The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Peter — Section 88

~- THE Dr~ LA~ OF SPBITUAL GROWTH. It is well that the tree be planted in A rich and smtable s01l; that there be room for its roots to strike forth as far as the mo~t spr~ding of its goodly boughs; that it be by rivers of water, through whose moisture 1t may be green; that the winds of heaven may freely rustle through its leafage, and may swing its lithe young branches to and fro. Bnt to what end does the tree possess these advantages? Not that it may remain a tender sapling not that havi~g grown for a whil~ it may be pollarded, or its growth so checked th~t it may remam a stunted deformity; but rather that, through all the rough yet kindly forces of nature, the tree may wax greater and stronger year by year; that its heart may be Rmmd, its sap full flowing every spring; that it may "hang all its leafy banners out• " that its branches may give homes to the birds of the air, and shade to the beasts 'of the field; ~h~t its ~utlin~ may be beautiful to the eye, and its fruit grateful to the taste •.. So 1s 1t the mten~10n of God, and the duty of the Christian, that there should be spmtual growth. It 1s for those who dwell in the land of privilege, who enjoy the ea.re of the heavenly Husbandman, upon whom are shed the soft influences of heaven to profit by this fostering culture and these genial powers, to make constant and unmistakable progress in those graces which a.ro the strength and beauty of the Christian life. II. THE RESPECTS IN WHICH GROWTH IS TO TAKE PLACE. "The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like the cedar in Lebanon." "Israel shall grow as the lilies." In such declarations the reference is evidently to spiritual progress. 1. In the graa of the Lord Jesus Christ. By this expression we are to understand the grace of Christ as revealed, bestowed, and experienced. The grace in us is to be over against, in correspondence with, the grace which is in him. Christian character and excellences are the sign and the effect of spiritual participation in the favour of our Lord. (1) In the number of Christian graces. These are enumerated in the first chapter of this Epistle. Let every reader ask himself-Am I possessed of the graces thus catalogued? or am I not painfully lacking in some one or more? Now, the possession of one does not compensate the lack of another. There is room for supplying many deficiencies. (2) In the strength of Christian graces. In degree every virtue is capable of development; and it is by exercise that the desired increase is to be attained. He who gives play and scope to his holy emotions shall find that they become purer and quicker. If righteoUB purposes and endeavours have room to act, they will gain in vigour and effectiveness. (3) In the harmony of Christian graces. Symmetry of character is essential to moral perfection, as is physical symmetry to the perfection of bodily figure and features. Harmonious as well as vigorous development of the renewed nature should be the aim of all whose desire is to please God. Instances abound in which the possession of one excellence is presumed to compensate the absence of others. But to be bluntly honest and uncourteous, or to be discreet and untender; to be amiable but unable to resist evil infl.uence,-is spiritual deformity. Whilst perfec- tion is to be found in God alone, each follower of Christ aspires to grow up in all things unto him who is the Head. "Ye are complete in him." The tree which bas been hindered from growing on one side fails in symmetry; it is the same with the disciple of Christ who has evidently failed in learning some of the Master's most essential lessons. 2. In the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul prayed, on behalf of the Colossians, that they might increase in the knowledge of God. And our Lord himself deemed this knowledge so important that he made it a petition of his great_ intercessory prayer that his disciples might "know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom he had sent." Now, all human knowledge is susceptible of increase; and the Lord and Saviour in whom we trust is a theme, an object of knowledge, so vast as to be inexhaustible. IIL THE MEANS BY WRICH GROWTH IN GRACE IS AORIF:VED, As the plant needs soil, air, light, culture, in order that it may grow, as the b?dy needs food and many and varied necessaries in order that the child may develop mto the man, so are there conditions indispensable to spiritual progreSB. There it is for all who desire to ~".ance in the Divine life, to discover and to use. The study of God's Word, the d1hgtint attendance upon Church ordinances, constanc,r in prayer, faithfulness in work,-these are acknowledged "means of grace." 'fhe I'l!";,~ing of biographies of ~r~at, good, and 1i.sr.f1ll men may be mentioned as a subsidiary }Jilt valuable means to spmtual progress, ott. m.1-18.J TIIE SIWOND EPISTLE GENERAL OF PETER. 83