For the early followers of Jesus, hearing the living Word was essential for their spiritual development (Gal. 3:1-3). Modern- day believers must also hear the living Word if spiritual maturity is to be experienced in their lives. Again, Peter simply wrote, "as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby." Peter makes another statement that is also indispensable in correctly understanding the matriculation (the schooling) process of the believer's growth: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." The context of this statement actually reveals the mystery of matriculation for all believers. It will also add significant insight to the message sent to the church in Sardis. Finally, since Peter's letter "to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" (1 Pet. 1:1; 2 Pet. 3:1) was written just a few short years prior to John sending his recorded Revelation to the churches in Asia, it will also help in understanding the entire message of Revelation. It will be especially helpful in Chapters 4 through 22 where the disclosure is carried by elaborate word pictures revealing the apocalyptic event of "the Day of the Lord." The first hurdle in understanding the process of Christian growth is to realize that ultimate growth does not occur from Bible study, prayer, or any other action by the believer. This is not to say that Bible study, prayer, or other spiritual activities are not important, but it is to say they are not the key ingredient in the matriculation of believers. Just as in the biological development of natural children to maturity which occurs only in the successful navigation of the experiences of life, believers grow only as they successfully navigate the spiritual tests and trials of living life:

That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ . . . Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls (1 Pet. 1:7-9).

The life of Jesus serves as the perfect example of spiritual growth. Jesus often isolated Himself from the crowds and even from His closest disciples to communicate with His heavenly Father (Matthew 14:23), but the ultimate growth in the life of Jesus occurred when He was taken to His death and then resurrected to become the quickening Spirit of life for all men (1 Pet. 1:3-5). The writer of Hebrews wrote, "though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience [to listen attentively] by the things which he suffered [to experience a sensation or impression (usually painful)]" (Heb. 5:8). It is always in an apocalyptic event where the opportunity to grow occurs best. The matriculation of not only believers but also for all mankind occurs only as they successfully navigate the hardships and pains of living life. Peter went on to say, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time . . . Be sober, be vigilant . . . after that ye have suffered a while [God will] make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you (1 Pet. 5:6-10). "Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time" is "the trial of your faith . . . though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." It is also the context of "but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ:" Heavenly Father, my prayer for today is simply, teach me the ways of how I grow in you. Help me to see that every trial I experience today, you are giving me an opportunity to grow in grace and in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior. This, I pray. Amen!