By Grace Rise Up and Press On November 1, 2015
2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
We are thankful for the grace of God that is with us. Grow in grace!
By grace God chose Peter to be the vessel to pen this verse, even though he was one who relied on his own strength and had many embarrassments. Aren’t we glad Peter didn’t quit. The grace of God caused Peter to rise up and press on. This is for all of us. The enemy wants to keep us in the place of defeat. It can turn into bitterness and pride if we don’t let the mind of Christ reign in us. ‘But God’! He is always there. His faithfulness even works in our unbelief and He works our failures for our eternal good.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
God uses the ploys of the enemy that would rob us to only increase us in His grace. We are highly favored; more than conquerors through Christ. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Victory in Jesus every single moment, because the victory has been won! See it by faith. Get out of self-condemnation. Look to mercy. We expect so far below what God has already blessed us with. Its cherubim company time – they look at the mercy seat. His life is in you – live abundantly. You are born a little lord of all.
David had enemies all around him but God used them to increase his wealth. So how are you looking at your battles? They meant it for evil but God meant it for good.
Peter didn’t quit even when he was ridiculed and battling self-condemnation. Instead he was used by God to write such wonderful things, such as:
1 Peter 1:3-5, 8 Blessedbe the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 8 Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:
Aren’t you glad Peter didn’t quit. Let us too be epistles known and read of men.
Job 42:5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
See the pattern of the full overcomer. The full overcomer doesn’t listen to men or his own head; he listens to the heart of God, until ‘when we see Him and shall be like Him’, praising Him for all eternity. When we listen to the word of God, we hear one thing, rise up and press on. You may even have friends and family discouraging you – just listen to the Spirit of truth. If God be for me, who can be against me? He has overcome the world!
John 16:33These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
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Sermon Topics: Grow in Grace,Knowledge