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11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, --- Titus 2:11-13 ESV Paul brings out two aspects of Christian living that must be stressed today. “We should live in this evil world...while we look forward with hope.” Both aspects of living and looking forward are essential to our Christian sanity in this present evil age. The living is made bearable because we live for God---seeking to build his Kingdom with whatever gifts he has given us. And it is that very Kingdom to which we are looking forward. As we live and look forward, we anticipate three great benefits of Christ’s return: (1) Christ’s personal presence---we look forward to being with him. (2) Redemption from our sinful nature---we long for the end of the battle with sin and our perfection in Christ. (3) Restoration of creation---we anticipate the complete rule of grace when the image of God will be fully realized in people and when the created order will be restored. --- Life Application Study Bible notes PRAYER Heavenly Father, Your grace appeared in my life like a spring of water in the desert quenching my thirst for life, like the command Jesus spoke to Lazarus, “Come out”, while I was dead in my sins and trespasses. You showed me a blessed hope even if I don’t deserve it. I praise for Your boundless grace You have poured out on me for none of us is beyond the reach of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen