“EXPERIENTIAL KNOWLEDGE”

18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

2 Peter 3:18a

Some of us struggle with regular Bible reading. Maybe it's because we have busy schedules, or because we don't know where to start or how to study the Bible properly. But what benefits do we get when we read the Bible daily?

In this part of 2 Peter, the writer describes the difference between love and hate. The Apostle contrasts the danger of being led astray by erroneous habits with the pursuit of Christian maturity. Peter shows how Christians should demonstrate love in their daily walk. He tells them to grow (a continuous, ongoing reality), suggesting that failure to grow spiritually is dangerous since false teachers are out there deceiving people.

Today's text reminds us that there must be continuous growth in the Christian life: in grace (unmerited favor) and in knowledge (experiential truth). Grace means displaying the fruit of the Spirit in practical ways. Knowledge means knowing God through Scripture and obeying His commands.

Here's one of the most important benefits of reading the Bible daily:

God’s Word helps us know the Lord personally.

The most important benefit of reading the Bible is knowing God and His divine will for His children. While God reveals Himself through nature and general revelation, the Bible gives us clear words about His laws and teachings.

However, knowing God is not just about collecting information about Him. Rather, it is about having an intimate, personal relationship with Christ. Most people know of God, but not everyone knows Him on a personal level. God’s desire is for you to be in a relationship with Him, not just know about Him. This relationship grows deeper as you learn about God in His Word.

God’s will is for you to grow in the grace and knowledge of His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace means making the fruit of the Holy Spirit tangible, i.e., love, joy, and peace. Growing in grace is not about merely accumulating facts; it is about being more like Christ in character. On the other hand, growing in knowledge means being enlightened about God’s nature, attributes, and laws through His Word. It means subjecting oneself to God’s words, works, and ways.

In other words, reading the Bible regularly allows you to better know God. Your knowledge goes beyond what others say about Him. Rather, your knowledge of Him becomes experiential. As a result, your relationship with Him goes deeper every day.

Pursue the Savior today!

Photo by Mikhail Mamaev on Unsplash