Our text encourages us to grow in grace. Growing in grace connotes having increasing knowledge of God. There are several sides to God, and being knowledgeable in just one area could be a recipe to heresy, extremism, and other forms of delusional thinking. To have a balanced view of God, here are areas to consider. Firstly, seek to know His person. This was the very first thing in Paul’s list in Philippians 3:10 – “That I may know Him…” You can’t have a meaningful relationship with someone whose character is not known. Secondly, seek to know His purpose. God does nothing without a purpose. He has general purpose for all of creation, as well as specific purpose for individuals. No one can please God unless he or she uncovers His purpose and choose to walk in it.

You can’t have a meaningful relationship with someone whose character is not known…God does nothing without a purpose…No one can please God unless he or she uncovers His purpose and choose to walk in it…Power that is not properly situated will do more harm than good.

God also has patterns, and those who desire to know Him must know how He works. Failure to understand God’s modus operandi may lead to destruction. “Because they do not regard the works of the Lord, Nor the operation of His hands, He shall destroy them And not build them up.” Psalms 28:5 NKJV. Apart from His person, purpose, and pattern, it is also important to understand God’s power. His power can move mountains and cause the desert to blossom like the rose. It is important to put this sequence in place and not to be jumpy about power. Going back to Paul in Philippians 3:10, he sought to know His person first before desiring to taste the power of His resurrection. Power that is not properly situated will do more harm than good.