6) Growing in Grace
How to grow spiritually? How to deal with temptation? Discover that victory comes through the power of Christ — and that growth is a journey, not a race.
You have accepted grace. You understood that salvation is by faith. You are abiding in Christ. But what now? Does Christian life stay the same forever, or is there growth? And when temptation knocks on the door — what to do?
In this lesson, we will talk about how to grow in grace, how to understand temptation, and how to experience the victory that Christ offers. Spoiler: none of these things depend on our strength.
Growth: A Continuous Journey
The new birth is instantaneous. Growth is a process. And the Bible is clear: no Christian should stop growing.
What does Peter orient us to do as Christians?
Peter doesn’t say “grow in effort” or “grow in perfection.” He says: “Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus.” Christian growth is not accumulating merit — it is deepening the relationship. The more we know Jesus, the more we grow.
Who guarantees that the work started in us will be completed?
Here is an extraordinary promise: He who started the work is God, and He who will complete it is also God. Spiritual growth doesn’t depend on our ability to perfect ourselves. It depends on the faithfulness of Him who started the work.
How does Paul describe spiritual maturity?
Maturity is not the absence of temptation or absolute perfection. It is having “senses exercised” — discernment that comes from experience with God over time. It’s like the difference between milk and solid food: the spiritual baby depends on simple things, the mature deals with complexity.
“Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, a day, but of a lifetime. It is not attained by a happy flight of feeling, but is the result of constantly dying to sin and living for Christ.” — Ellen G. White, The Acts of the Apostles, p. 560, par. 3.
Temptation: It’s Not Sin
Many Christians live tormented by guilt when they are tempted. But there is a huge difference between being tempted and sinning.
Is being tempted sin?
Jesus was “in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” If being tempted were sin, Jesus would have sinned. Temptation is not our fault — it’s a reality of life in this world. What we do with it is what matters. And even in that, we are not alone.
Where does temptation come from?
James is direct: God tempts no one. Temptation arises from our own desires. But Jesus guides: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (). Vigilance and prayer are our posture — and God provides the power.
What does God promise in the midst of temptation?
What a powerful promise: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able.” And with the temptation, He provides “a way to escape.” We are not at the mercy of circumstances. There is always a way out — and God is the one who provides it.
Victory: Through the Power of Christ
If growth is a process and temptation is inevitable, what is Christian victory like? Is it possible to win?
In whom did Paul find strength to face all things?
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Not in me. In Christ. Christian victory is not the result of personal determination. It is the result of connection with Him who has already overcome. And reminds us: “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”
How does Paul describe Christians in the face of difficulties and temptations?
Not just winners — more than conquerors. And the reason is not our capacity, but the love of Christ. closes with the words of Jesus Himself: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” The victory has already been won. It’s up to us to live in it.
“When we are in Christ, we are victorious. … He came to the world to enable man to overcome the temptations of Satan.” — Ellen G. White, Matthew Henry’s Concise Bible Commentary, p. 227, par. 3.
What Now?
Growing in grace is deepening the knowledge of Jesus, not accumulating merits. Temptation is not sin — it’s part of life, and God always provides a way out. Victory doesn’t come from our strength, but from the power of Christ in us.
Christian life is not a race to perfection. It is a journey with Jesus — and He promised to complete the work He started.
My Decision
I desire to grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. I accept that temptation is part of life, but I trust that God will not allow temptation beyond what I can bear. My victory is not in me, but in Christ who strengthens me. I trust that He will complete the work He started in me.