Paul after teaching about how different sections of the church should behave (v1-10) now gives the reasons why their lives should be different.

They live in the present age sandwiched between two crucial events, the coming of the grace of God (v11) and the return of Jesus (v12).

The appearing of the grace of God could refer to the first coming of Christ to die (see John 1 v14-17). In Jesus, grace (God’s undeserved favour) comes to sinful men and women. This grace enters and becomes real in someone’s life at the moment of rebirth. This grace transforms someone’s life and it is by remaining focused on God’s grace in Christ that the believer is trained and empowered to live a very different life (vv12).

The other great motivation for godly living is the knowledge that soon the believer will see Christ returning (v13). It is knowing that we will meet this Christ of total purity, which should motivate the believer to live a pure life.

Does the knowledge of God’s grace coming to you and the fact you will meet Christ soon cause you to live a holy life? We need to dwell on these truths.