Lesson Overview for ADULTS
The closing verse of 2 Peter, verse 3:18, serves as both a summary of the epistle’s themes and a final exhortation to believers. In this verse, Peter encourages Christians to actively pursue spiritual development in two specific areas: grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.
The command to “grow in grace” refers to developing in Christian character and maturity. This isn’t passive growth but requires intentional cultivation of virtues and deepening relationship with God. The phrase suggests ongoing transformation rather than stagnation in one’s faith journey.
Growing “in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” emphasizes intellectual and experiential understanding. This isn’t merely academic knowledge, but intimate, relational knowledge that shapes beliefs and actions. This dual emphasis on grace and knowledge creates a balanced approach to spiritual formation that includes both heart and mind.
The verse concludes with a doxology – “To him be glory both now and forever” – which reinforces Christ’s eternal significance and reminds believers that their spiritual growth ultimately brings glory to God, not themselves.
In context of the entire letter, this final instruction serves as Peter’s antidote to the false teachers he warns about throughout the epistle. While false teaching leads to spiritual regression, growing in grace and knowledge provides protection against deception and promotes authentic Christian living.
Opening Activity: Knowledge Grows Play Doh Stations 10:15-10:30 a.m.
Materials needed:
- Play dough in various colors
- Flower Stages Playdoh Mat
Instructions
Set up Playdoh and tools at tables where children can create a “growing plants” of different heights. While they work, talk about how our knowledge of Jesus grows over time just like plants grow over time.
Bible Verse Activity (10:30-10:40 a.m.)
2 Peter 3:18 Grow Chart
Materials needed:
- Pre-printed Grow Charts (print on cardstock)
- Crayons, markers, stickers
Instructions
- Have children color and decorate their grow charts
- Help them glue the chart pieces together
- Measure how tall each child is now and mark it on their chart
- Read the Bible verse together: “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”. Break it down simply:
- “Grow” – getting bigger or better at something
- “Grace” – God’s love that we don’t have to earn
- “Knowledge” – learning more about someone
- “Jesus Christ” – God’s Son who loves us
- Explain that just like they grow taller, they can also grow in knowing Jesus better
CLOSING PRAYER
“Dear Jesus, thank you for being our friend. Help us grow in knowing you better. We want to learn more about you every day. We love you! Amen.”
Song and Movement (10:40-10:50 a.m.)
Song: 2 Peter 3:18 Glory, Glory
Instructions:
Play the song once to hear it. Play it the second time to dance. Play it a third time to sing and dance.
Plant a Sunflower (11:00-11:15 a.m.)
Materials needed:
- Small biodegradable flower pots (one per child)
- Potting soil
- Sunflower seeds
- Craft sticks/popsicle sticks
- Markers
- Stickers
Instructions:
- Give each child a flower pot to decorate with markers and stickers
- Help them fill their pot with soil
- Have them plant a sunflower seed in their pot
- Let them water their seed
- Give each child a craft stick to write their name on and stick in their pot
- Discuss how the sunflower will grow tall, just like they are growing
- Connect this to the Bible verse – explain that God wants us to grow in knowing Him, just like the sunflower grows toward the sun
- Remind them to take care of their plant at home and watch it grow, just like they should take care of their knowledge of Jesus
Coloring Page
If you finish the class early, provide the kids with a coloring page. Otherwise, the coloring page can be sent home.
