Newborns

Peter tells us in his second epistle: “But grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus” (2 Pet 3:18). In the preceding verses, the apostle spoke of new believers being easy prey to false teachers and self-formed interpretations of Scripture which can effortlessly sway unestablished converts, turning them from God’s truth. Then he says, “But,” urging new babes in Christ to pursue spiritual growth from sound biblical teachings that ground us—knowing more of God and learning from His Word is our duty as believers until we see Jesus face-to-face. Peter explains when we diligently add to our faith moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, kindness, and love, we will not be idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord, nor will we stumble (1:3–10). They will establish and settle us by God’s grace.