2 Peter 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. I. By the grace of God we understand the favour or love of God; but in the Christian Scriptures it means THAT ESPECIAL EXERTION OF HIS LOVE, WHICH IS APPLIED TO MANKIND AS SINNERS, AND TO THE RECOVERY AND FINAL SALVATION OF A GUILTY WORLD. II. WHAT THAT IS IN WHICH OUR GROWTH IN SUCH GRACE MAY BE DISCERNED. 1. It may be in an especial manner discerned in humility. The virtue required of us is no abjectness of spirit. It is that heart which feels its own infirmities and sins. 2. An abjuration of our favourite sin. 3. A genuine love of virtue for the love of God, and a uniform preparation of heart against the various temptations which may assail us. "If the first sparks of evil were quenched, how should they ever break forth into a flame? How shall he kill, who dare not be angry? Be adulterous in act, who does not transgress in desire? III. Permit me to remind you of THE SOLEMNITY AND GRANDEUR OF THE DOCTRINES WHICH YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF JESUS CHRIST COMPRISES. Say, therefore, whether this knowledge of your Lord and Saviour lead you not to those virtues which we have now been discussing, as adapted to your state of grace. Say whether under such a God anything can be so indispensably requisite as humility; whether under such a Saviour anything can be so required as abjuration of sin; whether under such a Comforter anything can be so becoming as firmness of heart; whether under such promise of forgiveness and of glory anything can come so directly from the soul as sorrow for our sin. (G. Mathew, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. |
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