Notice the verb tense in verse 12: grace is “training” us—present continuous action. Not “trained” (past tense, already done). Not “will train” (future tense, someday). But “training”—happening right now, ongoing, active.
This is the heart of sanctification. Grace doesn’t just save us and then leave us to fend for ourselves. Grace is the continuous, overwhelming, sufficient catalyst for our transformation. Every moment, in every circumstance, grace is actively working to conform us to the image of Christ.
Canon Aiken wrote, “Grace not only saves, but it undertakes our training.” What a profound truth! The same grace that rescued you from sin’s penalty is now rescuing you from sin’s power. The same grace that justified you is now sanctifying you. The same grace that brought you into God’s family is now maturing you as His child.
This means your growth isn’t primarily about trying harder or being more disciplined. It’s about yielding to grace’s work. It’s about cooperating with what grace is already doing in you. It’s about trusting that the God who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it.
Grace trains us by showing us a better way than ungodliness. Grace trains us by empowering us to say “no” to worldly passions. Grace trains us by giving us both the desire and the ability to live self-controlled, upright, godly lives. Grace is always working, always training, always transforming.