A devotional on spiritual growth begins with Peter’s final words: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, ESV). Spiritual growth is not about earning God’s love. It is about going deeper into the grace you already have and knowing Jesus more.
Key Verse
“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.” (2 Peter 3:18, ESV)
Peter’s Last Words
Second Peter was written near the end of the apostle’s life. Peter says he knows he will soon lay his earthly life aside, as Jesus had made clear to him (2 Peter 1:14). He wanted to remind believers of the truth before he was gone.
The letter warns about false teachers who twisted Scripture, lived immorally, and mocked the promise of Christ’s return (2 Peter 2:1–3; 3:3–4). Peter answers that God is not slow but patient, and that the Lord’s day of judgment is certain (2 Peter 3:9–10). Then, in the final two verses, he tells believers to take care not to be carried away by error and lose their stability (2 Peter 3:17), and gives our key verse as the positive alternative. The best protection against drifting is growing.
Growing in Grace
Notice that Peter does not say grow into grace or grow to deserve grace. Believers are already in grace. We grow in it, the way a tree grows in soil. Grace is the environment of the Christian life.
Growing in grace means experiencing more deeply how undeserved and generous God’s love is. It means becoming more gracious toward others. Peter himself knew this. He denied Jesus three times, and Jesus restored him with three questions about love (John 21:15–17). Few people understood grace better.
Growing in Knowledge
Peter also says to grow in the knowledge of Jesus. This is not mere information about him, though that matters. It is personal knowledge, the kind that comes from relationship. Earlier in the letter, Peter says God’s power has supplied everything we need for godliness as we come to know him (2 Peter 1:3).
We grow in knowing Jesus through Scripture, prayer, worship, obedience, suffering, and community. Each season can reveal more of who he is.
Growth Takes Time
Spiritual growth is usually slow. Jesus compared God’s kingdom to a seed that grows while the farmer sleeps, first a shoot, then a head of grain, then the ripe kernels (Mark 4:26–29). Many believers get discouraged because they still struggle with sins they hoped would be gone. But growth is measured over years, not days.
Peter lists qualities to add to faith: virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love, with the promise that these keep us from being ineffective (2 Peter 1:5–8). This is a lifelong process.
Growth Happens Together
No one grows alone. Peter wrote to churches, not isolated individuals, and the New Testament pictures believers growing like one body, each part helping the others (Ephesians 4:15–16). Friends who pray for you, a small group that asks honest questions, and older believers who share their stories are often God’s tools for growth.
When You Feel Stuck
Seasons of dryness are normal. Sometimes growth is happening below the surface, like roots in winter. If you feel stuck, look for one small change: a different reading plan, a mentor, a small group, or a new way to serve. Sometimes growth also requires dealing with unconfessed sin or unresolved hurt.
All Glory to Him
Peter ends not with us but with Jesus. The goal of growth is not to become impressive. It is to glorify Christ, now and forever.
A Personal Application: Look Back to See Growth
Take fifteen minutes this week and compare yourself to who you were five years ago, not to other people. Write down three ways God has grown you: a sin with less power, a deeper trust in hard times, more patience with family, a new love for Scripture. Thank him for each. Then choose one area where you want to grow in the next year and one simple habit to support it. Share your goal with a trusted friend who can encourage you.
Today, Try This
Choose one simple step toward growth this week, such as a reading plan, a conversation with a mentor, or a new way to serve.
Reflection Question
Where have you seen God grow you over the past few years, and where do you want to grow next?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that I stand in your grace. Help me grow in grace and in knowing you. Keep me from drifting into error. Be patient with my slow growth, and give me patience with myself. Make my life bring you glory now and forever. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 2 Peter 3:18 mean?
2 Peter 3:18 calls believers to keep growing in their experience of God’s grace and in personal knowledge of Jesus. Peter presents growth as the best protection against false teaching and spiritual instability.
How do Christians grow spiritually?
Christians grow through Scripture, prayer, worship, Christian community, obedience, serving others, and endurance in trials. Growth is the Spirit’s work, usually slow and steady, as believers stay connected to Christ.
Why do I feel like I am not growing spiritually?
Dry seasons are common, and growth is often hard to see in the moment. Look back over years rather than days, consider small changes to your habits, seek a mentor, and address any unconfessed sin or unresolved hurt.
Keep Reading
- Explore more: Bible verses about new beginnings
- Read more daily devotionals
- The narrow way: what the narrow gate means (Matthew 7:13-14)
- Related: our devotional: Parable of the Sower Devotional
- Related: read: Devotional on Spiritual Warfare
- Related: Devotional on Growing in Character
- Related: Devotional on Spiritual Disciplines: Train for Godliness
- Bible Verses by Topic