Grow in Grace and Knowledge
Virtue Discernment Steadfast Hope and the Coming Day of the Lord
By Will Bourne · Bourne Again Media LLC
2 Peter 1–3 · 1–16
The journey of this volume
How does received grace become a steady pattern of growth? Second Peter follows God’s gifts and promises through virtue, remembrance, discernment, patient hope, and the coming day of the Lord. Begin with chapter 1, where diligence grows from what God has already granted. This reading invites careful learning and practiced faithfulness, with maturity moving toward affection and love rather than superiority.
Which part of faithful growth needs patient attention in my present season?
What you’ll explore
- Received faith and God’s promises
- Virtue growing through faithful participation
- Knowledge joined to humility and love
- Discernment and steadfast hope
Growth answering the gift of grace
Begin with 2 Peter 1:5–7 in your Bible. Read 2 Peter 1:5 through 7 alongside the gifts and promises of verses 1 through 4. Notice the sequence from faith through virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection, and love.
The following reading summarizes Commentary 3, “The Shape of Maturing Virtue,” with a selected excerpt from the manuscript.
Peter’s call to virtue begins with God’s provision and promises. Will keeps this order visible: diligence is an active response within grace rather than an attempt to construct salvation.
The sequence gives growth a moral and relational shape. Knowledge is joined to self-control, perseverance, godliness, affection, and love, so learning leads toward practiced wisdom rather than contempt or self-display.
Faithful participation remains human and shared. Choices, habits, correction, and repeated return to Christ take place within actual capacity, with support and teachability helping growth become steady and responsible.
Growth answering the gift of grace
The order matters. Peter does not tell frightened people to construct salvation through effort. He tells recipients of like precious faith to bring earnest attention to the life they have been given. Formation begins with gift and moves toward faithful participation. God acts, believers respond, and the response remains dependent on God from beginning to end.
Will Bourne · From Commentary 3 on 2 Peter 1:5–7, in Grow in Grace and Knowledge
Following Christ through this movement
The life received through Jesus Christ calls for a response that remains dependent on Him. His grace frees growth from the need to earn worth while giving obedience real importance.
Maturing knowledge is directed toward love under His lordship. The Spirit forms practical qualities that govern speech, desire, influence, and shared care as people wait in hope.
Continue in Scripture
Galatians 5:22–25 · Philippians 1:9–11 · 2 Peter 3:14–18
Read these passages alongside the selected manuscript commentary. Keep each literary and historical setting in view while following the biblical witness toward Christ and faithful practice today.
A question to carry
Where do I confuse knowing the good with practicing it? What would a patient and realistic next step look like?
Stay with one person or situation that comes to mind. Notice what this passage brings into view before deciding how to respond.
Back to section choices ↑One faithful step
Choose one quality in the passage for attention this week. Identify an ordinary setting in which to practice it, seek feedback or support where helpful, and reflect on its effect on the people involved. Let the step answer grace rather than prove superiority.
Back to section choices ↑A prayer for the journey
Lord Jesus, thank You for faith and promises received through grace. Holy Spirit, form knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and love within us. Teach us patient participation and humble growth in the life You have given. Amen.
Back to section choices ↑The formation emphasis in this volume
Will’s commentary grounds diligent growth in divine provision. Faithful participation answers a gift, and the sequence of virtues moves toward warmth of fellowship and love.
The formation emphasis joins learning with practice and keeps both teachable. Patient attention, honest limits, accountable relationships, and repeated response to Christ allow maturity to serve people rather than establish rank.
Editorial summary of Will Bourne’s manuscript.
Back to section choices ↑