Growing in Grace
Grace is not merely the starting point of our walk with Christ; it is the continual means by which we grow and flourish in Him. 2 Peter 3:18 exhorts us to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This growth is not born of human striving but results from God’s grace actively at work within us, producing Christlikeness.
At times, we may feel cautious about emphasizing grace, fearing that it might lead to irresponsibility or indulgence. However, Scripture assures us that genuine grace transforms lives. When we rely on God’s grace, sin diminishes, and righteousness abounds. Romans 6:14 declares, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace.” Grace empowers us to live as new creations, free from the dominion of sin.
A common temptation is to lean on legalism—relying on our own religious performance to achieve godliness—or to misuse grace as an excuse for licentiousness. Both are distortions. Legalism appeals to self-righteousness, while licentiousness turns grace into a justification for sin. True grace, however, produces the life of Christ in us. As we draw upon God’s grace, we see His righteousness, not our flesh, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions.
Consider a vineyard. The vines do not strain to bear fruit; they simply abide in the nourishment provided by the roots, allowing life to flow through them. Likewise, as we abide in Christ and rely on His grace, He produces His fruit in us—fruit that is eternal, beautiful, and pleasing to God.
God’s grace is the “better hope” mentioned in Hebrews 7:19. It surpasses the demands of the law by providing the power to live as God desires. This “new and living way” is a life-long journey, where grace builds upon grace (John 1:16), continually transforming us into Christ’s likeness.
Reflection and Application
Evaluate your reliance: Are you depending on human effort, legalism, or performance to grow in godliness? Surrender these to the Lord and rely on His grace.
Embrace grace daily: Start each day with a mindset of dependence on God’s grace, knowing that He empowers you to live as He intends.
Abide in Christ: Just as a vine depends on its roots, remain connected to Christ through prayer and trust, allowing His grace to flow through you.
Reject distortions of grace: Guard against both legalism and licentiousness by understanding that true grace produces righteousness, not sin.
Prayer of Trust
Father, we thank You for the glorious realities of Your grace that empower us to grow in Christlikeness. We rest in the sufficiency of Your provision, knowing that grace replaces striving and transforms us from the inside out. Thank You for the new and living way You have given us through Jesus. May we daily abide in Your grace, trusting You to bear fruit in our lives that reflects Your glory. Amen.
Final Thought
Grace is not a crutch but the very life flowing from Christ into us. Let us grow in His grace, knowing that it is not our striving but His sufficiency that brings forth true godliness.
(Credit: Insights drawn from Day by Day by Grace and photo credit to Unsplash.)