The Foundation for Godly Living: This section briefly describes the effect grace should have on the believer.  It teaches rejection of ungodliness and holier living.  What higher motive could we have or need than to live what Paul teaches so that our lives will attract others to God our Savior.

(2:11) – The manifestation of God’s grace.  The word “appeared” is used here portraying an image of grace suddenly breaking in on our moral darkness.  It is because of what God has done in grace that the Cretan believers were Christians in the first place; and that the holy life which has been described in 2:1-10 is possible.  The kindness and love of God our Savior appeared.  The grace of God and the appearance of Christ distinguished Christianity from all religion.  Some grace references:  Acts 11:22-24; Col. 1:6; 1 Peter 5:12; Acts 13:43; Rom. 1:5; Eph. 3:2,7.   This salvation is available to all people, though its personal application is dependent on one’s response of faith.  There are certain things that God does for a believer by grace at the moment he accepts Christ as Savior.

(2:12) – training by God’s grace – this grace is teaching us (not only unbelievers, but believers as well).  Unbelievers are taught the way of grace that leads to salvation and the believers are taught things “in accord with sound doctrine.”  This training by grace also teaches the believer what to renounce and stay away from because it contradicts the purpose and goal of the godly life.  The word “teach” here is also the word for “train” and “discipline”  (1 Cor. 11:32).   Eph. 6:4 – “… but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”   “Denying ungodliness” – to renounce or disown – Rom. 1:18 tells of God’s wrath being revealed against all ungodliness …  Good reason for us to flee from this.  “And worldly passions” which are lust patterns of the soul, such as: desire for approval and recognition, materialism, sex, power, etc.  We are commanded to deny these things.

            Living by grace depends on whether the believer is filled with the Holy Spirit and is constantly growing in Christ (Entire Sanctification – Nazarene terminology).  We have to choose to be godly, to avoid worldly passions or lusts.  “To live self controlled, upright and godly lives” – are terms relating to the outward grace life.  These are the results of grace orientation, living by grace, and occupation with the Lord Jesus Christ.  The Word of God should be so well assimilated in the soul that the Christian’s standards of life are God’s standards.  “In this present age” refers to this time period prior to Christ’s return.  NOW!

(2:13) – During this time period (prior to Christ’s return) we should be “looking for that blessed hope” or we should “wait for” (NIV) it.  Our focus should be on the return of Jesus and we should be expecting it, living for it, and waiting for it with keen anticipation, like waiting for an expected gift to arrive.  It will be a “blessed hope” bringing Joy, the happiness which God provides, the fruit of the Holy Spirit, a happiness which doesn’t depend on circumstances, people, or things.  Happiness brings to us a “freedom” from many mental things that drag us down, and accompaniment to many other benefits of the Christian life.  “Hope” is confident expectation.  “The glorious appearing” refers to God’s perfect character, or Jesus’ in this case. Appearing refers to Christ’s second coming at the end of this present age.   A connection to the deity of Christ is given here as God and Christ are both used, and Jesus and Savior both refer to His humanity.   So there is a time coming when all believers will be totally happy in every respect, when Jesus Christ will appear.   Let’s be ready and wait for it with anticipation.