Introduction

Grow in Grace

“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.” — 2 Peter 3:18

What does it mean to grow spiritually?

We often hear phrases like “grow up” when someone needs to become more mature. But when Scripture calls us to grow, it isn't a harsh command or a criticism. It is an invitation to become more like Jesus—to mature in our faith, deepen our relationship with God, and experience the joy that comes from following Him.

As we begin a new ministry year at Grace Community Bible Church, we are embracing a new theme: Grow in Grace. Based on 2 Peter 3:18, this theme reminds us that spiritual growth is not optional for followers of Jesus. It is an ongoing journey.

What Is Grace?

Before we can understand what it means to grow in grace, we need to understand grace itself.

Grace is the unmerited favor of God.

We don't earn God's grace, and we don't deserve it. We are sinners who have fallen short of God's perfect standard. None of us can work hard enough, do enough good things, or become good enough to earn our way into God's presence.

And that's exactly why grace is so beautiful.

God sent His Son, Jesus, to do for us what we could never do for ourselves. Through Jesus' death on the cross and His resurrection, God made a way for our sin to be forgiven and for us to have a relationship with Him.

Grace isn't about what we have accomplished. It's about what Christ has accomplished for us.

That means none of us has to come to God pretending that we have everything together. We come because of Jesus.

And the more we understand God's grace, the more we recognize how desperately we need Him—and how much He has done for us.

Growth Is Possible Even When Life Is Difficult

Peter's words in 2 Peter 3:18 came at the end of a letter written to believers who were experiencing difficult circumstances and persecution.

Yet Peter's final encouragement wasn't simply to survive.

It was to grow.

Even when life around us seems to be getting worse, God can continue His work within us. While our physical bodies may grow weaker with age, our spiritual lives can continue to become stronger. We can be renewed day after day and continue growing in Christ throughout our entire lives.

The goal isn't simply to get older as a Christian.

The goal is to become more like Christ.

And that kind of growth requires intentionality.

Four Steps for Growing in Christ

As we begin this new ministry year, we're focusing on four practical ways we can take our next step of growth.

1. Magnify Christ

Psalm 34:3 says:

“Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”

To magnify Christ is to worship Him—to make His greatness and worth more apparent to ourselves and to others.

Think of a telescope rather than a magnifying glass. A magnifying glass makes something small appear larger. God doesn't need to be made bigger. He is already infinitely great.

Instead, worship helps us see the greatness of God more clearly. When God seems distant, worship helps bring our attention back to who He really is—sovereign, powerful, present, and worthy of our praise.

We were created to worship Christ.

Personally, we magnify Christ through prayer, God's Word, worship, and time spent with Him.

In community, we magnify Christ by gathering with God's people and worshiping together.

So ask yourself: Am I growing in my worship of Christ?

2. Mature in Christ

Ephesians 4:15 says that we are to “grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”

Spiritual maturity doesn't happen automatically.

Just as a child needs intentional care and a healthy diet to grow physically, we need intentional investment and spiritual nourishment to grow spiritually.

That means responding to the Holy Spirit, applying God's truth to our lives, spending time in God's Word, praying, worshiping, connecting with other believers, and intentionally fixing our eyes on Jesus.

It's possible to be physically older without becoming spiritually mature.

So the question isn't simply, “How long have I been a Christian?”

The better question is:

“Am I becoming more like Christ?”

There is always another step of growth to take.

Personally, we mature by growing in the character and ways of Christ.

In community, we mature as we grow alongside other believers through groups, Bible studies, classes, and other opportunities to learn and grow.

3. Minister Like Christ

1 Peter 4:10 says:

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace.”

Jesus didn't come to be served. He came to serve.

Mark 10:45 reminds us:

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

As we grow in Christ, our focus begins to move beyond ourselves.

God has given every believer gifts that can be used to serve others and build up His church. When we use those gifts, we become part of what God is doing in the lives of other people.

Personally, we minister like Christ by serving the people God has placed around us—loving our neighbors and generously giving our time, talents, and resources.

In community, we minister by using our God-given spiritual gifts to serve within the church.

The question is:

Am I using what God has given me to serve others?

4. Multiply Christ in Others

Jesus' final command to His disciples was to go and make disciples of all nations.

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...” — Matthew 28:19

Following Jesus isn't just about our own spiritual growth. As we grow, we are called to help others know and follow Jesus too.

That's what it means to multiply Christ in others.

We make Christ known by sharing the Gospel, having spiritual conversations, investing in people, and helping others become disciples who can then make disciples themselves.

Personally, this means intentionally praying for people in our sphere of influence and looking for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus.

In community, this means participating in local and global missions opportunities where we can help others encounter the love and truth of Christ.

The question is:

Am I helping other people know Christ?

You Only Need to Take One Step

Four areas of growth can feel like a lot.

• Magnify.
• Mature.
• Minister.
• Multiply.

But the goal isn't to look at the entire picture and become overwhelmed.

Remember: everyone started as a baby.

And when a baby takes its first steps, it doesn't take ten steps at once.

It takes one.

Then another.

Then another.

Spiritual growth works the same way.

You don't have to figure out everything today. Instead, ask the Holy Spirit:

“What is my next step?”

Maybe your next step is becoming more consistent in prayer and God's Word.

Maybe it's committing to worship with God's people each week.

Maybe it's joining a group or Bible study.

Maybe it's discovering and using your spiritual gifts.

Maybe it's serving someone around you.

Maybe it's intentionally praying for someone who doesn't know Jesus and beginning a spiritual conversation.

Whatever your next step is, take it.

Growing Together

Spiritual growth was never meant to happen alone.

God calls us to grow personally, but He also calls us to grow in community. We need one another as we worship, learn, serve, encourage, challenge, and pursue Christ together.

At Grace, there are opportunities for every stage of life to grow—from Grace Kids and Pursuit to Elevate, Grace Groups, men's and women's studies, Grace University, and other opportunities to learn and connect.

There are also opportunities to serve through the many ministries of the church, local outreach, and global missions.

The goal isn't simply to participate in more church activities.

The goal is to become more like Jesus.

Everything we do should move us toward that purpose.

What's Your Next Step?

As we begin this new ministry year, the invitation is simple:

Grow in grace.

Don't compare your journey with someone else's. Don't become discouraged by how far you still have to go.

Look to Jesus.

Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one step you can take today.

Then take that step.

And once you've taken it, take another.

Because following Jesus is a lifelong journey of becoming more like Him—and there is always another opportunity to grow in His grace.

What is your next step?