05/05/2026
World in Need Bible Baptist Church
Sacred Heart Ministry – Tagbilaran City, Bohol
May 5, 2026 | Tuesday Evening Service
Speaker: Pr. Dino Wong
GROW IN GRACE
Text: 2 Peter 3:18 (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.”
INTRODUCTION
Growth is a natural expectation of life. A child is expected to grow, a student is expected to learn, and a believer is expected to mature spiritually. However, spiritual growth is not automatic. Many Christians remain stagnant because they neglect the very thing that produces growth—grace.
Grace is not just the starting point of salvation; it is the continuing power for sanctification. The Christian life begins, continues, and ends in grace.
1. Grace is the Foundation of Growth
Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It is freely given, yet it must be actively received and lived out.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Salvation is by grace, but spiritual growth requires our cooperation with that grace. God gives the ability, but we must respond in obedience.
Grace is like soil—without it, nothing grows. But even with good soil, seeds must be planted and nurtured.
2. Growth Requires Intentional Effort
Spiritual growth does not happen by accident. It requires discipline, desire, and daily pursuit.
2 Peter 1:5-7
“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.”
The Christian life is not passive. We must:
Read the Word of God
Apply it in our daily lives
Pray consistently
Walk in obedience
Growth is intentional. If we are not growing, we are drifting.
3. Growth Produces Transformation
True spiritual growth results in a changed life.
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
As we grow in grace:
We become more like Christ
We learn patience
We learn to forgive
Our character reflects Christ
Transformation is the evidence of true growth.
ILLUSTRATION
A plant does not grow overnight. It needs sunlight, water, and care every day. If neglected, it withers.
In the same way, a Christian who neglects prayer, Bible reading, and obedience will become spiritually weak. But one who consistently abides in God will grow steadily and bear fruit.
Jesus said in John 15:5 (KJV):
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
The more we understand grace, the more humble we become.
Growing in grace is not becoming perfect—it is becoming more dependent on God.
CONCLUSION
Spiritual growth is a lifelong journey. It is rooted in grace, requires effort, and results in transformation. God desires that every believer grow—not remain a spiritual infant.
APPLICATION
Ask yourself:
Am I growing in grace, or am I spiritually stagnant?
Do I intentionally spend time in God’s Word daily?
Is there visible transformation in my life?
Am I becoming more like Christ in my attitude and actions?
Practical Steps:
Daily Devotion – Set time to read and meditate on the Bible
Prayer Life – Develop consistent communication with God
Obedience – Apply what you learn immediately
Dependence on Grace – Trust God daily, not your own strength
FINAL CHALLENGE
Do not be content where you are spiritually.
Grow in grace. Walk with God daily. Depend on Him fully.
2 Peter 3:18 (KJV)
“But grow in grace…”