“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ…” [2 Peter 3:18]
Any time we see a “but” we need to look at the previous statement—something is being said to forewarn and forearm. In this particular case, grace and knowledge about Jesus are recommended to guard against being lured away by error. As pinions of power, knowledge and grace are available to equip us with the ability to stand firm in what we know to be true! Increase in grace and knowledge has always been a mainstay of protection and provision both in the natural and spiritual worlds.
Unlike the human intellect that becomes more self-sufficient with increase, the more we know and the more we grow in grace and knowledge, the more we become dependant upon the Lord.
In his book, Life Wisdom from Billy Graham, Billy Graham says, “The Lord has always arranged my life that I have had to keep dependent on Him. Over and over again, I went to my knees and asked the Spirit of Wisdom for guidance and direction. There were times when I was tempted to flee from problems and pressures and my inability to cope with them; but somehow, even in moments of confusion and indecision, it seemed I could trace the steady hand of God’s sovereignty leading me on.”
Like ballast in the belly of a ship, grace and knowledge will hold us steady—though the storms may blow and waves bash and blast these pinions remain steadfast and firmly remain on course.
Further Reading: Proverbs 12:1-8 – Matthew 25: 1-13 – 2 Peter 3
