More and More
Text: 2 Peter 1:2-3
Theme: God has given and continues to give to help us grow and live godly.
Key verses: “May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord…God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him” (v. 2-3).
What God said to me: Listen closely. Meditate deeply on these words, Dwayne. You aren’t completely zoned in yet. Your mind is still pulled to other less important things. Focus on me and my Word from Peter. There is much here I want you to see. Of all the things Peter could have wished upon his readers, he wished that they have “more and more grace and peace.” Apparently, grace and peace are huge needs, at least they were to Peter and those to whom he was writing. What about you, Dwayne? Do you need more grace and peace in your life? What of those around you every day, in your family or at Starbucks? Do you think they need more grace and peace? You know you do and I assure you they do. The world in general is in desperate need of grace and peace. Think about those two words. Grace is unmerited favor; it’s the idea of undeserved kindness–a smile to a stranger, an encouraging word to a neighbor, and great news of salvation to a lost soul. Grace includes mercy and love and forgiveness and a whole host of awesomeness that only I can ultimately give. Peter wanted you to grow in grace, and so do I. Peace is the other part of Peter’s wishes. Why peace? Isn’t peace included in the idea of grace? Yes, peace comes because of grace for sure. However, peace is the outflow of grace. It’s the inside result of an outside influence. Grace is something that happens to you. Peace is what happens in you. Peace passes all understanding and makes absolutely no sense at times, because grace makes no sense. To put it another way: Why do you have peace, Dwayne? Because you have grace. And why do you have grace? There is no explanation for that one. Grace is beyond human comprehension or performance. Yet, those who embrace grace and grow in that grace also experience more and more peace, despite their circumstances or what anyone else thinks or tells them. I have given you everything you need to live a godly life. You have no excuses to ever stray. You have my power on and in you. My Son died for you and my Spirit lives inside of you. When you met Jesus, you started a journey of coming to know Him. He drew you through the Spirit to Himself. It’s “by means of his marvelous glory and excellence” that He called you. Never take that for granted. He didn’t have to call you; He certainly didn’t have to give His life and shed His blood for you. But He did. You have no excuses, Dwayne. Live for me everyday. Keep your eyes fixed on the Author and Finisher of your faith.
What I said to God: Holy Father, I call You that on purpose, for You know I have not walked in complete, consistent holiness. I have allowed my flesh to rule me, and for that I am sorry and I say the same thing about it as You do. Father, please forgive me, for I have sinned. Thank You for Your mercy and grace and peace. They all pass beyond my ability to understand. From time to time, I have allowed myself to “get over” Your grace and provisions. Please help me focus completely on You today and walk humbly with my God. I pray that over my family and our NLW team as well.