Know and Grow<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
2 Peter 2:20
The knowledge of Christ is simply not enough to secure one's salvation.  What we learn through scripture is that people are confronted with the knowledge of Christ and have a decision to make; whether to accept him for who he is as the son of God, or to reject him.  There is no middle ground.  From salvation forward we are to grow by setting ourselves apart from our sin nature (Phil. 2:12-18).  If anyone understands this relationship it would be the Apostle Peter.  In direct contrast to Peter was a fellow disciple named Judas who would embody the simple knowledge of Christ.

While Peter was a faithful follower of Christ, he had his moments.  There would be times that the "old man" would rear his head (Col. 3:5-17).  Many times through the rebuke of Christ or through his own conviction from his actions he would repent (Mark 8:33).  In the very truest sense of discipleship he was "growing" in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  Judas on the other hand simply had the knowledge of Christ without the growth (John 12:4-8). 

Many people after coming to the knowledge of Jesus Christ stop there.  They may dig in academically to the teachings of Christ but growth implies more than just knowledge of a subject, but incorporates understanding, conviction, action and authenticity (James 1:19-27).  This can only be developed through an ongoing personal relationship with Jesus who serves as the perpetual example throughout the scripture and continued through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 17:19).

In the parable of the sower, Jesus describes a man that went out casting seed on different types of soils (Matt. 13:3-9).  Some fell on the wayside, some on stony places, some among thorns and others on good ground.  In the end, it was only that which fell on the good ground that took root and yielded an abundant crop.  In this parable the seed represents the knowledge of Christ being shared and the soils serve as the potential for growth based on the reception of this knowledge.

This brings me back to the premise of this devotional, knowledge of Christ alone cannot save man.  There must be growth in that knowledge.  Knowledge alone cannot keep man away from returning to sin (2 Peter 2:20).  There must be growth in that knowledge.  It is in growth that we discover grace, much like what Peter did throughout his discipleship experience.  Peter became a testimony to the grace of Jesus Christ.  As he worked out the knowledge of his salvation in everyday life, he experienced the grace of Christ along the way.  His direction of growth was toward Christ-likeness and not cerebral in nature only.  It is when we tout the knowledge of Christ over the work of Christ in our life that we deceive ourselves and others.  In the words of Peter himself I encourage you today and furthermore to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."
Jon Langford