Living in the Tension: A Study on the "Now and Not Yet" Kingdom of GodÀpẹrẹ

Already, But Not Yet: Living in Hopeful Expectation

Questions to think through:

1. In Romans 8:18-25, how does Paul describe the present state of creation and of believers? What is our posture as we wait for the future redemption?

2. Titus 2:11-14 connects God's grace that has appeared with our "blessed hope." How does God's past grace fuel our future hope?

3. According to 2 Peter 3:11-13, what kind of people ought we to be as we look forward to the coming of the day of God?

4. As you conclude this study, what is one key takeaway that will help you to live more fully in the "now and not yet" Kingdom of God?

We live in the in-between, the "already" of Christ's victory and the "not yet" of His final return. This tension is not something to be resolved in this life, but to be embraced. It is a tension that produces a unique kind of Christian life—one that is grounded in the present reality of God's grace and yet constantly straining forward to the future glory that awaits. We groan with creation, longing for the day of our full adoption, but we do so with hope. For we know that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Let us, therefore, live as people of hope. Let us live with a sense of urgency, knowing that the time is short. And let us live with a deep and abiding joy, knowing that our King is coming soon to make all things new.