1 Peter 2: 1-3 – Growing in the Word of God

In calling the believers to live a life of love, Peter made it clear that it is the imperishable seed, the enduring Word of God that brought about our new birth. Therefore, as believers, we must now hunger for more of the Word that will enable us to grow in our salvation. And in order for the Word of God to take effect in our lives and bring about growth, Peter identified several negative areas that we should deal with, so that they will not impede growth. He said that we must remove all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander, as if they were soiled garments to be taken off and discarded. At the back of Peter’s mind, he could well be thinking about his call for brotherly love. That’s why he brought up these five negatives that are incompatible with brotherly love. Malice and deceit had to do with attitude, while hypocrisy, envy and slander are specific actions. All of them, Peter said, ought to be removed.

Then in verse 2, Peter used the term milk to describe the Word. At the same time we need to take note of the two words “newborn infants” that Peter used to describe the believers. The point Peter was getting at is this: as believers, who are brought into the family of God, we must grow up in Christ. He wants the believers corporately to be mature, strong and robust. Hence, newborn spiritual babies should not remain babies. Every believer, especially the spiritual infants, should determine to grow up. And for growth to take place, believers must develop an appetite for the Word of God. Just like babies who would desirously drink their mother’s milk, believers should go for the Word of Truth with similar yearning and desire. Consuming more of the Word will enable believers to grow toward maturity.

Are we growing in Christlikeness? Are we growing in our love for each other? We cannot discount the importance of consuming the Word if we want to grow, both in love and in Christlikeness. We should develop a passion for the Word, then find time to dig and mine for ourselves the rich and nutritious Word of God. As we desire more and more, and consume it more and more, we will definitely grow in Him.