2 Peter 1:2 NKJV
“Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.”
The measure of God’s divine virtues in our lives has a direct bearing on the impact we’ll have for Christ in our spheres. As seen in several places in the Scriptures, there is a call for a progressive increase in these virtues in our lives. For instance, we are to be “rooted and grounded in love” (Eph 3:17 ESV); be “fill[ed]…with all joy and peace in believing” (Rom 15:13 NKJV); we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet 3:18 NKJV); and also be “established in the faith” (Col 2:7 NKJV), among others. To “grow,” be “rooted and grounded,” be filled, and to be “established” are all incremental and active (not passive) in design.
Secondly, seen from a different perspective, whereas the LORD has dealt us the same measures of love, grace, and faith, among others, we each can increase in our functioning in these virtues for greater effectiveness and impact in our personal walk with Christ. ‘How can that be done?’, one may inquire. Peter’s counsel in our reference text has a response. He says, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” Hallelujah! The more our Holy Spirit-inspired knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ increases, the more the wonderful effects of God’s grace and peace get multiplied to us to the glory of God. That implies two things at least:
Firstly, the “…presence and fellowship (the communion and sharing together, and participation) in the Holy Spirit” (2 Cor 13:14 AMPC) ought to be a consistent part of our lives. It is by Him, the Spirit of God, that the eyes of our understanding are enlightened to receive divine insight and knowledge. Secondly, a conscious and deliberate motivation to study God’s word on our part is a must. As we faithfully commit to the known (in the written Word), the Spirit of God will give us an understanding of the unknown: “the deep things of God” (1 Cor 2:10 NIV). Take this on and have God’s grace and peace greatly multiplied to you for the greater glory of His name.
Pst. Emmanuel