardest for you right now and why?
2. Is there a specific command from God you know but haven’t obeyed yet? What’s your next step this week?
3. What “weeds” (voices, habits, influences, distractions) are choking your spiritual growth? How can you remove one of them?
4. How can you build a daily habit of going deeper in Scripture and prayer that is realistic for your life stage?
5. Who can help you stay rooted and accountable, so you don’t drift from a stable position like Peter warns?

Family Corner

God wants us to grow in grace by staying close to Jesus every day and obeying what He teaches. When we keep our hearts clean from bad influences and trust Him, our lives become strong like a tree with deep roots.

Questions Parents Can Ask Kids

1. What is one way we can stay close to Jesus as a family this week?
2. Is there something God wants you to obey right now that you’ve been putting off?