The second epistle of Peter is certainly a poignant letter written with an awareness that his death was imminent (2 Peter 1:14). Warning that false teachers would seek to lead them astray (2 Peter 2:1-2). With a hope that they would be mindful of the commandments given to them by the apostles of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:1-2).
The final command this aged apostle leaves his readers is a charge to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). What does it mean to grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ? How can we be sure that we are growing in this “knowledge”?
Peter list eight graces that we are to grow in, these “graces” are listed in (2 Peter 1:5-7). Briefly defined as…..
- Faith is “conviction, strong assurance”
- Virtue is “moral excellence, goodness”
- Knowledge is “correct insight”
- Self-control is “self-discipline”
- Perseverance is “bearing up under trials”
- Godliness is “godly character out of devotion to God”
- Brotherly kindness is “love toward brethren”
- Love is “active goodwill toward others”
Now note carefully (2 Peter 1:8). We must “abound” in these eight graces. Only then can it be said that we are “growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.” It is more than simply increasing our “intellectual” knowledge of Jesus! Such knowledge has a place, but it is just one of the graces necessary. Peter is talking about growing in a fuller and personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, which comes by developing the Christ-like attributes listed in this passage. The more we grow in these graces, the more we really“know Jesus, for He is the perfect personification of these graces.